US4190203A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vortex generating device with resonator
Assignee: Hughes Technology Group LLC
•
Filing: 1978-03-13
•
Granted: 1980-02-26
•
Expires: 1998-03-13
Abstract
Abstract A vortex is formed in fluid flowing through a flow passage from the inlet of the passage to its outlet. A resonator is disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage. A bluff body lies between the outlet of the passage and the resonator to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage. The resonator is cylindrical having an axis aligned with the axis of the flow passage, an open end facing toward the outlet of the flow passage, and a closed end. Preferably, the bluff body is adjacent to the open end of the resonator and the length and width of the resonator are approximately multiples of the diameter of the bluff body.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathaniel Hughes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:13
CPC Classifications
B; B05; B05B; B05B17/00; B05B17/04; B05B17/06; B05B17/0692; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/48; Y10S261/78; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/206; Y10T137/2087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 96
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A vortex generating device comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a source of gas under pressure larger than the ambient pressure into which the outlet opens connected to the inlet to cause gas to pass through the flow passage; means for generating in the gas a plurality of tornado-like vortices arranged in a ring about the flow axis, the vortices rotating about the flow axis; a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage; and an external bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A vortex generating device comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a source of gas under pressure larger than the ambient pressure into which the outlet opens connected to the inlet to cause gas to pass through the flow passage; means for generating in the gas a plurality of tornado-like vortices arranged in a ring about the flow axis, the vortices rotating about the flow axis; a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage; and an external bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body has a flat surface facing the outlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises first and second frustums arranged apex-to-apex, the first frustum having a base facing toward the outlet and the second frustum having a base facing away from the outlet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 3, in which the spacing between the bases of the frustums is approximately equal to the diameter of the frustums.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 4, in which the thickness of the frustums is less than one-half their diameter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises first and second frustums arranged apex-to-apex, the first frustum having a base facing toward the outlet and the second frustum having a base facing away from the outlet, and a third frustum arranged base-to-base with the second frustum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises first, second, third, and fourth frustums, the first and second frustums being arranged apex-to-apex, the third and fourth frustums being arranged apex-to-apex, and the second and third frustums being arranged base-to-base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises first and second flat circular discs arranged in spaced side-by-side relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 8, in which the spacing between the discs is approximately equal to the diameter or one-half the diameter of the discs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 9, in which the thickness of the discs is less than one-half their diameter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises a sphere.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body comprises a frustum and a sphere, the base of the frustum facing toward the outlet and the apex of the frustum abutting the sphere.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1, additionally comprising a rod extending along the full length of the flow passage to an end external to the passage, the bluff body being supported by the end of the rod.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The vortex generating device of claim 1, in which the vortex forming means comprising: a restriction in the flow passage; and an internal buff body disposed in the flow passage upstream of the restriction, the bluff body having a flat surface facing upstream to interrupt fluid flow.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 14, in which the internal bluff body is a frustum having a base facing upstream and an apex facing downstream.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 15, in which the inlet is positioned such that the base and a portion only of the frustum are exposed to the inlet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device of claim 16, in which the flow passage has a given cross-sectional area and the restriction comprises a cylindrical section having a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area, and a diverging section joining the cylindrical section to the outlet.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 17, additionally comprising a rod aligned with the flow passage, the frustum and the resonator being mounted on the rod.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 18, in which the rod is hollow and has one or more holes near the restriction, the device additionally comprising a source of liquid to be atomized connected to the rod to feed the liquid to the restriction.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 14, in which the flow passage, the internal bluff body, the restriction, and the outlet are aligned with a common flow axis, and the inlet is aligned with an axis transverse to the common flow axis.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 20, in which the internal bluff body comprises a frustum having a base facing upstream and an apex facing downstream.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 20, in which the internal bluff body comprises a circular disc.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 14, in which the internal bluff body comprises a circular disc.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 23, in which the circular disc has a cylindrical edge.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 23, in which the flow passage has a given cross-sectional area and the restriction comprises a thin flat ring having a circular opening with a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 25, additionally comprising a rod aligned with the common flow axis in the flow passage, the disc and the resonator being mounted on the rod.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 26, in which the rod is hollow and has one or more holes near the restriction, the device additionally comprising a source of liquid to be atomized.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 25, in which the distance between the disc and the ring is the diameter of the disc or one-half the diameter of the disc.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 28, in which the thickness of the ring is at least one-half the diameter of the disc.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 14, additionally comprising a rod extending along the flow passage, the bluff body and the resonator being mounted on the rod.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 30, in which the rod is hollow and has one or more holes near the restriction, the device additionally comprising a source of liquid to be atomized connected to the rod to feed the liquid to the restriction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 30, in which the cross-sectional area of the rod is less than 50% of the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 32, in which the cross-sectional area of the rod is about 20% of the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device of claim 14, in which the flow passage has a given cross-sectional area and the restriction comprises a cylindrical section having a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area, and a diverging section joining the cylindrical section to the outlet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 14, in which the flow passage has a given cross-sectional area and the restriction comprises a thin, flat ring having a circular hole with a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 14, in which the space between the internal bluff body and the surface of the flow passage is less than 30% of the distance across the flat surface of the body.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 14, in which the cross-sectional area of the space between the surface of the flow passage and the internal bluff body is at least 10% larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 37, in which the cross-sectional area of the space betweeen the internal bluff body and the surface of the flow passage is about 20% larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 14, additionally comprising a source of gas connected to the fluid inlet, the pressure difference between the source and the fluid outlet being such that gas from the source flowing through the flow passage from inlet to outlet forms vortices as it passes over the internal bluff body.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
70 words
The vortex generating device of claim 1, in which the vortex generating means comprises: a rod in the flow passage, the rod extending across the inlet so fluid flow through the inlet is interrupted by the rod and the resonator being secured to the end of the rod external to the passage; and an internal bluff body mounted on the rod in the flow passage at or near the inlet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 40, in which the internal bluff body comprises a frustum having a base facing upstream and an apex facing downstream.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 40, in which the internal bluff body comprises a circular disc.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 42, in which the disc has a cylindrical edge.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 42, in which the thickness of the disc is less than one-half the diameter of the disc.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 42, in which the flow passage has a given cross-sectional area and the restriction comprises a thin, flat ring having a circular opening with a cross-sectional area smaller than the given cross-sectional area.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 40, in which the space between the internal bluff body and the surface of the flow passage is less than 30% of the distance across the internal bluff body transverse to the flow axis.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 40, in which the device additionally comprises a sphere mounted on the one end of the rod beyond the outlet.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 40, in which the external bluff body comprises a frustum mounted on the one end of the rod beyond the outlet, the apex of the frustum facing upstream and the base of the frustum facing downstream.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 40, additionally comprising a restriction in the flow passage downstream of the internal bluff body.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 49, in which the cross-sectional area of the rod is less than 50% of the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 50, in which the cross-sectional area of the rod is about 20% of the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 49, in which the cross-sectional area between the internal bluff body and the surface of the flow passage is at least 10% larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 52, in which the cross-sectional area between the internal bluff body and the surface of the flow passage is about 20% larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of the restriction.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 49, in which the rod is hollow and has one or more holes near the restriction, the device additionally comprising a source of liquid to be atomized connected to the rod to feed the liquid to the restriction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, additionally comprising means for combining the plurality of vortices into a single vortex rotating about the flow axis.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 55, in which the means for forming a plurality of vortices comprises an internal bluff body aligned with the flow axis at or near the inlet.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 56, in which the means for combining the plurality of vortices comprises a restriction formed in the flow passage between the internal bluff body and the outlet.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 57, in which the inlet is aligned with an axis transverse to the flow axis.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, in which the fluid flows vortically through the flow passage about a flow axis, and the resonator is columnar, having a longitudinal axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing away from the outlet.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 59, in which the resonator has a length parallel to its longitudinal axis and a width perpendicular to its longitudinal axis that are approximately multiples of a common divider.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 60, in which the external bluff body has a flat circular surface with a given diameter facing the outlet, and the length and width of the resonator are equal to a multiple of the given diameter.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 59, in which the resonator has a length parallel to its longitudinal axis and a width perpendicular to its longitudinal axis that are approximately equal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 62, in which the resonator is cylindrical and its longitudinal axis is the cylindrical axis.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, in which the fluid flows vortically through the flow passage about a flow axis, and the resonator is cylindrical, having a cylindrical axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing away from the outlet.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 64, in which the bluff body has an end facing toward the outlet and an end facing away from the outlet, the end facing away from the outlet lying in the same plane as the open end of the resonator.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
72 words
The device of claim 1, in which the fluid flows vortically through the flow passage about a flow axis, and the resonator is elbow-shaped having a central axis aligned at one end with the flow axis, a circular cross section, an open end facing toward the outlet, a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 66, in which the length of the resonator from the open end to the opposite wall of the resonator and the length of the resonator from the closed end to the opposite wall of the resonator are multiples of the diameter of the circular cross-section of the resonator.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, in which the bluff body has first and second portions between which an annular channel is formed.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 68, additionally comprising a source of liquid to be atomized and means for supplying liquid from the source to a point along the flow passage for atomization.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
93 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having a surface with a given diameter facing the outlet; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator, the length and width of the resonator being approximately equal to a multiple of the given diameter.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
93 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having a surface with a given diameter facing the outlet; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator, the length and width of the resonator being approximately equal to a multiple of the given diameter.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises a frustum having a base facing the outlet.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
39 words
The transducer of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises first and second frustums arranged apex-to-apex, the first frustum having a base facing toward the outlet and the second frustum having a base facing away from the outlet.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises first and second frustums arranged apex-to-apex, the first frustum having a base facing toward the outlet and the second frustum having a base facing away from the outlet, and a third frustum arranged base-to-base with the second frustum.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 73, comprising a fourth frustum arranged apex-to-apex with the second frustum, the base of the fourth frustum facing away from the outlet.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transducer of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises a sphere.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises a frustum and a sphere, the base of the frustum facing toward the outlet, and the apex of the frustum abutting the sphere.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 70, in which the bluff body comprises first and second flat circular discs arranged in side-by-side relationship.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
86 words
The device of claim 70, in which the fluid flows vortically through the flow passage about a flow axis, the resonator is columnar, having a longitudinal axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing away from the outlet, and the bluff body has an end facing toward the outlet and an end facing away from the outlet, the end facing away from the outlet lying in the same plane as the open end of the resonator.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 70, in which the fluid flows through the flow passage along a flow axis, and the resonator is columnar, having a longitudinal axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing away from the outlet.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 75, in which the resonator has a length parallel to its longitudinal axis and a width perpendicular to its longitudinal axis that are approximately multiples of a common divider.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 79, in which the resonator has a length parallel to its longitudinal axis and a width perpendicuar to its longitudinal axis that are approximately equal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 81, in which the resonator is cylindrical and its longitudinal axis is the cylinder axis.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 70, in which the fluid flows through the flow passage about a flow axis, and the resonator is cylindrical, having a cylindrical axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing away from the outlet.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
71 words
The device of claim 70, in which the fluid flows through the flow passage along a flow axis, and the resonator is elbow-shaped having a central axis aligned at one end with the flow axis, a circular cross-section, an open end facing toward the outlet, and a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 84, in which the length of the resonator from the open end to the opposite wall of the resonator and the length of the resonator from the closed end to the opposite wall of the resonator are multiples of the diameter of the circular cross-section of the resonator.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transducer of claim 70, in which the surface of the bluff body facing the outlet is flat and circular.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
107 words
A vortex generating device comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; means for forming a vortex in fluid flowing through the passage from inlet to outlet about a flow axis; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage, the resonator being elbow-shaped and having a central axis aligned with one end of the flow axis, a circular cross section, an open end facing toward the outlet, a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
107 words
A vortex generating device comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; means for forming a vortex in fluid flowing through the passage from inlet to outlet about a flow axis; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept fluid flowing vortically through the passage, the resonator being elbow-shaped and having a central axis aligned with one end of the flow axis, a circular cross section, an open end facing toward the outlet, a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
133 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet through which fluid flows vortically about a flow axis; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having a first end facing toward the outlet and a second end facing away from the outlet; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the resonator being columnar, having a longitudinal axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet in the same plane as the second end of the bluff body, and a closed end facing away from the outlet, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
133 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet through which fluid flows vortically about a flow axis; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having a first end facing toward the outlet and a second end facing away from the outlet; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the resonator being columnar, having a longitudinal axis aligned with the flow axis, an open end facing toward the outlet in the same plane as the second end of the bluff body, and a closed end facing away from the outlet, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
125 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage through which fluid flows about a flow axis between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the resonator being elbow-shaped and having a central axis aligned at one end with the flow axis, a circular cross section, an open end facing toward the outlet and a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
125 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage through which fluid flows about a flow axis between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the resonator being elbow-shaped and having a central axis aligned at one end with the flow axis, a circular cross section, an open end facing toward the outlet and a closed end facing at right angles to the outlet, and a wall opposite to the open end joining a wall opposite the closed end, the bluff body lying between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
94 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the flow passage including means for generating a vortex in fluid flowing through the passage; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having two portions between which an annular channel is formed; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the two portions lying in a row between the outlet and the resonator.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
94 words
A sonic transducer comprising: a flow passage having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the flow passage including means for generating a vortex in fluid flowing through the passage; a bluff body disposed at the outlet external to the passage to interrupt fluid flowing through the passage, the bluff body having two portions between which an annular channel is formed; and a resonator disposed at the outlet external to the passage to intercept flowing fluid interrupted by the bluff body, the two portions lying in a row between the outlet and the resonator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-02-25 | 1983-08-27 | 1984-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-02-25 | 1987-08-27 | 1988-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-02-25 | 1991-08-27 | 1992-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |