Patent US6565321B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6565321B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vortex attractor
Assignee: DMR Holding Group LLC
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Filing: 1999-10-29
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Granted: 2003-05-20
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Expires: 2019-10-29
Abstract
Abstract A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.
Inventors
- 👤 Lewis Illingworth
- 👤 David Reinfeld
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:49
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C11/00; B64C11/001; B64C11/46; B64C11/48; B64C27/00; B64C27/20; B64U; B64U30/00; B64U30/20; B64U30/26; F; F04; F04D; F04D1/00; F04D1/14; F15; F15D; F15D1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 94
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; backplate structure coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque; containing ring structure coupled perpendicularly to the periphery of said backplate structure thereby forming a unitary structure, said containing ring structure having an inner wall and outer wall; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said inner wall of said containing ring structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; backplate structure coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque; containing ring structure coupled perpendicularly to the periphery of said backplate structure thereby forming a unitary structure, said containing ring structure having an inner wall and outer wall; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said inner wall of said containing ring structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are coupled low on said inner wall of said containing ring structure such that said plurality of impeller vanes are also in contact with said backplate structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are coupled high on said inner wall of said containing ring structure such that said plurality of impeller vanes do not contact said backplate structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said backplate structure further comprises valves, said valves when opened destroy said low pressure region.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising means to control said valves.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned perpendicular with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned at an obtuse angle with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned at an acute angle with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said backplate structure is planar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said backplate structure is concave.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said backplate structure is convex.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said backplate has a circular plan form.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes have valves.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are flat.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are curved.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring structure are continuous.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring structure comprise a plurality of apertures.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the periphery of said containing ring structure is circular.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring have a circumferentially variable height.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said containing ring structure is pliably formed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: means for monitoring said fluid flow; and means for providing signals indicative of said fluid flow.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 further comprising means for controlling said rotation means in response to said signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means may effect rotation of said backplate structure at variable rates.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means is powered by electricity.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means is powered by a combustion type engine.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means is powered by a mechanical stored energy device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means is powered by compressed gas.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rotation means is powered by an integrated mobile power source.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 28 , further comprising means for indicating a low power state for said integrated mobile power source.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising safety screen means for protecting said plurality of impeller vanes from contact with solid objects without restricting said fluid flow.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: memory means for storing a desired rate of backplate structure rotation; detection means for detecting the current rate of backplate structure rotation; adjustment means for adjusting said rate of backplate structure rotation according to said desired rate in said memory means.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region when in proximity to a surface and a high pressure region when distant from a surface comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; backplate structure coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque; containing ring structure coupled perpendicularly to the periphery of said backplate structure thereby forming a unitary structure, said containing ring structure having an inner wall and outer wall; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said outer wall of said containing ring structure.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region when in proximity to a surface and a high pressure region when distant from a surface comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; backplate structure coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque; containing ring structure coupled perpendicularly to the periphery of said backplate structure thereby forming a unitary structure, said containing ring structure having an inner wall and outer wall; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said outer wall of said containing ring structure.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said backplate structure further comprises valves, said valves when opened destroy said low pressure region.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 33 further comprising means to control said valves.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned perpendicular with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned at an obtuse angle with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are aligned at an acute angle with respect to said backplate structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said backplate structure is planar.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said backplate structure is concave.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said backplate structure is convex.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said backplate has a circular plan form.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes have valves.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are flat.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are curved.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring structure are continuous.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring structure comprise a plurality of apertures.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the periphery of said containing ring structure is circular.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said inner wall and said outer wall of said containing ring have a circumferentially variable height.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said containing ring structure is pliably formed.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising: means for monitoring said fluid flow; and means for providing signals indicative of said fluid flow.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 50 further comprising means for controlling said rotation means in response to said signals.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means may effect rotation of said backplate structure at variable rates.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means is powered by electricity.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means is powered by a combustion type engine.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means is powered by a mechanical stored energy device.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means is powered by compressed gas.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said rotation means is powered by an integrated mobile power source.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 57 , further comprising means for indicating a low power state for said integrated mobile power source.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising safety screen means for protecting said plurality of impeller vanes from contact with solid objects without restricting said fluid flow.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 , further comprising: memory means for storing a desired rate of backplate structure rotation; detection means for detecting the current rate of backplate structure rotation; adjustment means for adjusting said rate of backplate structure rotation according to said desired rate in said memory means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a plurality of impeller vanes on the inner wall of said containing ring structure.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; bowl structure having an inner surface and an outer surface coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque, said bowl structure having a circular plan form and further having a cross-section comprising a planar region terminated by opposing regions of positive curvature, wherein the periphery of said bowl structure is circular; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said inner surface of said bowl structure.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for generating a substantially cylindrical recirculating fluid flow creating a low pressure region comprising: rotation means for generating a torque; bowl structure having an inner surface and an outer surface coupled to said rotation means to receive said torque, said bowl structure having a circular plan form and further having a cross-section comprising a planar region terminated by opposing regions of positive curvature, wherein the periphery of said bowl structure is circular; and a plurality of impeller vanes coupled to said inner surface of said bowl structure.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are coupled to said planar region of said bowl structure.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes are coupled to said regions of positive curvature of said bowl structure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said bowl structure further comprises valves, said valves when opened destroy said low pressure region.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 65 further comprising means to control said valves.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said bowl structure has a circular plan form.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes have valves.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are flat.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said plurality of impeller vanes comprises vanes that are curved.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said inner surface and said outer surface of said bowl structure are continuous.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said inner surface and said outer surface of said bowl structure comprise a plurality of apertures.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said inner surface and said outer surface of said bowl structure have a circumferentially variable height.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said bowl structure comprises regions that are pliably formed.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 further comprising: means for monitoring said fluid flow; and means for providing signals indicative of said fluid flow.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 75 further comprising means for controlling said rotation means in response to said signals.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means may effect rotation of said bowl structure at variable rates.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means is powered by electricity.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means is powered by a combustion type engine.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means is powered by a mechanical stored energy device.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means is powered by compressed gas.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said rotation means is powered by an integrated mobile power source.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 82 , further comprising means for indicating a low power state for said integrated mobile power source.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 further comprising safety screen means for protecting said plurality of impeller vanes from contact with solid objects without restricting said fluid flow.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus according to claim 62 , further comprising: memory means for storing a desired rate of bowl structure rotation; detection means for detecting the current rate of bowl structure rotation; adjustment means for adjusting said rate of bowl structure rotation according to said desired rate in said memory means.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
89 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement comprising: cylindrical vortex generator means for creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow directed toward a surface and extending vertically thereabove, said cylindrical vortex flow further having an upward flow component and an downward flow component, further wherein said cylindrical vortex fluid flow attracts particulate matter from said surface; flow straightening means for eliminating the helical component of said upward component of said cylindrical vortex fluid flow; and dust capturing means for capturing said particulate matter from said downward component of said cylindrical vortex fluid flow.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
89 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement comprising: cylindrical vortex generator means for creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow directed toward a surface and extending vertically thereabove, said cylindrical vortex flow further having an upward flow component and an downward flow component, further wherein said cylindrical vortex fluid flow attracts particulate matter from said surface; flow straightening means for eliminating the helical component of said upward component of said cylindrical vortex fluid flow; and dust capturing means for capturing said particulate matter from said downward component of said cylindrical vortex fluid flow.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
21 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement according to claim 86 wherein said cylindrical vortex generator means comprises rotatable vanes coupled to a motor.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement according to claim 86 wherein said flow straightening means comprise a plurality of stators.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
19 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement according to claim 86 wherein said flow straightening means comprise a plurality of stationary vanes.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
A vacuum cleaner arrangement according to claim 86 wherein said dust capturing means is annular in nature.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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