Abstract: A fluid pump has an inlet, an outlet, a pumping chamber, pumping means, and inlet and outlet check valves. In one embodiment each check valve is formed by a flexible member positioned between a pair of relatively rigid members, the latter each having an opening bounded by a surface portion thereof with such surface portions cooperating with the flexible member to provide a fluid-tight seal therewith. The flexible member includes a movable means which moves upon flexure of such member in response to a pressure differential across the same and being operative when moved substantially to the respective extreme positions to block fluid flow between respective passages or to pass fluid flow between such passages. Moreover, a contact carrier is provided for repeatably intermittently closing contacts and opening the same. Such carrier is formed by a curved arm having a tendency to assume a natural condition, e.g.

Abstract: A thermal energy transfer apparatus and method to efficiently transfer thermal energy between two or more media, such as plural fluids, a fluid and a solid, two solids, etc. A thermally conductive mesh-like member provides relatively large surface areas for energy transfer therethrough. In one embodiment the mesh-like member disperses a fluid flowing therethrough while simultaneously effecting efficient and substantial thermal energy transfer therewith. A pair of thermally conductive generally solid discs direct the fluid into and receive fluid from the mesh-like member while also distributing thermal energy in the mesh-like member and/or transferring thermal energy with respect to the latter, for example, to a source or dissipator of thermal energy.

Abstract: A fluid pump having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a pumping chamber, inlet and outlet check valves, and a pumping device that draws fluid into the pumping chamber and pumps fluid from the pumping chamber. The pumping device includes a pair of springs, a solenoid actuator, and a pumping diaphragm. During the energization stroke of the actuator, the movable member thereof moves substantially independently of the pumping diaphragm. One of the springs (51) instead urges the pumping diaphragm area (50) to cause a suction head in the pumping chamber. Since the strongest force output of a solenoid actuator ordinarily occurs at the instant of energization, the majority of such force output can be converted to work for storage in the other spring (72) during such energization without having to rely on such solenoid actuator to effect suction. After the solenoid actuator is deenergized, the second spring (72) effects substantially constant pumping pressure on the fluid in the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A fluid mixer includes a porous foam disc for dispersing fluid flowing therethrough, an inlet disc adjacent one surface of the porous disc for limiting the area of the latter through which fluid may enter the same, an outlet disc proximate an opposite side of the porous disc for limiting the area of the latter at which fluid may leave the same, with the radial location of the inlet area being different from that of the outlet area to obtain dispersed fluid flow through the foam disc. Other features include a fluid orifice assembly using an orifice housing held in fluid-tight relation to a fluid fitting by a radially applied force; and a differential pressure responsive mixing control valve for controlling flow of one fluid into a mixing chamber to which another fluid also is delivered.

Abstract: A compact mixing apparatus includes a housing and at least one motionless, although possibly vibrated, mixing element in the housing. The mixing element divides into plural streams fluid-like material flowing therethrough, at least twice relatively abruptly changes the flow direction of such streams and preferably imparts rotational momentum to the streams. A chamber in the housing permits generally turbulent mixing of such streams after they exit the mixing element. In accordance with the method of the invention fluid-like material delivered to a housing is divided into plural streams which have their flow directions changed at least twice, and the streams possibly also are rotated and are then combined in a relatively turbulent manner to form a well-mixed output. Moreover, a combustion engine system is disclosed using such a mixing apparatus to mix fuel with a supplemental fluid, with the combined material being delivered to such engine for combustion.