Abstract: An apparatus for sorting macromolecules includes a first chip including a channel formed in a first side of the first chip and having at least one monolithic sorting structure for sorting macromolecules from the sample fluid. A first set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in a second side of the first chip, the sample fluid being provided to the sorting structure through the first set of vias. A second set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid greater than or equal to a prescribed dimension sorted by the sorting structure. A third set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid less than the prescribed dimension. The apparatus includes first and second seals covering the first and second sides, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring microorganisms on a surface are provided. In particular, a flat, patterned sensing electrode can be positioned proximate a surface in non-contact relationship with the surface. The sensing electrode can include a working electrode and a counter electrode. The surface and the sensing electrode can be submerged in an aqueous medium. An alternating current signal can be applied at the working electrode. The signal can propagate through the aqueous medium and can be measured at the counter electrode. The presence of microorganisms on the surface can cause changes in the signal as the signal propagates through the aqueous medium. Such changes in the signal can be used to determine impedance parameters, which can correspond to microbial characteristics associated with the surface. For instance, the microbial characteristics can be associated with a biofilm, corrosion and/or bio-corrosion on the surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a biosensor with an on-chip reference electrode embedded within the semiconductor device, and associated manufacturing methods are provided. In some embodiments, a pair of source/drain regions is disposed within a device substrate and separated by a channel region. An isolation layer is disposed over the device substrate. A sensing well is disposed from an upper surface of the isolation layer overlying the channel region. A bio-sensing film is disposed along the upper surface of the isolation layer and extended along sidewall and lower surfaces of the sensing well. A reference electrode is disposed vertically between the bio-sensing film and the isolation layer.

Abstract: Fluidic diodes are disclosed that have a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a divided fluid passageway therebetween defined by mirror image partitions generally tear-drop shaped spaced apart a first distance from one another by a constant width primary fluid pathway with the tip thereof pointed generally toward the outlet and spaced apart a second distance from an interior wall of the housing to define a constant width secondary fluid pathway. Fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is through the primary fluid pathway with some additional flow through the secondary fluid pathways joining the primary fluid pathway proximate the outlet for flow together in the same direction, and fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet through the secondary fluid pathways exits the secondary fluid pathways into the primary fluid pathway, proximate the inlet, in a direction substantially opposite the flow in the primary fluid pathway.

Abstract: A fluid tube includes: a first fluid tube; a second fluid tube connected to the first fluid tube; and a flow velocity equalizer in the second fluid tube, where the flow velocity equalizer increases a uniformity of fluid flow passed therethrough, the second fluid tube is wider than the first fluid tube, and the flow velocity equalizer includes a diverging tube and a converging tube. The fluid tube may further include a fluid divider between the flow velocity equalizer and the first fluid tube. The diverging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may have a width increasing in a fluid flow direction, and the converging tube of the flow velocity equalizer may include a plurality of converging tubes having widths decreasing in the fluid flow direction.

Abstract: A structural component for a vehicle has a surface with a riblet structure. The riblet structure includes a plurality of grooves, including a first groove having a first longitudinal section forming a first angle with a main longitudinal direction of the structural component. The first angle is larger than 0° and the main longitudinal direction corresponds to a flow direction of a fluid along the surface of the structural component.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and techniques for manipulating fluids and/or making droplets. In certain aspects, the present invention generally relates to droplet production. The droplets may be formed from fluids from different sources. In one set of embodiments, the present invention is directed to a microfluidic device comprising a plurality of droplet-making units, and/or other fluidic units, which may be substantially identical in some cases. Substantially each of the fluidic units may be in fluidic communication with a different source of a first fluid and a common source of a second fluid, in certain embodiments. In one aspect, substantially the same pressure may be applied to substantially all of the different sources of fluid, which may be used to cause fluid to move from the different sources into the microfluidic device. In some cases, the fluids may interact within the fluidic units, e.g., by reacting, or for the production of droplets within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A fluid drainage system configured for draining a basin impounding fluid and sediment, solids or the like of varying density and turbidity. The system includes a first conduit and a second conduit within or adjacent to the first conduit to form a fluid receiving chamber between the first and second conduits, each conduit having apertures therethrough, with the apertures of the first and second conduits being sized and arranged relative to one another and so configured as to preferentially discharge fluid from the top of a basin, thus providing flow conditions which inhibit the entry of sediment into the system so as to maximize the retention of sediment within the basin and reduce turbidity and Total Suspended Sediment in the discharged fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for controlling the flow of fluid using passive components engineered into the microchannels. These passive flow components include fluidic diodes, fluidic capacitors, and fluidic inductors. Various fluidic circuits are provided to control fluid flow including fluid rectifiers, fluid band pass filters, and fluid timers.

Abstract: An improved fluidic device that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through it at a specified flow rate to generate an oscillating spray of liquid droplets having desired properties (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the design and fabrication of biological constructs, such as organ simulants or organ replacements, which contain complex microfluidic architecture. Designs of the present invention provide increased space in the lateral dimension, enabling a large number of small channels for small vessels.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: A microchannel has a substrate body; a separation channel which is formed within the substrate; at least two (first and second) connection ports which are formed at one end of the separation channel close to the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate body; and first and second branch channels connected respectively to the first and second connection ports. When the substrate body is perpendicular to gravity, a blood sample containing blood cells and plasma, flows from one end of the separation channel. Before the blood sample gets to the other end of the separation channel, the blood cells in the blood sample settle out. The blood cells having settled out are then separated into the branch channel.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and processes for increasing fluidity of a flowing fluid. The apparatus may have a number of treatment chambers adapted to receive and pass the flowing fluid. In each treatment chamber a field is applied to the fluid. The fields may be parallel to the fluid's direction of flow, and may alternate in sequence. The fluidity of the fluid is increased through exposure to the fields.

Abstract: A microchannel polymerization reactor comprising: (a) a first microchannel adapted to carry a reactant stream; (b) a fluid conduit adapted to carry a fluid in thermal communication with the first microchannel; and (c) a static mixer in fluid communication with the first microchannel adapted to provide a mixing zone operative to change the cross-sectional fluid flow profile at a predetermined point along the first microchannel without changing the primary direction of the reactant stream through the first microchannel.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a fuel injector that includes a nozzle assembly and at least one passageway that includes at least one fluid oscillator. The at least one passageway extends from a nozzle orifice, positioned on the outside of the fuel injector, to inside the fuel injector. Fuel from inside the fuel injector moves through the at least one fluid oscillator and oscillates between a high injection rate and a low injection rate as it moves through the at least one nozzle orifice and into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: When a first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 moves therein toward a connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the first flow passage 6 is pushed by the moving first liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a third flow passage 14 and an external environment communication passage 8, so that the first liquid moves to the end of a fifth flow passage 16, which is formed in the connecting portion 10, on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. Then, when a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 moves therein toward the connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the second flow passage 7 is pushed by the moving second liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a fourth flow passage 15 and the external environment communication passage 8, so that a liquid-liquid interface level between the first and second liquids is formed in the connecting portion 10.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided for sealing a proper amount of fluid with a brittle material. By moving an adsorbate through an external adsorption force, the brittle material for pre-sealing is broken, and the fluid flows out to interact with the external environment to generate a pump reaction. In addition, the invention may also be used for storing a liquid reagent in a device for a long time. Thereby, the fluidic device can be made small and portable.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A microfluidic network comprising a plurality of droplet emitters forming droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid immiscible in the first fluid to produce an outlet stream of droplets, wherein each of the emitters are in fluid communication with each other via the network and all have an auto-synchronised droplet formation frequency by hydrodynamic interaction between the emitters is provided. The synchronisation gives a surprisingly narrow droplet size distribution for the network.

Abstract: A fluid transportation device includes a flow-gathering module and multiple double-chamber actuating structures. The flow-gathering module includes two surfaces opposed to each other, multiple first flow paths and multiple second flow paths running through the two surfaces, an inlet channel arranged between the two surfaces and communicated with the multiple first flow paths, and an outlet channel arranged between the two surfaces and communicated with the multiple second flow paths. The multiple double-chamber actuating structures are arranged on the flow-gathering module side by side. Each double-chamber actuating structure includes a first chamber and a second chamber symmetrically arranged on the two surface of the flow-gathering module. Each of the first chamber and the second chamber includes a valve cap arranged over the flow-gathering module, a valve membrane arranged between the flow-gathering module and the valve cap, and an actuating member having a periphery fixed on the valve cap.

Abstract: A one-piece, microfluidic package with standardized multiple ports allows devices to be connected in series without resorting to extra tubing connections or bonding processes. The one-piece construction consists of microfluidic channels that can be connected to fluid reservoirs and other fluidic components fabricated with interconnecting and interlocking ports. The size of the friction-fit interlocking ports is designed such that the smaller male port fits snugly into the larger female port in a manner that is leak-free and adhesive-free. The friction-fit ports can also be reconfigured. Thus, the interconnection of microfluidic packages can be in an extended series including connections to sensors and devices such as a bio/biochemical/chemical sensor chip, a dielectrophoretic manipulator chip, and a microfluidic reactor chip.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a porous substrate, a wetting region extending through a first portion of the porous substrate from a first side of the substrate, in which the wetting region is permeable to fluid transport, and a non-wetting region extending through a second portion of the porous substrate from a second side of the substrate, in which the non-wetting region is operable to switch between a first state impermeable to fluid transport and a second state permeable to fluid transport.

Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

Abstract: A microdevice for multistage-mixing of process fluids which has plurality of freely-detachable units connected to each other without using pipes, wherein a microchannel for flow of the process fluids and a channel for flow of a heat-exchange medium are formed in the microdevice by mutual connection of a plurality of the units and the microdevice is locally and independently temperature-controllable.

Abstract: Provided are an orifice member, and a differential-pressure flow meter and a flow-regulating device using the orifice member, that allow purging to be carried out easily when changing the fluid to be circulated, that are less likely to cause contamination and leaching of impurities to the circulated fluid, and that can be easily produced. The flow-regulating device includes a first pressure-measuring device (object to be connected to) that is connected to one end of the orifice member, and a second pressure-measuring device (object to be connected to) that is connected to the other end of the orifice member, and a flow-regulating valve that is connected to the downstream side of the differential-pressure flow meter, which includes the above-mentioned units.

Abstract: Low pressure off gases such as from dry gas seals may be recompressed to a higher pressure using multiple tandem supersonic ejectors in which upstream ejectors operate at a higher nozzle exit Mach number than down stream ejectors and all ejectors are operated at exit Mach numbers greater than 1.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first reservoir to receive a first fluid, a second reservoir to receive a second fluid, and a main channel coupled to the first and second reservoirs through one or more branch channels. A first one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the first one-use pump is broken. A second one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the second one-use pump is broken.

Abstract: A system for control of a fluid flow. The system includes an array of fluidic oscillators. Each fluidic oscillator carries an oscillating flow of the fluid and includes a throat, an input port connected to the throat, two control ports connected to the throat and two output ports extending from the throat. A feedback line is connected to each of the two output ports and each of the two control ports. The system further includes a plenum connected to the input ports of the fluidic oscillators to supply the fluid to the fluidic oscillators and a feedback chamber disposed along each feedback line of each fluidic oscillator to provide a feedback path for the control fluid to cause oscillatory fluid motion between the first output port and the second output port, the frequency of which may be modulated by adjusting the volume of the feedback chamber.

Abstract: A liquid transportation device includes a working board, a working liquid, a liquid channel and a cover board, wherein the liquid channel is formed on a top surface of the working board, the covering board is fully covered the liquid channel, the liquid channel composed of a material substantially tending to the liquid, and the covering board is composed of a material substantially phobic to the liquid. The working liquid flows within the liquid channel in guidance of the deviation of surface tension between the liquid channel to the working liquid, and the covering board to the working liquid, so that the working liquid is transported within the liquid channel without any external power.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system capable of delivering a precise amount of fluid and monitor certain properties of the fluid so that the correct fluid is safely delivered to its intended destination. The system makes use of a flow sensor comprising a freestanding tube portion vibrated at a resonant frequency, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to the density of the fluid flowing through the tube portion and the tube portion exhibits a degree of twist that varies with the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing therethrough. Movement of the tube portion is then sensed to produce a first output signal corresponding to the fluid density and a second output signal corresponding to the mass flow rate. The system is also equipped to measure elapsed time and to stop fluid flow in response to either of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by provision of a flow through ultrasonic system for facilitating the flow of flow-resistant materials. The system includes a supply of material and an ultrasonic horn having at least one passage extending therethrough. An isolating tube which is compatible with the material is provided passing through the at least one passage in the ultrasonic horn, the isolating tube in communication the supply of material and completely isolating the ultrasonic horn from the material. A converter imparts ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic horn, and in turn to the isolating tube so as to inhibit the material from attaching to and clogging the isolating tube.

Abstract: A branch amplifier card for a nuclear reactor control rod drive control system is provided. The control system includes a control processor, a plurality of transponder cards arranged in clusters with each cluster under the control of a branch amplifier card. The branch amplifier card is configured to receive commands from the control processor, send the converted commands to transponder cards under the control of the branch amplifier card and to a downstream branch amplifier card, receive an acknowledge word from transponder cards under the control of the branch amplifier card, add AC voltage threshold level information about the transponder cards under the control of the branch amplifier card to the acknowledge word, permit transponder trouble information attached to the acknowledge word to remain in the acknowledge word, and resend the acknowledge word including the transponder trouble information to an upstream branch amplifier card.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system capable of delivering a precise amount of fluid and monitor certain properties of the fluid so that the correct fluid is safely delivered to its intended destination. The system makes use of a flow sensor comprising a freestanding tube portion vibrated at a resonant frequency, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to the density of the fluid flowing through the tube portion and the tube portion exhibits a degree of twist that varies with the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing therethrough. Movement of the tube portion is then sensed to produce a first output signal corresponding to the fluid density and a second output signal corresponding to the mass flow rate. The system is also equipped to measure elapsed time and to stop fluid flow in response to either of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having a plurality of functional features for performing one or more fluidic operations in parallel are provided. Reagents, samples or other fluids common to multiple functional features (“common fluids”) may be input into a microfluidic device or system through one or more distributing inputs that divide and distribute the common fluids as desired. The use of a multi-layer fabrication technique allows multiple distributing inputs to distribute to multiple functional features in a microfluidic device without undesirable fluid channel intersections.

Abstract: A blowdown manifold for a nuclear power plant includes a main conduit section, at least one coolant exhaust conduit, and at least one fluidic device. The main conduit section is connected to a pressure relief system in the nuclear power plant. The coolant exhaust conduit has a first end coupled to the main conduit section and a second end extending into a receptacle. The fluidic device is in fluid communication with the main conduit and exhibits a lower flow resistance to air than to water and steam.

Abstract: A valve-less fluid control circuit for controlling rhythmic action devices, such as circulatory assist devices. The fluid control circuit has a plurality of pressure sensitive fluid oscillators for circulating a fluid. Each fluid oscillator includes a capacitance chamber unit for peristaltic pumping of fluid after being filled via an input conduit and a resistance conduit. A first control conduit provides an outlet of fluid from the capacitance unit during peristaltic pumping, and when the pressure of the fluid in the first control conduit reaches a certain level relative to the pressure of fluid in the input conduit, the fluid is directed through an interactive region and exits the first fluid oscillator through an exhaust conduit.

Abstract: Micropumps fabricated by micromachining techniques and employing fixed or no-moving-parts valves. As one aspect of the invention, a laser-assisted chemical etching technique is employed for providing smooth-walled, curved configuration necessary to obtain the desired flow characteristics of the valves that are used in conjunction with the micropump.

Abstract: A system for mixing first and second polymer melt flows and directing a mixed polymer melt flow to one and another downstream locations includes a control valve having an inlet port for receiving the first polymer melt flow, and a pair of outlet ports, and a fluidic valve for forming the mixed flow of the first and second polymer melt flows and directing the mixed flow to one of a plurality of downstream locations. The fluidic valve is provided with a primary supply port for receiving the second polymer melt flow, a pair of secondary supply ports which are fluid-connected with the primary supply port at a mixing intersection, and a plurality of discharge ports extending from the mixing intersection. Each discharge port directs the mixed flow of the first and second polymer melt flows to a respective downstream location. A pair of branch conduits is provided which fluid-connect one of the pair of outlet ports of the control valve to a respective one of the secondary supply ports of the fluidic valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for capturing coating debris during laser ablation of a photoreceptor comprising: (a) enclosing a predetermined length of a coated substrate in a housing to result in an enclosed coated substrate portion, wherein there exists a gap between the enclosed substrate portion and the housing in communication with air outside the housing; (b) directing high energy radiation at the coating of the enclosed substrate portion; (c) directing a first fluid stream against the coating of the enclosed substrate portion to remove at least part of the coating in the form of coating debris during or subsequent to (b), whereby the first fluid stream may move a portion of the coating debris outside the housing in the absence of (d); (d) directing a second fluid stream against the first fluid stream in a direction effective for keeping the coating debris inside the housing, thereby minimizing movement of the coating debris into the air outside the housing; and (e) exhausting the coating debris.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for capturing coating debris during laser ablation of a photoreceptor comprising: (a) enclosing a predetermined length of a coated substrate in a housing to result in an enclosed coated substrate portion, wherein there exists a gap between the enclosed substrate portion and the housing in communication with air outside the housing; (b) directing high energy radiation at the coating of the enclosed substrate portion; (c) directing a first fluid stream against the coating of the enclosed substrate portion to remove at least part of the coating in the form of coating debris during or subsequent to (b), whereby the first fluid stream may move a portion of the coating debris outside the housing in the absence of (d); (d) directing an annularly-shaped second fluid stream against the first fluid stream in a direction effective for keeping the coating debris inside the housing, thereby minimizing movement of the coating debris into the air outside the housing; and (e) exhausting t

Abstract: A single-stage and multiple-stage fluidic rectifier wherein each stage has a trunk channel and a reversing channel that joins the trunk channel at a downstream position of the trunk channel, downstream with respect to fluid flowing in a reverse direction through the fluidic rectifier. A first vena contracta is formed upon entry of the fluid into the body, when the fluid is flowing in the reverse direction. Further vena contractas are formed within the trunk channel of each corresponding stage, preferably by flow through the reversing channel being discharged and impinged upon flow through the trunk channel. Such discharged flow from the reversing channel contracts the flow through the trunk channel at a particular area. When fluid flows through the fluidic rectifier in a forward direction, each vena contracta is disabled. Thus in the forward direction, the overall head loss of the fluidic rectifier is less than the overall head loss of the fluidic rectifier when the fluid is flowing in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a piston which comprises upper and lower members. The upper and lower members are fixedly assembled to define therein the vortex chamber. The piston has vertically-extending channels on the periphery thereof to define the vertical section of the vortex passages together with the inner periphery of the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A transmission controller that includes a series of fluidic comparators receiving power signals from selected ports in a manually-actuable range selector valve. Hydraulic signals representing engine throttle position and transmission output speed are beamed against each comparator main flow stream to switch the flow between a primary collector port and alternate collector port. Comparator outputs are amplified and applied to the end faces of spool valves that provide hydraulic actuator force for the transmission clutches.