And Feedback Passage(s) Or Path(s) Patents (Class 137/835)
  • Patent number: 11046288
    Abstract: Nozzles and systems for cleaning sensors of a vehicle are provided. An adjustable nozzle can include an inlet configured to receive a pressurized fluid, an adjustable oscillator coupled with the inlet, and an outlet coupled with the adjustable oscillator. The adjustable oscillator can be configured to receive the pressurized fluid from the inlet and generate an oscillating fluid, and can include a first oscillation wall comprising a first adjustable chamber modifier wall and a second oscillation wall comprising a second adjustable chamber modifier wall. The first adjustable chamber modifier wall and the second adjustable chamber modifier wall can define an adjustable mixing chamber configured to generate the oscillating fluid having one or more properties that are adjustable by the first adjustable chamber modifier wall or the second adjustable chamber modifier wall. The outlet can be configured to receive the oscillating fluid and eject the oscillating fluid from the adjustable nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventor: Wesly Mason Rice
  • Patent number: 11027292
    Abstract: A multiple-fluidic circuit substrate structure with an integral inter-circuit bypass lumen effectively provides multiple parallel filtered fluid inlets having filtered fluid outlets with at least one inter-circuit pass-through channel in fluid communication between the filtered fluid outlets to automatically provide full flow of filtered fluid to each of a plurality of fluidic circuits or to two or more circuits even if one fluidic circuit's corresponding inlet fluid filter is clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventor: Gregory Russell
  • Patent number: 10987681
    Abstract: A miniature low-flow, fluid conserving washer nozzle has an elongated housing enclosing an interior volume aligned along an inlet axis which receives an elongated insert member with internal fluid passages defining first and second power nozzles, so that accelerating first and second fluid flows are aimed by the first and second power nozzles toward one another in an interaction region defined within the insert with an insert throat to aim spray laterally or transversely along a spray axis through an aligned sidewall aperture in the nozzle housing. The nozzle may generate a planar oscillating sweeping fan of spray, produced by fluidic oscillations at low flow rates, typically 150-300 ml/min at 25 psi. The fan of spray generated may be varied from 20° to 70° or about 15°-60°. The outer dimensions of spray head could be as small as 3.5 mm. The fluidic geometry is also capable of spraying high viscosity liquids up to 25 CP or up to 15 CP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Chunling Zhao, Shridhar Gopalan, Zachary Kline
  • Patent number: 10646886
    Abstract: A fluidic component includes a flow chamber with at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. The flow chamber can be traversed by a main flow of a fluid from the at least one inlet opening to the at least one outlet opening and includes at least one deflection device for the targeted change in direction of the main flow, in particular a periodic reversal of the main flow. The fluidic component includes at least one filter element between the deflection device for the targeted change in direction of the main flow and the flow chamber, in particular a deflection device for generating a varying approach flow direction for the main flow. The at least one filter element is not arranged upstream of the flow chamber or at the inlet opening of the flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FDX Fluid Dynamix GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Bobusch, Oliver Krüger, Jens Wintering
  • Patent number: 10611466
    Abstract: A fluidic device for providing analogue output control includes a main channel, a first control channel, a second control channel, a comparator which receives respective input fluid flows from the main, the first and the second control channels. The first control channel is configured such that the input fluid flow therefrom carries an oscillating pressure wave signal, the second control channel includes a flow regulator controllable to vary the mass flow rate of the input fluid flow from the second control channel, and the main channel is configured such that the input fluid flow therefrom is at a reference mass flow rate. The comparator is configured such that the input fluid flows from the first control and the second control channels act in combination on the input fluid flow from the main channel to produce an output fluid flow from the comparator having a PWM mass flow rate characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Pawel Chmielarczyk, Richard A. Young, Marko Bacic
  • Patent number: 10532367
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a fluidic oscillator 100 operating on a pressurized fluid to generate an oscillating spray of fluid droplets, and the oscillator aims fluid jets from first, second and third power nozzles 114A, 114B, 114C into an interaction chamber 118 and toward an upwardly projecting island protuberance 126 defining first, second and third island wall segments. The outermost jets 114A, 114B are aimed at an obtuse angle of 100 to 140 degrees along axes which intersect beyond the island at a Jet intersection point, J1. The upstream end of interaction chamber 118 is defined by first and second laterally offset concave wall surfaces 142, 152 which define left side and right side vortex generating areas so that fluid jet steering vortices may be alternately formed and then displaced distally and shed to steer the fluid jet laterally within interaction chamber 118.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Shridhar Gopalan, Chunling Zhao, Andrew Cameron
  • Patent number: 10427175
    Abstract: The present invention is a spout apparatus (1), including: a shower head main body (2), and an oscillation inducing element (4) for discharging water while allowing it to oscillate reciprocally, wherein the oscillation inducing element includes: a water supply passageway (10a), a water collision portion (14) for generating vortexes of alternately mutually opposing circulations; a vortex street passageway (10b) for guiding and growing vortexes formed by the water collision portion; a discharge passageway (10c) for causing water guided by the vortex street passageway to be discharged; a bypass passageway (6b) for allowing water to detour the water collision portion and flow into the vortex street passageway; and a flow volume ratio adjusting member (8), capable of varying the flow volume ratio of water flowing into the vortex street passageway through the water collision portion to water flowing into the vortex street passageway through the bypass passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Nagata, Kiyotake Ukigai
  • Patent number: 10399093
    Abstract: A fluidic chip defining an oscillator device for a spray system which provides a fan spray pattern of a fluid mixture at low temperature conditions while using standard fluid pump pressures. The fluidic chip configurations as described may provide a substantially stable exit fan angle at temperatures as low as about ?10 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian A. Ostergren, Gunter Wozniak, Thomas Richter
  • Patent number: 10272450
    Abstract: The present invention is a spout apparatus (1) for discharging water, including a spouting apparatus main body (2) and an oscillation inducing element (4) for discharging water with reciprocating motion; wherein the oscillation inducing element has: a water supply passageway (10a); a water colliding portion (14) for generating vortexes of mutually opposing circulations at the downstream side thereof by the collision of hot or cold water; a vortex street passageway (10b) having a tapered part, placed on the downstream side of the water supply passageway, which narrows in flow path cross section toward the downstream side; a separating portion (12) for suppressing the Coanda effect acting on the flow of water along the wall surface of a vortex street passageway; and a flow-aligning passageway (10c) having an essentially fixed flow path cross section which aligns the flow of hot or cold water which has passed through the separating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Nagata, Kiyotake Ukigai
  • Patent number: 10272451
    Abstract: To provide a spout apparatus which is easily maintainable by a user even when, in a fluid device utilizing Karman vortices, scale adheres to the Karman vortex generating portion. A spout apparatus for discharging hot or cold water while causing it to reciprocally oscillate, having a spout apparatus body and an oscillating element; whereby the oscillating element has a water supply passage, a vortex generating passage, and a spout port passage; the spout port passage is formed of an elastically deformable soft member and is attached to the spout apparatus body so that a user can manipulate the spout port passage to deform it; and the vortex generating passage is formed of an elastically deformable soft member, and is integrally formed with the spout port passage so that deformations of the spout port passage can be transmitted to this vortex generating passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotake Ukigai, Katsuya Nagata, Masateru Miyazaki, Yutaka Aihara, Shuhei Hayata, Kei Watanabe, Nao Tanizaki, Hiroshi Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10144394
    Abstract: Nozzles and systems for cleaning sensors of a vehicle using a pressurized fluid are provided. A nozzle can include an inlet configured to receive a high pressure fluid. The nozzle can further include an oscillator coupled with the inlet. The oscillator can be configured to receive the high pressure fluid from the inlet and generate an oscillating fluid. The nozzle can further include an outlet coupled with the oscillator. The outlet can be configured to receive the oscillating fluid and provide the oscillating fluid to a surface to delaminate debris from the surface. The inlet can provide an unimpeded path of fluid flow to the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesly Mason Rice
  • Patent number: 10071386
    Abstract: To provide a spout apparatus whereby expansion and deformation of the inner wall surface of the vortex generating portion such that a desired Karman vortex cannot be generated are prevented, even when the port portion is formed of an elastically deformable soft member. A spout apparatus for discharging hot or cold water with reciprocal motion, having a spout apparatus body and a vortex generating passage; whereby the oscillating element has a supply passage, a vortex generating passage, and a spout port passage, and the spout port passage is formed by an elastically deformable soft member, and is attached to the spout apparatus body so that a user can manipulate and deform the spout port passage, and the vortex generating passage is formed so as not to expand and deform even if internal pressure rises due to the supply of hot or cold water from the supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotake Ukigai, Katsuya Nagata, Masateru Miyazaki, Yutaka Aihara, Shuhei Hayata, Kei Watanabe, Nao Tanizaki, Hiroshi Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10066351
    Abstract: An oscillating or pulsing fluid stream, or flow 18, 132, 300, is produced from a flow of pressurized air by fluidic apparatus 10, 100, 130, 180, 220 in a device 250 configured for use in surface cleaning, sweeping, lawn care applications, and the like. Converging inlet chamber walls 20, 22, define a tapered internal lumen having a smooth narrowing profile is configured to generate at a power nozzle 44 a high velocity stream with minimal pressure drop. Downstream of the power nozzle, first and second control ports CP1, CP2 are in fluid communication with the high velocity stream 46 and with each other via an inertance loop 72 having a lumen of selected cross sectional area and length. The varying air flow is directed through an outlet chamber 14, 134 shaped to produce an oscillating flow 18 or a pulsating flow 132.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Shridhar Gopalan, Dharapuram N Srinath, Christopher South
  • Patent number: 9789496
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator array includes a plurality of fluidic-oscillator main flow channels. Each main flow channel has an inlet and an outlet. Each main flow channel has first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof, and has a first and a second feedback ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. The feedback ports are located downstream of the control ports with respect to a direction of a fluid flow through the main flow channel. The system also includes a first fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each first control port and each first feedback port, and a second fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each second control port and each second feedback port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventor: Mehti Koklu
  • Patent number: 9765491
    Abstract: An oscillating or pulsing fluid stream, or flow, is produced from a flow of pressurized air by fluidic apparatus in a device configured for use in surface cleaning, sweeping, lawn care applications, and the like. A converging nozzle assembly defining a tapered internal lumen having a smooth narrowing profile is configured to generate at a power nozzle a high velocity stream with minimal pressure drop. Downstream of the power nozzle, first and second control ports are in fluid communication with the high velocity stream and with each other via an inertance loop having a lumen of selected cross sectional area and length. The varying air flow is directed through an outlet chamber shaped to produce an oscillating or a pulsating flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: DLHBOWLES, INC.
    Inventors: Shridhar Gopalan, Dharapuram N. Srinath, Christopher South
  • Patent number: 9618150
    Abstract: A method for generating fluid pulses is provided. The device comprises a first channel with a first fluid inlet and a second channel with a second fluid inlet, in which the first fluid inlet and second fluid inlet are substantially situated opposite each other. The first channel comprises a first control outlet at the height of the first fluid inlet, and the second channel comprises a second control outlet at the height of the second fluid inlet, in which the respective control outlet is located in front of the respective fluid inlet in relation to the inflowing direction of the fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Bauer, Jakob Lohse, Wolfgang Nitsche
  • Patent number: 9333517
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator array includes a plurality of fluidic-oscillator main flow channels. Each main flow channel has an inlet and an outlet. Each main flow channel has first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof, and has a first and a second feedback ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. The feedback ports are located downstream of the control ports with respect to a direction of a fluid flow through the main flow channel. The system also includes a first fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each first control port and each first feedback port, and a second fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each second control port and each second feedback port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Mehti Koklu
  • Patent number: 9103230
    Abstract: An apparatus for the creation of an impingement jet generating annular swirls includes a fluidic switching element having an inlet branch with an inlet opening via which cooling gas can be supplied to the fluidic switching element, outlet branches provided downstream of the inlet branch and ending each in an outlet opening, a branching point at which the inlet branch splits into the outlet branches, and control means for controlling the cooling gas flowing in the inlet branch such that the cooling gas is routed alternatingly into the one or the other of the outlet branches, with an impingement jet pulsating at a frequency being generated in each outlet branch. The fluidic switching element is designed and provided for emitting cooling gas at the outlet openings with a mean outflow velocity and a frequency such that the impingement jet exiting the outlet openings forms annular swirls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Timm Janetzke
  • Patent number: 9033003
    Abstract: A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Standen, Douglas James Brunskill
  • Patent number: 8733401
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8646483
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the oscillator, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and wherein the first and second paths cross each other between the input and the respective first and second outputs. Another oscillator can include an input, first and second outputs, whereby a majority of fluid flowing through the fluidic oscillator exits the oscillator alternately via the first and second outputs, first and second paths from the input to the respective first and second outputs, and a feedback path which intersects the first path, whereby reduced pressure in the feedback path influences the majority of fluid to flow via the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8550120
    Abstract: A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, the first and second oscillation control ports transverse to the conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Gilad Arwatz, Ilan Fono, Avraham Seifert
  • Patent number: 8517105
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8517107
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8517108
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8517106
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8453745
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8381817
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill string and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8272404
    Abstract: A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas James Brunskill, Robert Standen
  • Patent number: 7909094
    Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Daniel D. Gleitman
  • Patent number: 7832430
    Abstract: Loss reduction apparatus for a fluid transfer system includes a fluid device. The fluid device defines a first fluid path along which a greater part of a fluid flows in a first condition, and a second fluid path along which a greater part of the fluid flows in a second condition. The apparatus is arranged so that when a leak occurs at a location in the system, the leak causes a relative reduction in fluid pressure at the location, which moves the device from the first condition to the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Timothy John Scanlon
  • Patent number: 7404416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert K. Michael, Pete C. Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp, James C. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7055541
    Abstract: A method and mechanism of producing a suction and periodic excitation flow. The method includes providing fluid flow from jet port with diameter dl at a controlled input pressure (Pin), directing the flow to a conduit with diameter d2, >d1, allowing additional fluid to join the flow through suction slot(s) to create an amplified flow in the conduit, further directing the amplified flow in a first direction by applying a transverse pressure differential, further redirecting the amplified flow in another direction by modifying an angle by which the transverse pressure differential is applied and iteratively repeating the further directing and further redirecting so that the amplified flow oscillates between the directions. The suction and periodic excitation flows may be employed, for example, to effectively control boundary layer separation. A mechanism for automated performance of the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Avraham Seifert, Shlomo Pastuer
  • Patent number: 6976507
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator is disclosed, wherein the fluidic oscillator includes a fluid source and a housing coupled to the fluid source. At least one recess is formed within the housing. An insert resides within each at least one recess; the insert provides at least one substantially flat surface. A fluid flowpath in the at least one substantially flat surface generates fluid pulses from fluid received from the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl D. Webb, James C. Tucker, Mardy L. Meadows, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 6553844
    Abstract: A single fluidic feedback oscillator incorporates two independent time event measurement means, resulting in a highly accurate volumetric flowmeter that is independent of the properties and composition of the flowing fluid. Under certain circumstances, when the relationship between speed of sound and specific heat of the fluid is generally known, the oscillator provides for a highly accurate sonic velocimeter and consequently can be used as a calorimeter. The main components of the invention are a fluidic amplifier oscillator, and two sets of sensors located at separate locations in either the feedback channels of the oscillator or in the oscillating jet flow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: metaSensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz M. Drzewiecki
  • Patent number: 6457658
    Abstract: A molded fluid device having a power nozzle with a width W and a coupling passage coupling a source of fluid to the power nozzle. The coupling passage is formed on one chip or insert surface and has a planar enlargement and a plurality of posts spaced across the enlargement, the spacing S between each post being less than the width of the power nozzle with the sum of spacing S being greater than the width W. A liquid spray nozzle is formed on an opposing chip surface and connected to the coupling passage downstream of the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Dharapuram N. Srinath, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 6253782
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a member having an oscillation inducing chamber, at least one source of fluid under pressure, at least a pair of power nozzles connected to the at least one source of fluid under pressure for projecting at least a pair of fluid jets into the oscillation chamber, and at least one outlet from the oscillation chamber for issuing a pulsating or oscillating jet of fluid to a point of utilization or ambient. A common fluid manifold connected to said at least a pair of power nozzles. The shape of the power nozzle manifold forms one of the walls of the interaction or oscillation chamber. In some of the fluidic circuits, the length can be matched to fit existing housings. The power nozzle can have offsets which produce yaw angles in a liquid spray fan angle to the left or right depending on the direction desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Surya Raghu
  • Patent number: 6250132
    Abstract: A modular apparatus for analyzing a fluid includes a disposable fluidic sensor module, a replaceable transducer module, and an expendable electronics package. The disposable fluidic sensor includes a fluidic flowmeter and a capillary structure formed in a plate-like member which receives a sample fluid flow. The fluidic flowmeter is responsive to the fluid flow to generate an output indicative of the flow rate of the fluid, and the capillary structure restricts the fluid flow such that a pressure drop across the capillary structure is related to the viscosity of the fluid. The fluidic flowmeter can be a fluidic oscillator whose oscillation frequency is related to the fluid flow rate. The oscillator flowmeter also serves as an orifice, with the pressure drop across the oscillator being related to the density of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: metaSENSORS, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz M. Drzewiecki
  • Patent number: 6186409
    Abstract: A molded fluidic device having a power nozzle with a width W and a coupling passage coupling a source of fluid to said power nozzle. The coupling passage has a planar enlargement and a plurality of posts spaced across the enlargement, the spacing S between each post being less than the width of the power nozzle with the sum of spacing S being greater than the width W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Dharapuram N. Srinath, Eric Koehler
  • Patent number: 5906224
    Abstract: An improved, panel-mounted fuel reserve valve for a recreational vehicle fuel system. The valve body is molded plastic with a cruciform-symmetrical arrangement of throughbores defining the fuel inlets, the fuel outlet and a valve bore for receiving an internal valve assembly. In the illustrated embodiment the fuel inlets are coaxial, the fuel outlet and the valve bore are coaxial, and the internal valve assembly includes a ball valve element which mates with O-ring type seals associated with the fuel inlets. In a preferred form the valve includes molded hose connectors inserted in the fuel inlets, the hose connectors having valve seat portions which define retainers for the O-rings to hold them firmly and precisely against the ball valve element in the valve body. The invention is also a method for achieving the inventive valve body structure with little or no "flash" or injection leakage which would affect the valve sealing tolerances inside the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Dapco Industries
    Inventors: Willis E. Tupper, Donald Koengeter
  • Patent number: 5820034
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator comprises a housing having interior walls defining a cylindrical space therein, a fluidic oscillator is mounted in said cylindrical space and has an oscillating chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. A power nozzle issues a jet of fluid into the oscillation chamber from the upstream end thereof, an outlet formed in the downstream end. A pair of control ports at opposing sides of the power nozzle are coupled to a pair of feedback entranceways in the downstream end of the oscillator chamber and at corresponding opposing sides of the outlet. The control passageways connect each feedback entranceway with the a control port on the opposing sides, respectively. Each control passageway is formed in part by the interior wall and the oscillator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Hess
  • Patent number: 5749525
    Abstract: A vehicle washer nozzle system having a source of washer liquid under pressure, a fluidic oscillator comprising a housing and a fluidic insert having a power nozzle, an oscillation chamber having an upstream end coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of washer liquid into the oscillation chamber and a downstream end having an outlet aperture for issuing a jet of wash liquid to ambient, and side and top and bottom walls, an oscillation inducing silhouette in the oscillation chamber for causing said jet of wash liquid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. Top and bottom walls of the oscillation chamber first diverge for a predetermined distance in a downstream direction and then converge towards each other through said outlet aperture. This enables the deflection angle to be adjusted for different vehicles and applications by changes to the fluidic insert without changes to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 5626166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature control valve having no mog parts. The temperature control valve has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A fluidic amplifier communicates with the fluid inlet and is characterized by a first outlet port for distributing a flow of fluid to an external device such as a heat exchanger, a second outlet port in communication with the fluid outlet, and two control ports. A feedback loop is used to control the fluidic amplifier. The feedback loop has a first channel with a temperature sensitive element connected to one of the control ports and a second channel with a bias resistor for setting a desired output temperature for fluid flowing through the fluid outlet. The first and second channels create a pressure difference between the control ports of the fluidic amplifier corresponding to the desired outlet temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Scott E. Hassan
  • Patent number: 5524660
    Abstract: A plate-type nozzle and a method of using same to atomize a liquid are disclosed, wherein the nozzle contains at least one nozzle plate having formed on a common facial surface thereof at least one atomization chamber containing: an inlet for a liquid stream; a jet-forming channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the inlet, the jet-forming channel being adapted to convert the stream into a jet; an interaction channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the jet-forming channel and having opposite first and second sides, the jet passing between the first and second sides and forming an attachment to either the first or second side; a split path having first and second branch channels associated with the respective first and second sides of the interaction channel, wherein attachment to the first side causes the jet to flow entirely into the first branch channel while attachment to the second side causes the jet to flow entirely into the second branch channel; at least one control channel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Dugan
  • Patent number: 5448969
    Abstract: A gas burner comprising a gas manifold feeding an array of fluidic oscillators. Each fluidic oscillator has a power nozzle connected to the gas manifold and an outlet for issuing a sweeping jet of gas to ambient. Each fluidic oscillator is spaced a predetermined distance from its neighboring fluidic oscillators and a baffle plate controls air flow to the sweeping jet of gas from each fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Stuart, Ronald D. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 5195560
    Abstract: A hydrofluidic oscillator including a momentum exchange fluidic amplifier coupled to a four-way reciprocal valve. The four-way valve is connected to control flow of hydraulic fluid from a source thereof to a using apparatus. The fluidic amplifier is connected to provide input signals to the four-way valve to cause the four-way valve to reciprocate responsive to the input signals. Both negative and positive feedback paths are provided from each outlet of the fluidic amplifier to the respective control ports to control oscillation of the four-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Muchlis Achmad
  • Patent number: 5129585
    Abstract: A spray-forming output device for fluidic oscillators to provide relatively wide-angle three-dimensional output spray patterns is connected to the output of a fluidic oscillator. The device comprises mutually counter-directed conduits whose entry regions are fed from the oscillator output and whose exit regions are connected to an interaction outlet region that includes a common outlet, the common outlet being directed substantially orthogonally with respect to the plane in which the counter-directed conduits are disposed. In one embodiment, the interaction outlet region includes an impact wall disposed at the exit regions of the counter-directed conduits proximally to the common outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Peter Bauer
  • Patent number: 4982753
    Abstract: A wafer stripping, cleaning and etching apparatus includes a bowl, a table in the bowl carrying cassette of wafers, and a spray post with multiple fluid passages and ports directing fluid spray against the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Grebinski, Jr., Samuel H. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 4955547
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillating nozzle that oscillates a fluid jet at high frequency by the use of fluidic amplification technology with no moving parts. The jet that issues from the nozzle is a zero-degree jet of fluid that maintains a very high energy density; however, due to its oscillation, its appearance is that of a fan-type jet that disperses at a fan angle from the nozzle. At a nominal distance from the nozzle, the jet covers the surface with a relatively broad area of flow while maintaining high energy impact density due to the impact effects of the non-expanding zero-degree jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Spectra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: RE38013
    Abstract: A vehicle washer nozzle liquid spray system having a source of washer liquid under pressure, a fluidic oscillator comprising a housing and a fluidic insert having a power nozzle, an oscillation chamber having an upstream end coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of washer liquid into the oscillation chamber and a downstream end having an outlet aperture for issuing a jet of wash liquid to ambient, and side and top and bottom walls, an oscillation inducing silhouette in the oscillation chamber for causing said jet of wash liquid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. Top and bottom walls of the oscillation chamber first diverge for a predetermined distance in a downstream direction and then converge towards each other through said outlet aperture. This enables the deflection angle to be adjusted for different vehicles uses and applications by changes to the fluidic insert without changes to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Stouffer