Abstract: In a pump chamber connected to a liquid supply, an overlapping piezoelectric flexural transducer is disposed so that when voltage pulses are applied to produce an excursion, a number of droplets can be expelled from a nozzle array in the housing wall of the pump chamber using a plurality of nozzles. Gaps are formed between the edges lateral to the direction of overhang an the free end of the piezoelectric flexural transducer ad adjacent section of the housing wall. The nozzle array can be disposed in the projection of the plate surface of the piezoelectric flexural transducer in its direction of motion or in the extension of the piezoelectric flexural element or in another suitable pattern. As part of a combustion device the droplet mist generator is excellent for producing a combustible fuel-oxidant mixture.

Abstract: A method for the controlled break-up of liquid jets for production of substantially monodispersed drops stands out for the fact that it comprises the steps of feeding a plurality of first liquid jets having steady motion to a plurality of mutually independent sectors and defined in a perforated surface, forming a head of liquid in the sectors near the perforated surface, causing the liquid to flow across the perforated surface to form a plurality of second liquid jets, periodically changing with a predetermined frequency the momentum of the liquid fed to a predetermined sector so as to impart to the liquid present in said sector a disturbance of predetermined magnitude consisting of a periodic change in the pressure near the perforated surface which is transmitted to the second liquid jets causing their controlled break-up in a plurality of substantially monodispersed drops.

Abstract: The first preferred embodiment of an improved fluid mixing system comprises a synthetic jet actuator aligned perpendicular to a primary fluid flow. When the synthetic jet actuator is driven at a very high frequency, small scale mixing of the primary fluid flow can be effectively controlled. A second preferred embodiment for a mixing system comprises at least one synthetic jet actuator attached to the housing of a primary jet such that the direction of the synthetic jet flow will be parallel to the direction of the primary jet flow. If the two jets are allowed to operate at the same time, the synthetic jet actuator will have the effect of more effectively mixing the primary jet into the ambient fluid. Another embodiment of an improved mixing system comprises a synthetic jet actuator situated in a closed volume. The fluid flow created by the synthetic jet actuator in the closed volume will greatly aid mixing of the fluids in the chamber without injecting any new matter into the chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for forming and launching a slug of liquid toward a designated target area includes a hollow chamber located on a desired incline having a lower liquid inlet and an upper exit orifice, which is preferably a knife edged orifice, in the upper surface of the chamber. A plug-stopper is located on the inner surface of the chamber which is movable between an engaged position blocking flow of liquid through the orifice and and a disengaged position allowing liquid to exit through the orifice. A pistion located within an operating cylinder has a piston rod which extends through the chamber and engages the plug-stopper and moves the plug-stopper between engaged and disengaged positions with the orifice. The piston is moved back and forth by a fluid moving the piston head in the cylinder back and forth. Preferably a stop is provided in the chamber which the stopper plug engages in the orifice disengaged position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injector for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing is provided. The method comprises the steps of selecting an elongated member of solid material having first and second ends and a gas delivery surface. At least one elongated passage for receiving a gas is formed in the elongated member and extending between the ends. At least one elongated distribution channel is formed by wire electrode discharge machining (EDM) extending from the elongated passage to the gas delivery surface for providing gas to the gas delivery surface.

Abstract: An aerial washing method for obtaining washing effects almost equal to those of underwater washing is embodied. An jet opening 12 for jetting high-pressure water in a direction generally parallel to the direction the nozzle's axis is provided in a nozzle port 11 of a washing nozzle 10, and a negative pressure is formed in the nozzle port 11 by jetting a high-pressure water jet. A low-pressure water inlet 14 and a gas inlet 15 through which low-pressure water and a gas, respectively, are sucked in using this negative pressure are provided in the washing nozzle 10. The low-pressure water and the gas are engulfed in the high-pressure water jet, and the resultant high-pressure jet of water is aerially directed against an object to wash it.

Abstract: A fountain apparatus includes a vibration imparting device disposed midway in a water passage pipe and a plurality of nozzles connected to a distal end of the water passage pipe on the downstream side of the vibration imparting device. The water spouting from the nozzles appears as drops of water due to vibrations from the vibration imparting device. The vibration imparting device has a diaphragm at the bottom of a tank, and the diaphragm suspends and holds a vibrator. When the diaphragm is vibrated by the vibrator, the vibrations propagate through the flowing water, and produces drops of water when the water spouts from an opening in each nozzle. The aperture of each nozzle exceeds 3 mm in diameter, and the diameter of the drops of spouting water exceeds 6 mm.

Abstract: This invention relates to pulsating rotating sprinklers which can be used for irrigation and for other applications. Such sprinklers are especially useful when their inlet is connected to an outlet from a pulsating device, which intermittently ejects pulsating fluid jets into the inlet of the sprinklers. A typical such sprinkler consists of a floating cylinder enclosed in a casing. The cylinder, which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, is floating, rotating, and intermittently ejecting pulsating jets of fluid. The combination of such a floating sprinkler and the unique properties of a pulsating device can be also used for operating innovative pulsating pop-up sprinklers.

Abstract: A variable flow sprinkler head having an inlet, an outlet and a nozzle, the nozzle having an orifice therein, the cross sectional area of the orifice being changeable by alternately inserting or removing a needle into the sprinkler head nozzle orifice. The needle diameter is sized to provide a predetermined flow rate reduction when the needle is inserted into the nozzle orifice. When the needle is removed full flow occurs. When the needle is inserted into the center of the nozzle orifice, the cross sectional area is effectively reduced by an amount equal to the cross sectional area of the needle. A linear actuator for the needle is centered above the outlet. The linear actuator may be either an electric solenoid or a hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the linear actuator may provide a mechanism to allow the sprinkler to be operated between either of two preselected flow rates or in the alternative to be shut off completely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontal channeling into a mountain of granite automatically have been developed in which a water jet nozzle contained in a rigid lance assembly advances in and out of the mountain to the depth of the lance in a horizontal plane along a line of cut predetermined by the setup of the apparatus and the original drilled hole. The jet oscillates back and forth in a transverse fashion, cleaving the crystal formation of the granite through the application of high pressure water pulsing at the appropriate angle of penetration to achieve the correct spalling of the granite surface in slightly upward direction such that the channel remains free of chips and grit for easy movement of the feed system. The machine advances incrementally just prior to the lance entering the channel, maintaining standoff distances to properly erode channel corners.

Abstract: A pressurized water toy providing a pressure actuated pulsator for shooting water in consecutive pulses. The pressure actuated pulsator includes expansible inlet and outlet tubing, a reservoir for the temporary retention of water, and a sphere-shaped obturator for temporarily blocking the flow of water through the outlet tubing. Flow of pressurized water into the expansible tubing expands and elongates the tubing and forces a seal to be formed by biasing the sphere-shaped obturator against a first end of the outlet tubing compressing a spring. A buildup of pressure behind the obturator causes the expansible tubing to expand and permit passage of the pressurized water around the obturator and into and through the nozzle. When the pressure behind the obturator drops below a certain level, the obturator again blocks the orifice into the outlet tubing causing a buildup of pressure there behind and the cycling of pulse of water flow continues.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the velocity of shaping air in a rotary bell atomizer for a paint sprayer, including a funnel that collects substantially all of the shaping air, a means for straightening the collected shaping air and a means for measuring the velocity of the straightened shaping air. These techniques enable the average velocity of the shaping air to be calibrated from a single velocity sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying a fluid (12) to a surface (13), the pressurised fluid being applied from a container (1) to the surface via a hollow needle (7). In order to preclude clogging of the needle the needle is subjected to a longitudinal vibration during the application of fluid. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method, the arrangement comprising a vibration device (3), such as a piezoelectric transducer, which can be coupled to the needle (7) to set the needle into longitudinal vibration. The fluid may be, for example, a solder paste or an adhesive.

Abstract: A fluid disperser is provided for dispersing a first fluid into a moving eam of a second fluid. After the first fluid is pressurized to at least twice the pressure of the second fluid, the first fluid is passed through a throat that increases the flow velocity of the first fluid to supersonic. A fluidic oscillator, coupled to the output of the throat, has a central axis of symmetry, a first end by which the first fluid enters the oscillator and a second end by which the first fluid exits the oscillator. The oscillator includes two opposing walls that diverge symmetrically about the central axis from the first to the second end at an angle of divergence relative to the central axis that causes the first fluid entering the first end to attach to either of the two opposing walls and continue therealong to the second end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a pulsed stream of discrete particles of absorbent material. The apparatus comprises a particle metering apparatus for providing a stream of particles having a predetermined mass flow rate, an ejector having an acceleration air nozzle for accelerating the stream of particles, at least one deceleration air nozzle; and valving for alternately directing air through the acceleration and deceleration nozzles. The apparatus can be used to form a fibrous web having a predetermined variation in basis weight of absorbent material along the length of the web.

Abstract: This invention relates to pulsating drip laterals for use in irrigation and other applications. The combination of pulsators and drip laterals is used for decreasing the flow of the drippers and for decreasing their chance of getting plugged. More specifically, this invention relates to pulsating drip laterals in which the pulsators are made so that pressurized fluid can flow through them while, at the same time, a low continuous flow of some of the fluid flows out from each pulsator at high intermittent pulsating flow to a group of drippers. It farther relates to pulsators that are connected in line of different types of drip conduit and to drip laterals in which pulsators are inserted in the drip conduits during the extrusion process of the conduits.

Abstract: A paint circulation system for supplying paint to a plurality of distributors utilizing a circulating pump to circulate paint to the distributors and an injection pump operated by a closely controlled electric motor for injecting paint into the circulation network from a paint supply reservoir to maintain a predetermined pressure within the circulation network. A "leakage" passage having a predetermined restriction permits paint to leave the circulation network when the valved paint distributors are closed, and the use of an automatic timing valve within the leakage bypass permits flow rates within the circulation network to be varied. The components permit paint viscosity and volumes to be determined, settling of the paint particles within the circulation network and degradation of the circulating paint is minimized, and circulating motor wear may be determined.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for regulating the meniscus of a water droplet in a high velocity water droplet apparatus in which a large pulse of energy are applied to the water droplet to propel the water droplet at high velocity. In this method the shape of the meniscus of the water droplet is observed and adjusted in accordance with the observation. The energy is applied to the water droplet substantially simultaneously with the observing of the shape of the meniscus. The shape of the meniscus is determined by observing a magnified image of the water droplet so that the adjustment may be made in accordance with the magnified image. The high energy is applied to the water droplet by means of a projectile and an energy transfer body which transfers energy from the projectile to the water droplet. A pressure adjustment device is provided for adjusting the pressure applied to the water droplet in order to adjust the meniscus.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a substrate with a relatively thin, uniform film of a liquid on a substrate with a minimum of waste. The apparatus includes a droplet generator capable of generating droplets of the liquid at a predetermined rate and of a predetermined size, a pulsed gas jet and a computer control which sequentially triggers the droplet generator and gas jet such that droplets are generated, then contacted by the gas jet, which accelerates the droplets and propels the droplets to impact and coat the substrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the droplet size and velocity are selected such that the droplets break up upon impact with the substrate without splashing or rippling. The apparatus and method are ideal for coating semiconductor wafers with a photoresist solution.

Abstract: A shower head includes a housing enclosing a first rotary valve member driven by a turbine wheel and gear reducer for cycling the flow rate through the housing between high and low flow rates, and a manually rotatable cross valve shaft provides for selecting the degree of cycling. A second rotary valve member is combined with a second turbine wheel for pulsating the cycling flow rate, and further rotation of the valve shaft provides for hydraulically shifting and stopping the second valve member for bypassing the pulsation to provide a full continuous water flow. Water is discharged from the shower head through flexible tubes arranged in groups which are twisted in response to rotation of a control ring for selecting a spray pattern between a tight penetrating pattern and a wide full pattern.

Abstract: An adjustable pulsator for a hair dryer has a rotatable disc 14 with peripheral blades 17. A housing 18 has apertures 26 which are effectively closed by more or the less by protrusions 27 when a ring 19 supporting the protrusions 27 is rotated relative to the housing 18. The more open the apertures, the faster the disc 14 will rotate in use.

Abstract: A fuel system is disclosed having a fuel nozzle which receives pulsed, pressurized fuel for injection into the intake of an engine. The nozzle has a valve seat assembly with an upstream and a downstream seat interconnected by a longitudinal passage and by a bypass extending from upstream of the first seat to a location intermediate of the two seats. A poppet valve assembly has interconnected upstream and a downstream valve members operable relative to respective valve seats to regulate flow through the nozzle. A biasing member urges the valve member into a closed position in which the upstream valve member is unseated and the downstream valve member is seated to interrupt flow therethrough and out of the nozzle. Introduction of a fuel pulse into the nozzle moves the upstream valve member into engagement with its valve seat to thereby unseat the downstream valve member to allow fuel flow through the bypass around the upstream valve/seat and out of the nozzle through the open, downstream valve/seat.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting erosive materials such as stone and the like includes a high-velocity, high-pressure water lance which can be raised and lowered as necessary. The lower end of the water lance carries a cutting head in the form of a nozzle assembly able to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the water lance. The water lance is mounted upon a carriage which can be propelled in directions at right angles to each other and the water lance may be supported by a vertically-disposed truss, which itself may be relocatable about the longitudinal axis of the lance.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a spray device having a spray nozzle relative to a target substrate, which apparatus includes drive mechanisms for moving the spray device in the X, Y and Z directions, and separate mechanisms for rotating the spray nozzle relative to the spray device and for tilting the spray nozzle relative to the spray device and including a pressure regulator to vary the width of the spray pattern as the spray device moves relative to the target substrate.

Abstract: A valve metering system for spraying agricultural chemicals to the soil from a driver-operated moving vehicle through nozzles substantially independent of pump pressure. The system has a valve which is driver presetable prior to spraying. The valve is driver adjustable while the vehicle is moving for increasing or decreasing nozzle flow. Indicating means readable by the driver from the moving vehicle during spraying indicates spray rate through the nozzles as a percentage of pump flow.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquid or powder in a gaseous medium, preferably in air. The liquid or powder is placed into an ejection tube (2) and pressurized gaseous propellant (4) is conducted at explosion-like speed behind the charge (1). The apparatus has an ejection tube (2) containing the liquid or powder charge (1), a propellant container (3) connected with one end of the ejection tube (2). The ejection tube (2) and propellant container (3) are interconnected by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-action locking element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for jet printing, e.g. of textile fabrics, are disclosed. Metered quantities of fluid, e.g. dye, are supplied in a succession of discrete small quantities through capillaries in boards which can be angled relatively to a moving fabric for fineness of spacing. Multiple boards extend across the fabric path and the capillaries pass the dye on computer command to print any desired pattern. Each row of boards can replace a conventional printing screen in a multicolour printing machine.

Abstract: A device for the automatic pulsating delivery of an irrigation liquid is described, connectable upstream to the liquid source of constant or substantially constant pressure and downstream to an open-circuit distribution network provided with pressure-sensitive secondary valves which in response to pressure change open or close to enable the irrigation liquid to emerge. An irrigation system is also described in which said device is connected to a distribution network comprising a plurality of valves sensitive to pressure change and each provided with a delivery nozzle.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments of the invention described comprise systems for pulse distribution of irrigating fluid. The systems described include a header that feeds at least one irrigating line in which an array of emitter valves are connected in series to a header. Elastic tubes between each of the emitter valves serve as reservoirs for the irrigating fluid between pulses. A pulser connects the irrrigating fluid conduit to the header in response to activation from a pilot valve. An optional accumulator bellows that is joined to the header collects surplus irrigating fluid and returns it to the system at the appropriate time in the pulse cycle. The pilot valve, moreover, responds to pressure fluctuations by activating and deactvating the pulser. An adjustable spring biased variable capacitance chamber and a fluid diode, moreover, that are coupled to the pilot valve combine to determine the irrigation pulse repetition rate.

Abstract: A rotating head mounts a nozzle which creates cavitation in a pressurized fluid such that a surface may be quickly and efficiently cleaned. The rotation of the nozzle ensures a relatively wide cleaning path. The cavitation allows cleaning using only the pressurized fluid jet without any necessary abrasives, while still fully utilizing high rotational speeds. A preferred cavitating jet nozzle is also disclosed for producing cavitation in the pressurized fluid. The cavitating jet nozzle includes a pin received at a central position which lowers the pressure of the pressurized fluid such that cavitation bubbles form in the fluid. The pin is self-centering within the nozzle since it is free floating relative to a securing member which retains the pin in the nozzle. In addition, the pin preferably has an end face upstream of an outlet portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a central support wand mounts a shower head thereon, with the shower head including a first conduit directing a first stream of water from a first source at an annular array from the head, with a central housing in the head rotatably mounted to direct and disperse a spray therefrom in a continuous and pulsating stream arrangement.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated liquid spraying system for controlling the volumetric flow through pressure-atomization spray nozzles is disclosed. Each nozzle is attached to a direct acting, in-line solenoid valve which is connected to a liquid supply at constant pressure. The valve is excited by square wave pulses of variable frequency and duty cycle to reciprocate between its fully open and closed positions and thereby control the flowrate over a range without changing droplet size and spray pattern. The frequency and duty cycle of the square wave pulses are varied and controlled by feedback data of relative target movement, size, shape and other factors as well as by gated sampling of the dynamic pressure in a region between the valve seat and nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A hot air pulse generator, particularly for use as a hair dryer, includes a housing enclosing an electric heater and air blower for generating a continuous flow of heated air through a passageway leading to a nozzle. A gently curved baffle arranged across the passageway upstream of the nozzle cuts off 50-75% of the cross section of the passageway and converges the heated air as a high speed air stream toward one side of the passageway. A butterfly valve freely rotatable through 360.degree. on a spindle disposed at an acute angle is located between the baffle and nozzle in the path of the air stream and is continuously rotated by the air flow to effect an intermittent pulsed air output flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: A cavitating jet nozzle is disclosed for producing cavitation in a pressurized fluid such as a water used to clean a surface. The cavitating jet nozzle includes a pin received at a central position which lowers the pressure of the pressurized fluid such that cavitation bubbles form in the fluid. The pin is free-floating relative to a securing member which retains the pin in the nozzle, and is thus self-centering. The inventive cavitating nozzle is easily maintained since the pin is self-centering and need not be repeatedly centered. The pin preferably has an end face upstream of an outlet portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A rotary water sprinkler includes a plunger reciprocatable within the nozzle to restrict and englarge the nozzle throat so as to enable larger size nozzles to be used for obtaining a larger range, while the reciprocating plunger cyclically restricts and enlarges the nozzle discharge nozzle to restrict the discharge rate. The sprinkler further includes a pivotal arm impacted by the water jet and returned by a spring in order to reciprocate the plunger and also to rotate the sprinkler head.

Abstract: Method steps for production of substantially uniform size droplets from a flow of liquid include forming the flow of liquid, periodically modulating the momentum of the flow of liquid in the flow direction at controlled frequency, generating a cross flow direction component of momentum and modulation of the cross flow momentum of liquid at substantially the same frequency and phase as the modulation of flow direction momentum, and spraying the so formed modulated flow through a first nozzle outlet to form a desired spray configuration. A second modulated flow through a second nozzle outlet is formed according to the same steps, and the first and second modulated flows impinge upon each other generating a liquid sheet. Nozzle apparatus for modulating each flow includes rotating valving plates interposed in the annular flow of liquid. The plates are formed with radial slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing droplets of molten thermoplastic adhesive onto a moving substrate comprises a spray device having a nozzle formed with a discharge outlet which ejects a continuous stream of molten thermoplastic adhesive. A stitcher device connected to a source of pressurized air is operative to supply intermittent, pulsed jets of atomizing air to air jet bores associated with the nozzle which discharge the pulsed air jets into contact with the exterior of the continuous stream of molten thermoplastic material with sufficient energy to shear well defined globules or droplets from the continuous stream and either allow such droplets to fall onto the substrate under the influence of gravity and due to the momentum of the stream in an essentially straight-line pattern, or to project such droplets onto the substrate to form an essentially random pattern of droplets.

Abstract: In a mineral mining machine of the shearer drum cutter loader type, a system for supplying water at the required pressures includes an intensifier to which in use mine supply water is fed, the pressure being enhanced in the high pressure chambers and the high pressure water being fed to jets on the end of the cutting drum. Water exhausting from the low pressure chambers is fed to the dust and frictional sparking suppression sprays arrayed along the surface of the cutting drum. The method of the invention consists of generating in a simple and effective manner the requisite water pressures utilizing an existing main supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying droplets of molten thermoplastic adhesive comprises a spray device having a nozzle formed with a discharge outlet which ejects a continuous stream of molten thermoplastic adhesive. A stitcher device connected to a source of pressurized air is operative to supply intermittent, pulsed jets of atomizing air to air jet bores associated with the nozzle which discharge the pulsed air jets into contact with the exterior of the continuous stream of molten thermoplastic material forming well defined globules or droplets for deposition onto a substrate.

Abstract: A device for the automatic and pulsed delivery of an irrigation liquid, which can be connected, at its upstream side, to a source liquid under a constant or substantially constant pressure, and at its downstream side, to a distribution network equipped with pressure-responding valves. These valves are capable of closing, during the step charging of the distribution system, at a pressure equal to, or substantially equal to, the liquid feed pressure, and of opening, during irrigation liquid expelling, when the pressure decreases under said value. The device comprises a Venturi device, fed with the same irrigation liquid, from whose region of constricted stream a duct is branched off, to transmit to a sliding member depressure generated by the Venturi.

Abstract: Discrete volumes, or slugs, of liquid are accelerated to high velocities utilizing energy stored by compressing the liquid. Liquid is forced into a pressure vessel already filled with liquid to effect the compression. A slug of liquid is ejected from the pressure vessel into a cumulation nozzle by the energy stored in the compressed liquid when a valve is rapidly opened. The valve is unseated when an unseating force exceeds a closing bias. The valve is then opened rapidly by an opening force generated by the compressed liquid. By repetitively introducing highly pressurized liquid into the pressure vessel, the valve automatically cycles to generate a series of pulsed liquid jets. Rapid opening of the valve is aided by an extension on the valve member which sealingly slides inside the passage of the cumulation nozzle to block release of liquid until the valve member accelerates sufficiently that the required opening rate is achieved as the extension clears the nozzle passage.

Abstract: An oscillating wave-type sprinkler having a housing supporting an elongated spray tube which is driven by a water motor to oscillate from side-to-side about a generally horizontal axis. A throttling mechanism is provided to cyclicly throttle the water flow to the spray tube to improve distribution and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the wave-shaped spray, and the spray tube is mounted to the housing by end fittings which eliminate thrust loading on the tube.

Abstract: Airpowered water displays for generating transient water displays which may have variable and high energy content are disclosed. In one form, a cylindrical chamber with a nozzle at one end thereof is disposed within a pool or lake so that the tip of the nozzle is substantially flush with the top of the water. Coupled to the lower part of the cylindrical chamber through a solenoid valve is a compressed air tank which, between firings, is filled with compressed air at a pressure selected in accordance with the height of the water display desired, with the pressure being varied between firings, such as by way of computer control. Opening of the solenoid valve couples the high pressure air to the bottom of the water column in the cylindrical chamber, forcing most of the water therein upward through the nozzle to heights which may reach one hundred fifty feet or more, dependent upon the pressure. Between firings, the cylindrical chamber is automatically refilled by the surrounding water.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for generating a pulsed liquid stream, comprising a fluid tight housing having a cylindrical side wall, and first and second ends being compact enough to be hand held by a user. A piston mounted in the housing forms a liquid tight seal with the sides of the housing and slides between a first and a second position in response to an actuation means operated by hand pressure. An output port in the second end of the housing is connected to a nozzle for directing liquid at a desirable location. A liquid control means connected between the output port and the nozzle receives pressurized liquid exiting through the output port and transfers discrete portions of the liquid to the nozzle forming a pulsative stream of liquid exiting the nozzle.

Abstract: A windshield washer control for a vehicle is responsive to vehicle speed to vary the speed of an electric motor driven pump so as to vary the pump pressure with vehicle speed and thus counteract the downward dislocating effect, increasing with vehicle speed, of air rushing over the windshield, whereby the cleaning fluid is applied to a predetermined target area of the windshield regardless of varying vehicle speed. In addition, the pump may be activated for a time varying inversely with vehicle speed to counteract the variation of volume flow with varying pump pressure and thus cause a substantially constant volume of cleaning fluid to be applied to the windshield for each activation of the pump.

Abstract: Discrete volumes, or slugs, of liquid are accelerated to high velocities utilizing energy stored by compressing the liquid. Liquid is forced into a pressure vessel already filled with liquid to effect the compression. A slug of liquid is ejected from the pressure vessel into a cumulation nozzle by the energy stored in the compressed liquid when a valve is rapidly opened. The valve is unseated when an unseating force exceeds a closing bias. The valve is then opened rapidly by an opening force generated by the compressed liquid. By repetitively introducing highly pressurized liquid into the pressure vessel, the valve automatically cycles to generate a series of pulsed liquid jets. Rapid opening of the valve is aided by an extension on the valve member which sealingly slides inside the passage of the cumulation nozzle to block release of liquid until the valve member accelerates sufficiently that the required opening rate is achieved as the extension clears the nozzle passage.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser including a nozzle chamber for holding fluid to be dispensed and a diaphragm forming at least a portion of the chamber and having an aerosol dispensing nozzle disposed therein. The chamber includes a nozzle region proximate the nozzle and a larger reservoir region interconnected to the nozzle region. There is a restrictive passage for introducing fluid from the reservoir region to the nozzle region and restricting backflow from the nozzle region to the reservoir region. A driver, typically a piezoelectric bender, is provided to drive fluid from the reservoir region to the nozzle region and from the nozzle region through the nozzle to create an aerosol spray.

Abstract: An atomizer with a capillary passage to a tip surface which is vibrated by a directly coupled ultrasonic device to disperse droplets of liquid fed to the passage. The tip is associated with a heated vaporization chamber, and a cooling chamber between the tip and the ultrasonic device protects the device from the heat of the chamber.

Abstract: The enhanced flow drill bit in one embodiment includes an upper body section having a bore therein and a lower body section formed integrally with the upper body section and including three passageways to transmit fluid outwardly of the drill bit body. The passageways, when intermittently open, transmit fluid flowing downwardly through the drill bit body and outwardly of the passageways to cause a cross flow in the area of the cone-type cutters. A rotor is mounted within a bore within the upper body section to intermittently open and close passageways to provide for an intensification of flow through the remaining open passageway to create high jet impact force of fluid flowing outwardly of the drill bit body to enhance cross flow and the removal of drill cuttings. Annular internal reflective surfaces are provided to substantially utilize the effect of any transient pressure surges that are created during operation of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve assembly including a hollow body housing a tubular flexible diaphragm therein to provide a passage for fluid flow through the body. The assembly includes means whereby pressures within the diaphragm and in the chamber between the diaphragm and the hollow body are controlled so that, in use with fluid flowing through the diaphragm, it will be caused to automatically and repeatedly contract and expand. This will result in a pulsating flow of fluid through the assembly. Such a valve assembly finds particular application in a swimming pool cleaner operating off the reduced pressure provided by the pump for the conventional pool filtration plant and this invention includes a cleaner of this type including a valve assembly as set forth.