Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle body having a longitudinal axis. An elongated annular air passage is defined within the nozzle body. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart axially extending swirl vanes is disposed within the annular air passage. Each swirl vane has an axially swept cross-sectional profile along the radial extent thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in an emergency fixture is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body and a control element at least partially located in the body and configured to impart rotation into the fluid flow. The control element includes an inlet that receives the fluid flow. The control element also includes a first outlet portion configured to guide a first portion of the fluid flow out of the control element as an axial flow and a second outlet portion configured to provide rotation to a second portion of the fluid flow relative to the axial flow. The first portion of the fluid flow exits the control element at a position downstream from the position that the second portion of the fluid flow exits the control element.

Abstract: A spray head for a power sprayer configured to generate a continuous sheet-like water shield around a center stream of water is disclosed. A water delivery device for use with a sink is disclosed, the water delivery device may produce a stream of water surrounded by a continuous shield of water.

Abstract: Toy water guns include a housing supporting a liquid storage reservoir, a conduit for establishing fluid communication between the reservoir and a discharge orifice disposed proximate a front end of the housing, a trigger mechanism, a fluid transfer system adapted to develop forces for causing a continuous or pulsed stream of liquid to flow through the conduit and out of the discharge orifice when the trigger is pressed. An illustrative embodiment employs a nozzle translation assembly that is dimensioned and arranged to move the discharge orifice along a time varying path relative to the housing as a stream of liquid is discharged. The time varying path may be circular, as to obtain a helical or spiral flow pattern or non-circular as to obtain, for example, a zig-zagging or figure eight pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in an emergency fixture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first control element at least partially located in the body and configured to impart rotation into the fluid flow. The second control element comprises an inlet that receives fluid, and an outlet that divides the fluid flow into at least a first portion and a second portion. The outlet comprises a first outlet portion and a second outlet portion. The first outlet portion guides the first portion of the flow out of the flow rotation element as an axial flow, and wherein the second outlet portion provides rotation to the second portion of the flow relative to the axial flow.

Abstract: A valve seat 14 having an injection hole 14b is fixed at one end of a hollow valve main body 15, a valve body 12 slidably supported so as to be separated from and brought into contact with the valve seat 14 to open and close the injection hole 14b and a swirler 16 for surrounding the valve body 12 to slidably support the valve body 12 and for imparting a swirling motion to fuel flowing into the injection hole 14b are equipped, a swirling groove 16b in the swirler 16 includes a curvature part 16b3 in a groove outlet, and a sectional configuration of the swirling groove 16b is constituted so that the depth of the central part is larger than the depth of the end part.

Abstract: A spray cooling system includes a spray delivery device and a cooling liquid delivered to the spray delivery device. The spray delivery device includes one or more inlet apertures and one or more corresponding outlet apertures, at least one pair of inlet aperture and corresponding outlet aperture being positioned relative to each so as to form an asymmetric non-uniform density full-cone spray pattern.

Abstract: A shower device includes: a driving unit including a housing and a core allowed to reciprocate by water which is introduced into the housing; a shower part allowed to swing; a water guide channel introducing water which is introduced into the housing to the shower part; and a power transmission part transmitting a motion of the core to the shower part. The shower part sprinkles water while swinging when water is introduced into the housing.

Abstract: An improved shower head having multiple modes of operation. The shower head may include a first turbine and turbine, each disposed within a unique flow channel. The first and second turbines may interrupt water flow through their respective flow channels, thereby providing at least one pulsating water spray emanating from the shower head. The shower head may include a third flow channel having no turbine disposed therein, such that water flowing through the third flow channel is not interrupted and thus emitted from the shower head as a drenching spray.

Abstract: A flat pump for producing liquid spray or for producing an atomized liquid stream may have a thickness of 6 millimeters or less. The flat pump may include an internal reservoir, a valve, a valve conduit and a vortex chamber wherein fluid from the reservoir may be pumped through the valve, along the valve conduit, and into the vortex chamber. An atomized liquid stream, spray, or mist formed in the vortex chamber may be expelled from the flat pump.

Abstract: A flat pump for producing liquid spray or for producing an atomized liquid stream may have a thickness of 6 millimeters or less. The flat pump may include an internal reservoir (3), a valve (19), a valve conduit (45) and a vortex chamber (49) wherein fluid from the reservoir may be pumped through the valve, along the valve conduit, and into the vortex chamber. An atomized liquid stream, spray, or mist formed in the vortex chamber may be expelled from the flat pump.

Abstract: A coal nozzle assembly for a pulverized coal burner includes a diffuser. A flow conditioner also may be used with the assembly. The assembly conditions the coal/air flow before the coal/air flow is introduced to the furnace. The flow conditioner directs the coal into the diffuser where it is swirled to form a fuel rich outer ring disposed about an air rich inner portion before the fuel is delivered to the coal nozzle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid flows longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the liquid being treated in the chamber.

Abstract: A synthetic jet includes an inner wall configured to surround a heat-generating component, a plurality of walls coupled to the inner wall, the inner wall and the plurality of walls configured to enclose a volume surrounding the inner wall, an actuator coupled to one of the plurality of walls and the inner wall. The inner wall has a plurality of orifices formed therein configured to direct a fluid toward the heat-generating component upon activation of the actuator.

Abstract: The nozzle contains at least one swirl chamber (8), which is cylindrical in shape and situated between the spin chamber (7) and the outlet opening (4), and the diameter (d1) of the first swirl chamber (8), connected with a spin chamber (7), is less than the diameter (D) of the spin chamber (7). When the number of swirl chambers (8) is greater than one, the diameter (d2) of each following swirl chamber (9) is less than that of the preceding swirl chamber (8). The nozzle has an outlet chamber (10), which sides have one or more air inlet. The method of optimization of the working parameters of the water spray nozzle consists in that the stream drawn from the water supply conduit is supplied into the spin chamber (7) entirely or at least 95% through the spin channels (6, 6?) and the stream is put through one or more successive cylindrical swirl chamber(s) (8, 9) having decreasing diameters (d2<d1), and then it is directed to the outlet opening (4).

Abstract: A spray device that includes a swirl atomizer and a source of pressurized liquid. The atomizer includes a housing that defines a tubular chamber having a side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall that opposes the first end wall. The atomizer further includes a bleed outlet channel in the second end wall that is configured to bleed an excess liquid from the atomizer, and a spray outlet channel in the first end wall. The spray outlet channel is narrower than the bleed outlet channel. The side wall includes a first face and a second face that opposes the first face. A length of the chamber between the first end wall and the second end wall is at least twice a width of the chamber between the first face and the second face of the side wall.

Abstract: A pressurized spray system. The spray system has a flow path through which contents must pass to be dispensed from the system to the atmosphere. By maintaining the proper proportions of restrictions in the flow path to the spray nozzle exit orifice, a relatively constant mean particle size distribution may be obtained throughout the life of the spray system as the pressure decays.

Abstract: A full cone liquid spray nozzle is provided. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body having a discharge orifice at a downstream end and an inlet at an upstream end for connection to a liquid supply. A liquid flow passageway extends through the nozzle body communicating between the inlet and the discharge orifice. A vane is disposed in the liquid flow passageway upstream of the discharge orifice. The vane has a plurality of V-shaped passageways therein. Each V-shaped passageway extends inward at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vane between an upstream face and downstream face of the vane. A whirl and mixing chamber defined by the liquid flow passageway is arranged between the vane and the discharge orifice.

Abstract: A spray nozzle which employs a locking and an alignment feature to facilitate the replacement of internal nozzle components. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body, a swirl element and an orifice disc. The nozzle body defines a central bore which extends between a fluid receiving section and a fluid discharge section and delineates a central axis and delimits an interior locating surface for swirl element and the orifice disc. The orifice disc includes a protuberance associated with the downstream surface thereof which protrudes into the spray opening of the nozzle body.

Abstract: A repairable fuel nozzle is disclosed, comprising an adaptor configured to direct a fuel flow from at least one flow passage in a fuel distributor to a pilot assembly comprising a fuel swirler.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include: confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structures, mass spectrometry systems including a confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structure, methods of using the confining/focusing vortex flow transmission structure, methods of using mass spectrometry system, methods of transmitting droplets and ions, methods of evaporating droplets and desolvating ions, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spray device for fire fighting, which sprays atomized water to extinguish a fire. The spray device (100) includes an upper body (10), a lower body (20) which is removably coupled to the upper body (10), a nozzle tip (30) which has a swirl (39) therein and is removably inserted into each nozzle tip hole (22) of the lower body (20), and an interposition unit (40). The spray device (100) further includes an inclined surface (16), a tightening contact surface (19-1) provided on an outer surface of a circular head part (19) of the upper body (10), a working groove (26) to provide an internal thread (25) on the lower body (20), and a hemispherical mesh (42) which has a convex shape and is provided in a chamber (41) defined at a center position between the upper body (10) and the lower body (20).

Abstract: A nozzle system for an injector may include a casing that has an inlet through which liquid flows and an injector outlet through which liquid is outwardly injected, a swirler that is disposed inside the casing and includes at least one swirl groove formed in the exterior circumference thereof through which liquid passes and a swirl chamber formed between an end portion thereof and the injector outlet, and a needle for controlling liquid injection whereby swirl torque is generated when the liquid flows into the swirl chamber through the swirl groove and the liquid swirls in the swirl chamber.

Abstract: A shower head providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The shower head includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.

Abstract: A liquid atomizer for agricultural use includes at least one canal in fluid communication via a chamber with an outlet. At least a section of the canal extends along a straight line and tangentially opens into the chamber.

Abstract: In the fuel nozzle, the fuel is circulated in a helical path around the interface of a stem of the fuel nozzle and a flange for increase the cooling.

Abstract: A spray cooling system includes a spray delivery device and a cooling liquid delivered to the spray delivery device. The spray delivery device includes one or more inlet apertures and one or more corresponding outlet apertures, at least one pair of inlet aperture and corresponding outlet aperture being positioned relative to each so as to form an asymmetric non-uniform density full-cone spray pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fluid flow through a spray nozzle comprising a circular chamber (1) defined by spaced apart end walls, a peripheral side wall (3), a central axis, and a first inlet at or near the peripheral side wall (3) to allow a flow of fluid to enter said chamber (1) tangential to the peripheral side wall (3), and an outlet (4) exiting through one of the end walls. In use a flow of fluid entering through the first inlet has a primary lower layer (16) that follows a first circular flow path which forms a vortex commencing at the peripheral side wall (3) and increases in velocity and pressure towards the outlet and at least one secondary upper layer (17) that substantially follows a second flow path radially inwardly towards the central axis. The primary lower layer (16) and the secondary upper layer (17) interact and support each other over at least a portion of flow between the inlet and outlet (4).

Abstract: A spraying head assembly has a tubular body, a cap, an upper plug, a lower plug and a spring. The cap is attached to the body and has a spraying channel, a conical cavity and a spraying hole. The conical cavity is defined inside the cap and communicates with the spraying channel and the spraying hole. The upper plug is held in the body and comprises a spraying end, a connecting end, a head and shaft. The head has a recess communicating with the spraying channel having a conical bottom. Multiple passages are defined in the head and communicate with the recess. The lower plug is mounted movably in the chamber in the body and is connected to the upper plug using the spring. In this arrangement, a liquid supplied to the connecting end forms vortexes in the body to reduce particles of liquid nebulization and raise ejection speed and therefore distance.

Abstract: A fluid product spray head (40) comprises a spray orifice (45) and a spray profile (100) upstream from this spray orifice (45). Said spray profile has a swirling chamber (101) connected, during the spraying of the product, to the spray orifice (45) and to at least one non-radial channel (110) connected to the swirling chamber (101). The spray profile (100) is provided in the bottom of the spray head (40). A obturator (38) interacts with the spray orifice (45) while being able to be displaced and/or deformed between a closing position of the spray orifice (45) and an open position of the spray orifice (45). The inventive spray head (40) has an axially hollow sleeve (150) that accommodates the spray profile (100), and said obturator (38) axially displaces and/or deforms at least partially in said sleeve (150).

Abstract: A humidifier (1) includes a gaseous flow-generating unit interacting with a unit for producing fluid droplets in such a way that a mist is formed. According to the invention, the gaseous flow-generating unit includes a centrifugal fan (2) which is provided with an input (5) oriented along the axis of rotation of the fan (2) and a radial output (6) for generating a radial droplet-transporting flow.

Abstract: A discharge head for fluids, with a discharge nozzle (1) which has a discharge opening (2) and accommodates an internal sleeve (5) in which is arranged an internal body (4) which delimits an outlet channel (7) and has a connecting element (8) for connection to a counterpart (9) of a discharging apparatus, the internal sleeve (5) having, on the end side adjacent to the discharge opening (2), a sealing surface (10) against which a valve stopper (3) which is located on the internal body (4) and closes the outlet channel (7) is spring prestressed.

Abstract: A dynamic spray system for effectively thermally managing electronic components. The dynamic spray system includes a thermal management system including a spray unit, and a control unit in communication with the thermal management system. The spray unit includes a spray head and an atomizer within the spray head for dispensing a continuous coolant spray having a spray characteristic. The control unit delivers an electrical signal to the spray unit dependent upon feedback data received from the thermal management system, wherein the electrical signal controls the spray unit to adjust the spray characteristic of the continuous coolant spray.

Abstract: A misting spray nozzle includes a hollow body having an interior wall descending from an upper end to a lower end. The interior wall tapers toward the lower end to form a choke. A channel section provides two fluid paths descending from an upper central aperture. A turbine is sized and shaped to fit closely within the choke and has spiral grooves on its outer surface. The turbine attaches to the body at its upper end and has a cone-shaped opening at its lower end. A conical core is sized and shaped to fit closely within the cone-shaped opening and has grooves spiraling in an opposite direction on its outer surface. The core is attached at its upper end to the turbine. The two sets of spiral grooves define a pair of intersecting fluid control paths that meet at the lower end of the body to create a dense mist.

Abstract: A trigger sprayer has a nozzle assembly that dispenses a spray of liquid in a fan pattern that is selectively oriented horizontally or vertically. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle housing and nozzle cap mounted on the nozzle housing, where the nozzle cap is rotatable relative to the nozzle housing to direct a fan spray pattern of liquid from the nozzle cap in both a vertical and horizontal orientation, and prevent the discharge of liquid from the nozzle cap in cap positions between the horizontal and vertical orientations.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization. In one embodiment, a flow barrier is disposed in the spray coating device downstream of an internal fluid valve and upstream of a fluid exit. The flow barrier may have a plurality of passages configured to direct fluid streams to create a fluid swirling and rotating motion around a central axis of a central flow path to facilitate fluid mixing and breakup. The plurality of passages may direct the fluid streams toward a surface, and may be angled substantially toward one another or diverging from one another. Embodiments of the spray coating device may further include an atomization mechanism adapted to facilitate formation of a spray of the fluid flowing from the fluid exit. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.

Abstract: A spray head provided with a plurality of nozzles defined by a base and a deflector cap. Each nozzle is provided with a deflector portion or nozzle plate for directing an upward traveling fluid in an outward direction. Furthermore, the deflector portion may be provided with steps or vanes for altering and varying the flow characteristics of a fluid spray pattern exiting the nozzle. In this manner, different portions of the fluid spray pattern may be projected to varying distances so that the fluid may cover an area having generally straight boundaries and having one or more right angles. Furthermore, the fluid spray pattern may be used to cover a triangular area. In this manner, overspray is reduced. The areas covered by independent nozzles of the spray head may be proximally located by their arrangement within the spray head so as to minimize overlap of the areas.

Abstract: A pump-dispensing atomizer includes a dispensing pump with a closure to engage with a container. The dispensing pump includes a pressing button with a booster chamber formed inside, a nozzle with one end extending from the pressing button and a probe formed with at least one section. An interior of the nozzle is formed with a guide chamber, and one end of the guide chamber is connected to the booster chamber. The guide chamber has at least one expanding sub-chamber. After the probe is disposed in the guide chamber, a boosting channel is formed between the expanding sub-chamber and the stepped section. Moreover, the pressure accumulator is mounted on the other end of the nozzle, which is formed with a spraying opening communicated to outer environment. As such, the pressure of liquid flowing in the nozzle will be increased effectively so that liquid is sprayed out with a higher pressure to increase the spraying speed of the liquid.

Abstract: An atomizer spray plate including a body having an inlet surface and an exit surface, a swirl chamber within the body and adjacent to the inlet surface, an atomizer hole extending through the body from the swirl chamber to the exit surface, and a plurality of elongated protrusions upon the inlet surface extending radially from the swirl chamber, wherein the plurality of elongated protrusions define a plurality of venturi inlets to the swirl chamber between adjacent protrusions.

Abstract: The push-button is made up of two parts which fit into each other and define between them a whirl chamber, a part of which is formed by a cavity (38) defined inside the outer part on a face of the latter that is tilted in a direction and at a sufficient angle (?), suitable for making it possible to remove the outer part from the mould “along the axis” without damaging the cavity.

Abstract: Using a swirl type fuel injection valve, a concentrated spray area and a thin spray area are formed, the positions thereof are adjusted, and the spray is made to conform to the geometric shape of the engine and mounting position of the fuel injection valve, so as to reduce the fuel consumption and control the unburnt components in exhaust gas. The fuel injection valve is so constructed that a step is formed on the injection hole opening of the fuel injection valve, so as to provide two or more edge transition portions at the injection hole opening, resulting from the step, and the line connecting the edge transition portions forms an oblique angle relative to the wall formed by the step perpendicular to the injection hole center axis and the angled wall.

Abstract: A rotor plate for a sprinkler includes a water impingement surface bounded by an annular peripheral wall and having a radial center, and adapted to be impinged upon by a stream emitted from a nozzle. The water impingement surface is formed to include at least one radially extending drive channel having an entrance proximate the radial center and an exit in the peripheral wall, the drive channel curving from entrance to exit in a first direction so as to cause the plate to rotate when the stream exits at an offset from the center of rotation; at least one range channel extending substantially radially with little or no curving, from entrance to exit; and at least one brake channel curving from entrance to exit in a second direction opposite the first direction to thereby resist rotation of the plate caused by at least one drive channel.

Abstract: A dispenser bottle comprising two receptacles for two (preferably different) fluid active substances wherein both receptacles have outlets arranged next to one another in such a way that both active fluids can be applied to a common application field. The receptacles are compressible and provided with discharge nozzles so that the active fluids are mixed with one another only after exiting from the discharge nozzles. The nozzle channels of the discharge nozzles taper towards each other and are preferably substantially parallel. The nozzle channels have an annular construction below the outlet on the inner periphery and have edged transitions with a chamfer forming a bevel on the influx side.

Abstract: A breath actuated metered dose inhaler including a housing, a mouthpiece positioned at one end of the housing, and a mechanical release mechanism positioned at another end of the housing. The release mechanism is triggered by a diaphragm and the inhaler is configured such that the air inhalation pathway is unimpeded by the release mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically-powered fluid sprayer employs a piezoelectric fluid pump that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a pump chamber, and a piezoelectric element that is deformed and displaced by electrical signals supplied thereto to vary the volume of the pump chamber. Such displacement pumps fluid into the inlet port and into the pump chamber and discharges fluid from the pump chamber out the outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid-communication with a fluid reservoir. Spin mechanics may be disposed downstream from the outlet port of the fluid pump and upstream from the discharge nozzle. The piezoelectric fluid sprayer may be extended to include a dual chamber piezoelectric pump that pumps different fluids (e.g., a liquid and air). The output of the dual chamber pump is mixed in a manifold and supplied downstream to the discharge nozzle. Spin mechanics may be employed in the fluid stream upstream from the discharge nozzle after the mixing.

Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle configured to provide a relatively uniform droplet size spray having a nozzle body, a flow passage disposed in the nozzle body, a turbulent flow mechanism in the flow passage, a flow separating mechanism in the flow passage and a converging mechanism at the nozzle body outlet. The turbulent flow mechanism, preferably a cylindrical pin, induces turbulent flow to the fluid stream flowing through the passage. The flow separating mechanism, also preferably a cylindrical pin, separates the turbulent flow into two separate, diverging streams. The converging mechanism is configured to direct the two streams together such that the colliding thereof produces a spray made up of substantially uniform sized droplets. Preferably, the converging mechanism is an orifice plate having two outwardly extending deflecting members and a generally oval-shaped opening and the nozzle body is adapted to threadably connect to a hose or other conduit.

Abstract: A double-swirl spray nozzle includes two swirl chambers which are connected to a common supply channel which extends in a central plane between the swirl chambers. Both swirl chambers have outlet openings which open outwardly from the supply channel to the same side. The axes of the swirl chambers are furthermore inclined at an angle with respect to one another. Thus with one single compact spray nozzle it is possible to create atomizing cones with a very large impact area which mutually overlap on the side facing one another and in spite of the speed component unidirected in the overlapping area result in a secondary division of the liquid droplets in the two atomizing cones, which increases the efficiency when the nozzle is utilized in so-called gas washers for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: The high-pressure multi-function head especially for water-cleaning machines comprises a first main body which exhibits a conduit for a washing liquid, extending along a longitudinal axis from an inlet to an outlet and a portion having a narrowed transversal section; a nozzle housed in the conduit; an auxiliary body inserted in the conduit and constituting a frustoconical seating for a front end of the nozzle; means for conveying the washing liquid interpositioned between the inlet and the portion having a narrowed transversal section and forming upstream of the nozzle at least one oblique jet with respect to the longitudinal axis in order to give the nozzle a rotating and conical motion with a vertex in the frustoconical seating; and means for regulating a trim of the head for translating the auxiliary body and the nozzle along the longitudinal axis between a retracted first operating position for obtaining a high-pressure rotating jet, an intermediate second operating position, for obtaining a high-pressure

Abstract: A deflector at the downstream end of a fuel tube deflects incoming fuel into an annular fuel channel in a fuel swirler of an injector. The deflector prevents direct impact of the cooler fuel on the exposed walls of the swirler body. The deflector can be formed by a tab or other integral portion of the heatshield, or as a separate piece fixed to the heatshield or swirler body. The deflector minimizes disruption of flow through any flow slots that are covered by the deflector, and may have i) a relatively small circumferential extent, such that the deflector covers only a few flow slots, ii) flow openings or slots that allow a portion of the fuel to flow inwardly of the deflector into the otherwise covered flow slot(s), or iii) a space or gap between the side(s) of the deflector and the inner walls of the annular channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laterally deflecting and/or separating a flow of particles using a static array of optical tweezers. In an array of optical tweezers with a lattice constant larger than the size of a particle of interest, particles driven past the array by an external force experience an additional interaction with the array of traps. By altering the angle of the array of traps relative to the external force, the particles' movement from trap to trap inside the array can be biased away from the direction of the external force, thereby enabling selective deflection and/or separation of particles.