Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprises a plurality of vortex, fluid pressure reduction chambers 1, each vortex chamber having an inlet in the form of a curved flowpath 2 having an inlet orifice 3 of defined cross sectional area which decreases along the length of the inlet flowpath to a minimum point at a throat 4 close to which it opens into the vortex chamber 1. The fluid flow within the vortex chamber takes a generally spiral flow path having both radial and axial components from the throat 4 towards an outlet 5 positioned substantially axially at an end of the vortex chamber, the curvature of the inlet flowpath being such that the direction of the flow therein is in substantially the same direction as the radial component of the flow within the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve, especially for severe service, e.g. gas and oil power application, comprises a plurality of vortex chambers 9 through each of which fluid flows in substantially vortex fashion between an inlet channel 8 and a pair of opposed outlets 10,11. Fluid enters each vortex chamber 9 from its associated inlet channel 8 in a substantially tangential direction wherein it splits into two flowpaths, each having both radial and axial components, leading to respective ones of the outlets 10, 11. The dual vortex outlet arrangement serves to further reduce the noise and erosion problems associated with severe service valves.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser having a low overall vertical height profile. The dispenser includes a water bath tank. The tank volume is enclosed along a top surface thereof by a support plate. A condenser extends horizontally with and adjacent to a top surface of the support plate. A motor is secured to the top plate and includes a shaft with a blade on one end thereof for agitating the water held within the water bath, and includes a condenser cooling fan on the opposite end of the shaft thereof for cooling the condenser. An evaporator is located in the tank horizontally with and closely adjacent to the tank bottom surface. An elongate carbonator extends lengthwise in a substantially horizontal manner in the tank and is located therein between the support plate and the evaporator. In one embodiment, the level of water within the carbonator is regulated by the buoyancy level of the carbonator in the tank.