Abstract: An air barrier system is disclosed that allows the isolation of a central volume or one volume from another without the use of physical barriers. Toroidal vortices are formed at opposing end or ends of the volume to be isolated and prevent transport inward and outward. Contemplated applications include air curtains, oxygen tents, cleanrooms and testing chamber apparatus.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects, with the improvement of being able to removably adhere to non-planar surfaces, e.g., concave or convex surfaces and/or inside and outside corners. Generally, the apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow in the form of a helical or spiral-shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel matter separation apparatus which utilized the combined effects of cylindrical and toroidal vortices. The combined effect provides better separation than either alone. Moreover, the present invention can effectively increase the efficiency of separation without limiting the amount throughput capacity of the system. Therefore, the present invention provides effective means for separating solid particles from fluid flow.

Abstract: A novel drive for a lifting platform utilizing a simple propeller, impeller, or gas turbine is disclosed. The axial air rotation from the drive is eliminated in order to permit the development of a partial toroidal vortex which efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform. The axial components are eliminated by means such as flow straightening vanes, which may also serve to control lateral motion of the lifting platform. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the effect of vortices, both cylindrical and toroidal, and seeks to optimize their effects.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. In contrast to earlier motors which use springs wound on spools, the present invention utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease the design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, stable, and constant torque output characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the separation of dust and debris from flowing fluid. Conventional cyclone separators and centrifugal separators present a tradeoff between the extent of dust separation and the cross-sectional area of fluid flow. Thus, increased flow capacity cannot be achieved without reducing the amount of dust removal. In contrast, the present invention allows for the increase of cross-sectional flow area without jeopardizing dust removal. The apparatus is designed such that the cross-sectional area of fluid flow can be increased independently of the radii of curvature of the redirections. Therefore, dust is still effectively removed while the flow capacity of the system is increased. Also included herein are embodiments utilizing these concepts of dust separation vacuum cleaner embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing a self-sustained vortex flow in a centrifugal separator. More specifically, vortex flow is maintained via pressure differentials allowing the ejection of dust and other particles without bags, filters, or liquid baths. Furthermore, the impeller inside of the separator serves the dual purpose of moving fluid through the system as well as creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow. Additional circulating blades present throughout the separation chamber prevent fluid flow from slowing due to frictional losses. The axial design of the present invention allows the centrifugal separator to be constructed with an arbitrary length. The present invention excels in producing clean fluid of a better quality more efficiently, more quietly, and more simply than devices known in the art.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving pool cleaners. The improved pool cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient fluid flow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dirt from escaping into surrounding fluid and retains kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects, with the improvement of being able to removably adhere to non-planar surfaces, e.g., concave or convex surfaces and/or inside and outside corners. Generally, the apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved upright and cannister vacuum cleaners. The improved vacuum cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient airflow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere and retains kinetic energy of flowing air. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: Contra-rotating members are used for straightening a fluid flow. The members may take the form of propellers, fans or impellers. The contra-rotation eliminates tangential flow components, and most importantly, eliminates cylindrical vortices. The present invention finds specific use in applications in which toroidal vortices are employed and/or generated.

Abstract: A novel means of stability for a lifting platform utilizing toroidal vortex airflow through air guide means. A toroidal vortex created by the airflow means efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform or body. Airflow is directed downwards by means of air guides, which serve to produce lift and control rotational motion of the lifting platform to achieve stability of the body during operation. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the uses of vortex airflow towards maintaining rotational stability.

Abstract: An air barrier system is disclosed that allows the isolation of a central volume or one volume from another without the use of physical barriers. Toroidal vortices are formed at opposing end or ends of the volume to be isolated and prevent transport inward and outward. Contemplated applications include air curtains, oxygen tents, cleanrooms and testing chamber apparatus.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. The motor utilizes a reel with elastic divided into unit lengths that are stretched to their maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, constant, and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects, with the improvement of being able to removably adhere to non-planar surfaces, e.g., concave or convex surfaces and/or inside and outside corners. Generally, the apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive to forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.