Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members, each with generally planar surfaces, that are joined together. A first set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of a first one of the members to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second of the members, a plurality of filter passageways. A plenum chamber is formed in the first member. The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of filter passageways. A second set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of the first member to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second member, a plurality of nozzle outlet passageways. These nozzle outlet passageways are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid. Methods are also provided for producing the nozzle assembly by forming the inlets, outlets, and/or channels through electrical or chemical etching or other processes that selectively remove material from at least one face of a nozzle assembly member.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a cylinder in which a piston may move in an intake stroke and a discharge stroke. A pulse generator responds to any movement of the piston in the discharge direction, whereby a counting and readout device provides a dispensing measurement readout even for inadvertent discharge movements of the piston. Movement of the piston in the discharge direction rotates a wheel in the pulse generator. A ratchet system may be provided to prevent rotation of the wheel in reverse during intake movements of the piston. Alternatively the wheel rotates in both directions, and a discriminator is provided to discriminate between the two directions of movement.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a cylinder in which a piston may move in an intake stroke and a discharge stroke. A pulse generator responds to any movement of the piston in the discharge direction, whereby a counting and readout device provides a dispensing measurement readout even for inadvertent discharge movements of the piston. Movement of the piston in the discharge direction rotates a wheel in the pulse generator. A ratchet system may be provided to prevent rotation of the wheel in reverse during intake movements of the piston. Alternatively the wheel rotates in both directions, and a discriminator is provided to discriminate between the two directions of movement.

Abstract: A shelf unit (3, FIG. 1) for a refrigerator cabinet includes an air flow passageway (6) connectible to a duct (1) located at the rear of the refrigerator. The flow of air through the passageway (6) is regulated by a flap whose movement is controlled by a thermostat (9) also mounted upon the shelf. The shelf unit, when in position in a refrigerator, enables a user to preset the temperature of the zone in the refrigerator cabinet beneath the unit.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled fan unit, particularly for a motor vehicle, has a fan assembly driven through a clutch. The clutch is controlled by a clutch actuator incorporating an element having an elastic modulus which varies significantly with temperature.

Abstract: A jet nozzle has the effective dimensions of its outlet orifice automatically controlled by use of a shape memory effect (SME) material. The nozzle itself may be made wholly or partly of SME material or it may be controlled in position relative to its metering needle by a temperature sensitive actuator incorporating a device of SME material.

Abstract: A valve which opens and closes according to the temperature of the fluid passing through it has a fluid-controlling valve member consisting of a helix of a shape memory effect material having an elastic modulus which varies significantly with temperature in a reversible manner. At relatively low fluid temperature, the turns of the helix are closely compacted and obstruct the flow, while at relatively high fluid temperature, the turns are expanded and allow flow of fluid between them.

Abstract: A differential temperature detector comprises two springs made of a shape memory effect alloy. The springs are oppositely stressed and are coupled together in stressed condition. When the springs are subject to the same temperature, no movement occurs when that temperature changes, but when the springs are subject to different temperatures, movement occurs dependent on the temperature difference.

Abstract: There are disclosed devices and methods for converting heat energy into mechanical energy utilizing elements formed of materials which exhibit so-called shape memory effect (SME) characteristics, which elements are subjected to stress, strain and temperature conditions in a cyclic manner, the stress and strain conditions in the element being related by a closed loop locus plotted on the stress/strain/temperature spectrum. The elements may also be formed of bi-metallic expansion alloys or of other materials having a high thermal expansion coefficient.