Abstract: A rail-road intermodal freight system. In an embodiment, a plurality of L-cars are provided. In an embodiment, each L-car may be configured for support at its forward end on a preceding L-car, and at a rear base on a set of flanged rail wheels. In implementing the system, a freight yard is provided with rail components which are switchable to enable decoupling and a turn-in-place operation, wherein each care is lifted from the preceding L-car in the train, and the neck portion of the L-car lowered to the ground. When in the lowered position, downwardly extending legs on the over-the-road trailer enable an over-the-road tractor to attach the over-the-road trailer in conventional fashion, for removal of the over-the-road tailer from the L-car. Loading of an over-the-road trailer on the L-car takes place via a reverse process, wherein the trailer is backed up on to the L-car.

Abstract: A turbomachine assembly generally has a compressor section including a first end of a rotating member and a first cover configured to substantially enclose the first end therein. The compressor section includes a bypass valve coupled to the first cover portion and configured to control fluid flow within the compressor section to enable controlling at least one operating parameter of the compressor section. A turbine section is arranged in flow communication with the compressor section. The turbine section includes a second end of the rotating member and a second cover configured to substantially enclose the second end therein. At least one regulating valve that is in flow communication with the compressor section and the turbine section, wherein the regulating valve is configured to control fluid flow between the compressor and turbine sections to enable controlling at least one operating parameter of the turbine section.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a first airflow structure and a second airflow structure disposed aft of the first airflow structure. The second airflow structure includes a leading edge region. A thickness of the leading edge region is based on a thickness of a wake in the airflow produced by the first airflow structure when the airflow passes between the first airflow structure and the second airflow structure.

Abstract: A turbomachine stage, particularly a turbine stage or a compressor stage of a gas turbine, is disclosed. The turbomachine stage has a, conical in particular, housing in which is arranged a moving vane arrangement with multiple moving vanes which have an exterior shroud band with at least one radial sealing flange. The sealing flange has a recess arrangement with at least one radial recess in which, centrally in particular, a radial projection is arranged. There is arranged on the housing a sensor arrangement with at least one capacitive sensor for detecting a radial clearance to a peripheral surface of the sealing flange.

Abstract: A turbomachine stage, in particular a turbine stage or compressor stage of a gas turbine, is disclosed. The turbomachine stage has a, in particular conical, housing in which a rotor blade arrangement having a plurality of rotor blades is disposed which have an outer shroud having at least one radial sealing flange. The sealing flange has a recess arrangement having at least one radial recess in which a radial projection is disposed, in particular centrally. A sensor arrangement having at least one capacitive sensor for detecting a radial distance from a circumferential surface of the sealing flange is disposed on the housing.

Abstract: A turbine stage having a gas channel in which at least one rotor assembly is disposed, is disclosed. A cavity communicates with the gas channel and is delimited by a front side of a rotor element and by a rotor element-mounted seal. A blow-out arrangement with at least one gas passage for blowing out a sealing gas flow into the cavity is provided, where the gas passage for blowing out the sealing gas flow is configured with a swirl in the circumferential direction and has an outlet opening that is offset radially outwardly from the rotor element-mounted seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for vacuum pumps, characterized in that it comprises an annular inlet flange (15) intended to be coupled to an outlet orifice of a chamber and an outlet coupling (16) comprising at least two cylindrical outlet through-housings (21) and forming an at least partial pump casing for the case (4) of a respective turbomolecular vacuum pump (3), said turbomolecular vacuum pumps (3) being intended to be received in a respective cylindrical outlet housing (21). The invention also relates to a pumping device, characterized in that it comprises an adapter for vacuum pumps (2) as described hereinabove and at least two turbomolecular vacuum pumps (3) housed at least partially in a respective cylindrical outlet housing (21).

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a housing supporting compressor and turbine sections. An epicyclic gear train includes a carrier, a sun gear and intermediate gears arranged about and intermeshing with the sun gear. The intermediate gears are supported by the carrier. A baffle is supported relative to the carrier and includes a lubrication passage near at least one of the sun gear and intermediate gears for directing a lubricant on at least one of the sun gear and the intermediate gears. A spray bar is external to the carrier and is in communication with the lubrication passage. The spray bar terminates near the sun gear for directing lubricant on the sun gear.

Abstract: An airfoil cooling circuit includes an impingement cooling circuit and a serpentine cooling circuit.

Abstract: The main purpose of the invention is an interface device (1) between first (2) and second (3) turbomachine elements, characterised in that it comprises an annular air inlet structure (4) comprising opposite first (5) and second (6) parts, designed to come into contact with first (2) and second (3) turbomachine elements respectively, the first part (5) being configured to be in swivel contact with the first element (2), and an elastic return device (7) that can be placed around the air inlet structure (4) and designed to come into contact with at least the first turbomachine element (2).

Abstract: A power generating bearing assembly providing a bearing retained by a bearing housing. The bearing housing includes a bearing cooling passage system having at least one integrated liquid cooling passage integrated within the bearing housing. A turbine receiving bore is formed through the bearing housing, penetrating the integrated liquid cooling segment. A turbine assembly is inserted into the turbine receiving bore, positioning a turbine blade subassembly of the turbine assembly within the integrated liquid cooling passage, wherein fluid flowing within the integrated liquid cooling passage causes the blade subassembly to rotate. The rotation of the blade subassembly rotates an electric power generator to create electric power. The turbine assembly can include an electro-magnetic subassembly mounting plate, wherein the turbine subassembly is located on an interior surface of the mounting plate and at least a portion of the power generating portion located on an exterior portion of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A blade (1) for a turbomachine, including a turbine blade (1.1) which has a channel (1.5), an impact chamber (2) having a constricted cross section being situated in the channel for the purpose of accommodating a single impulse body (3) is provided.

Abstract: A turbofan engine according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a gas generator section for generating a gas stream flow with higher energy per unit mass flow than that contained in ambient air. A power turbine converts the gas stream flow into shaft power. The power turbine rotates at a first rotational speed. A speed reduction device is driven by the power turbine. A propulsor section includes a fan driven by the power turbine through the speed reduction device at a second speed lower than the first speed for generating propulsive thrust as a mass flow rate of air through a bypass flow path. The fan includes a tip diameter greater than about fifty (50) inches and an Engine Unit Thrust Parameter (“EUTP”) defined as net engine thrust divided by a product of the mass flow rate of air through the bypass flow path, a tip diameter of the fan and the first rotational speed of the power turbine is less than about 0.30 at a take-off condition.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic cylinder for converting buoyancy energy of compressed gas into mechanical energy. The cylinder can include a pair of end plates disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder and a drive axle extending longitudinally through the cylinder and passing through the center of each end plate. The cylinder can also include a core support coupled to each end plate and centrally disposed in the cylinder and a plurality of vanes for promoting a low-drag flow. Each of the plurality of vanes is coupled to the core support and the pair of end plates. A bucket is defined by the core support, two of the plurality of vanes, and the pair of end plates. The cylinder further includes a vane support coupled to the plurality of vanes and the core support. The vane support defines a plurality of openings formed therein through which a gas can pass for equalizing pressure in the bucket.

Abstract: A device including a conjoined laminate interface seal shaped for reducing inter-seal gap (e.g., an angled gap, an ‘L’-shaped gap, etc.) leakage in gas turbines is disclosed. In one embodiment, a seal device for a gas turbine includes: a first flange shaped to be disposed within a first slot of a first arcuate component and a first adjacent slot of a second arcuate component; a conjoined layer connected to a first surface of the first flange, the first surface configured to face a working fluid flow of the gas turbine; and a second flange shaped to be disposed within a second slot of the first arcuate component and a second adjacent slot of the second arcuate component, the second flange including a second surface connected to the conjoined layer.

Abstract: To impede soot leakage around a shaft which extends through a bore connecting volumes of differing pressures, e.g., a turbocharger turbine housing and the ambient air, a soot seal is provided to capture particulate matter while allowing the passage of gas.

Abstract: A segmented retractable seal is provided in a stator of a turbine by which a rotor seal is arranged radially and axially movably in a groove formed in the stator of the turbine and is connected with a mechanism which retracts it away from the rotor of the turbine in a radial direction. The groove formed in the stator of the turbine contains an outer partial groove formed on the inner surface of the stator and an inner partial groove formed in the body of the stator and connected with it, its width being smaller than or equal to that of the outer partial groove. A head of the seal is arranged in the inner partial groove, and a comb of the seal is arranged in the outer partial groove. The head of the seal and the comb of the seal are connected by a neck of the seal.

Abstract: The pump housing (2) includes a circumferential wall (3), a pump casing (20) and a shaft cover (40). The pump casing (20) is attached to the circumferential wall (3) by a plurality of connection elements. The pump casing (20) includes a central opening (27) to form an axial supply (14) of the pump housing (2) for material to be pumped. The circumferential wall (3) closes the pump housing (2) along its outer circumference. The pump (1) includes a plurality of connection elements (22) connecting the pump casing (20) to the circumferential wall (3). The connection elements (22) are positioned in groups along the circumference of the pump housing (2), wherein the groups are regularly distributed along the circumference of the pump housing (2).

Abstract: A fan frame of a centrifugal fan comprises a housing and an inlet structure. The housing includes an opening. The inlet structure is disposed at the opening and includes a top portion and an edge portion. The top portion is disposed around the opening and includes a plurality of first chamfering angles, at least one of the chamfering angles is different from the others. The edge portion extends from the top portion to the inside of the housing through the opening and includes a plurality of second chamfering angles. A centrifugal fan including the fan frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine engine includes a diffuser inlet, a diffuser exit, an inner diffuser wall, and an outer diffuser wall. The inner diffuser wall may include a first tubular member with a flared downstream portion. The outer diffuser wall may include a second tubular member at least partially about the inner diffuser wall and with a second flared downstream portion. The outer diffuser wall and the inner diffuser wall extend between the diffuser inlet and the diffuser exit, and form a diffusing flowpath therebetween. The second flared downstream portion may include a lower section and an upper section, with the upper section extending further downstream in an axial direction than the lower section, relative to the diffuser axis.

Abstract: A method of recambering an aerofoil section. A position on one of the surfaces that intersects with a passage shock between adjacent aerofoils is determined and then projected as a shock position onto the camber line. A shock region encompassing the shock position and extending in a chordal direction towards the leading and trailing edges is defined. The camber line is recalculated in an upstream region using semi-inverse design. The camber line is extrapolated across the shock region to match a geometric criterion. The camber line is recalculated in a downstream region using semi-inverse design.

Abstract: A fan may be designed for the strategic diversion of moisture through or around a housing enclosing a controller and/or a motor. The enclosure may include one or more paths for directing moisture away from the controller or the motor. For instance, the housing may include a gap between a support structure and the housing for preventing moisture from entering the housing. The housing may also include a hollow structure for directing fluid through the housing. Additionally, the housing may include one or more channels, raised walls, gutters, and shields for preventing fluid, such as liquid water, from entering an enclosure for the controller or motor.

Abstract: The invention regards an apparatus for adjusting the yaw of a wind turbine adapted for mounting on a wind turbine comprising, a system for measuring the wind direction adapted, via a control signal, to control the yaw angle of the wind turbine based on the wind direction, and a wind sensor system adapted to determine the yaw error of the wind turbine, and means for modifying the control signal based on the yaw error determined by the wind sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced blade for a wind turbine, particularly to a blade having at least one elongated reinforcing member connected inside the shell for increasing the strength of the blade, each of the at least one elongated reinforcing member having a first end and a second end and extending in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end and wherein the first end is connected to the upper part of the shell and the second end is connected to the lower part of the shell thereby decreasing peeling and shear stresses in the trailing edge of the blade.

Abstract: A fan test device to connect a motherboard and a fan includes a control chip, a first connector, a second connector, a first switch chip, a second switch chip, a first electronic switch, and a second electronic switch. The control chip is connected to sensing pins of the first and second connectors. The first electronic switch is connected between a power terminal and a power pin of the first connector. The second electronic switch is connected between the power terminal and a power pin of the second connector. The control chip outputs different signals corresponding to the connection of the first and second connectors to control the first and second switch chips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor hub (7) rotating about a rotor axis (8), rotor blades (9, 10, 11) extending radially with respect to the rotor axis (8) at the same angular spacing relative to one another, and a remote wind gauge (19) that is fastened externally on the surface of the hub (7) in a mounting (20) and oriented such that wind characteristics at a distance in front of the hub (7) can be ascertained or measured, wherein the remote wind gauge (19) is arranged between two neighbouring rotor blades (9, 10) and in the radial direction of the rotor axis (8) and the mounting (20) is fastened to a respective blade bearing flange (21, 22) in the region of the connection of the rotor hub (7) to the rotor blades (9, 10), such that the remote wind gauge (19) can be retrofitted to the wind turbine (1).

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes: a rotor blade root; a rotor blade tip; an electrical heating device; a first lightning receptor disposed in the region of the rotor blade tip; precisely two lightning conductors leading from the lightning receptor to the rotor blade root; a second lightning receptor arranged at a distance to the rotor blade tip and connected to one of the lightning conductors; and, each one of the two lightning conductors being electrically conductively connected to the electrical heating device at a multiplicity of points between the rotor blade root and the rotor blade tip so as to cause equipotential bonding between the two lightning conductors via the electrical heating device in response to a lightning strike to the rotor blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balancing body (1) for fastening to a ring (4, 5) of a continuous blade arrangement of a compressor or turbine stage of a gas turbine, wherein the balancing body has a first stop (11) for the form-fitting attachment of the balancing body in one peripheral direction (R) to a first axial shoulder (6; 7) of the ring.

Abstract: A lightning protection device for a wind turbine generator system includes at least a blade arrester, a down lead of a blade connected to the blade arrester, a lightning-proof element of a pitch bearing, a lightning-proof element of a rotor bearing. The lightning-proof element of the pitch bearing is arranged at the blade root, with one end connected to the down lead of blade and the other end connected to the lightning-proof element of the rotor bearing. The lightning protection device forms a lightning current conducting path passing through a cavity of the pitch bearing, a hollow of a rotor shaft and a cavity of the rotor bearing. A wind turbine generator system having the above mentioned lightning protection device is provided.

Abstract: A blade (1) for a turbomachine, including an impact chamber (2), a single impulse body (3) being situated in the impact chamber, a clearance (S1+S2) between the impulse body and the impact chamber being at least 10 ?m and/or at most 1.5 mm in at least one direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ceiling mounted air circulating apparatus comprising, in combination: a motor; an essentially centrally located radial or axial air impeller; air guiding means; optional airflow enhancement by means of air amplification means; an optional centrally located wiring path from an electrical power source to a wiring enclosure suitable for hanging a lighting fixture or chandelier; and decorative embellishments, all of which are arranged to blend with the architectural style of a space in a manner similar to a decorative ceiling medallion, the planform of which, when viewed from below may be circular, rectangular, or polygonal. Optionally, the apparatus of the present invention may embody any of the following; heating, cooling, filtration means, positive ion generation means, and/or air sterilization means.

Abstract: Rotor blade assembly and methods for forming rotor blade assemblies are provided. A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade including a shell and defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further defines a span and a chord. The shell includes an inner skin, an outer skin, and a core disposed between the inner skin and the outer skin. The rotor blade assembly further includes a reinforcement assembly bonded to the shell, the reinforcement assembly comprising a reinforcement core.

Abstract: A blade cascade of a continuous-flow machine is disclosed. The blade cascade has at least one side wall that is constructed in a wave-like manner in the peripheral direction and has at least one elevation and at least one depression. At least a profile-like rib is integrated in or combined with the side wall, which has a blade profile with a pressure side and with an opposite suction side. A continuous-flow machine with such a blade cascade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade row for a turbomachine is disclosed. The blade row has an inner lateral wall and an outer lateral wall for bordering a hot gas channel in the turbomachine through which hot gas passes. At least one of the lateral walls has a rounded lateral wall front edge, which is provided with a circumferentially asymmetrical edge contouring that is elliptical or is comprised of one or more segments of a circle.

Abstract: A concrete tower manufactured by an apparatus comprising a slipform, which is circumferentially guided in such a way that the slipform slides helically on top of the end face of the tower is provided. During the sliding, concrete is disposed by the slipform to the end face of the tower. After numerous revolutions, a low-cost tower is erected.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anchoring section for anchoring a pylon of a wind power installation in a foundation, including a carrier portion for fixing a pylon segment for carrying the pylon and a foundation portion for concreting in a concrete mass of the foundation, and the foundation portion has at least one web portion with through openings for reinforcing bars to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An integral turbine includes a forward hub section and an aft hub section. The forward hub section and the aft hub section are metallurgically coupled to one another along an annular interface that resides within a plane generally orthogonal to a rotational axis of the axially-split turbine. The turbine further includes an airfoil blade ring metallurgically coupled to a radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections and an impingement cavity formed within an interior portion of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. The impingement cavity includes an interior surface that is positioned proximate to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections. Further, an impingement cooling air flow impinges against the interior surface of the impingement cavity to provide convective and conductive cooling to the radial outer surface of the coupled forward and aft hub sections.

Abstract: The present application provides an airfoil with a cooling flow therein. The airfoil may include an internal cooling passage, a number of cooling holes in communication with the internal cooling passage, and a number of pin-fins positioned within the internal cooling passage. The pin-fins are arranged with one or more turning openings and one or more guiding openings so as to direct the cooling flow towards the cooling holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable DC cooling fan that performs the dual function of a cooling fan and a sleep aid by generating air movement and white noise useful for inducing sleep. The portable device includes a DC axial fan that blows air in one direction and is under the control of an electrical control system that receives power through an AC/DC adapter. The electrical control system includes one or more user interface switches through which a user can select fan speed and optionally, set the fan on oscillation mode, and thereby simulating airflow and the sounds of a standard oscillating fan without undergoing rotation. The portable DC cooling fan of the invention includes a housing having a plurality of openings on its front and rear surfaces that enable maximum air flow through the device. The invention also provides an article of manufacturer comprising an AC/DC adapter packaged with a portable DC cooling fan of the invention.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for increasing compressed air efficiency in a pump utilizes an air efficiency device in order to optimize the amount of a compressed air in a pump. The air efficiency device may allow for controlling the operation of the air operated diaphragm pump by reducing the flow of compressed air supplied to the pump as the pump moves between first and second diaphragm positions. A sensor may be used to monitor velocity of the diaphragm assemblies. In turn, full position feedback is possible so that the pump self-adjusts to determine the optimum, or close to optimum, turndown point of the diaphragm assemblies. As such, air savings is achieved by minimizing the amount of required compressed air.

Abstract: A device for generating a synthetic jet is described. The device can include a flap, an actuator coupled to the flap and a chamber including an aperture. The flap forms a portion of the chamber. The flap is configured to oscillate in a flapping motion such that fluid is alternately drawn into the chamber via the aperture and expelled from the chamber via the aperture to form the synthetic jet. In some embodiments, multiple flaps can be used on a device to generate the synthetic jet.

Abstract: A system includes a pump device for producing a mixture product, a casing having a concealed cavity for receiving the mixture product via the pump device; and a clutch unit operatively linked to the pump device for controllably maintaining an interior pressure of the concealed cavity at a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, the pump device is activated by the clutch unit for delivering the mixture product into the concealed cavity through an inlet of the casing until the interior pressure of the concealed cavity reaches the predetermined threshold and is deactivated by the clutch unit for stop delivering the mixture product into the concealed cavity when the interior pressure of the concealed cavity reaches the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A smart hybrid actuator includes: a body open at one side thereof and having a space portion formed at the inside thereof to reciprocate a piston thereinto, a flow path space portion formed in a wall thereof to flow hydraulic oil therealong, and a cover portion formed at the other side thereof, into which a rod hole is penetrated; a driving motor for driving a hydraulic pump positioned inside the body; the piston extended to the outside from the rod hole of the cover portion in such a manner as to be reciprocated inside the body in the lengthwise direction thereof; and the hydraulic pump provided inside the body and driven by the driving motor, wherein the wall of the body has an inner peripheral wall, and the flow path space portion is formed in the wall of the body.

Abstract: An air compressor (10) has a reservoir (12), pump (14), motor (16), transmission belt (18) wound around a driving pulley (20) coupled to a motor shaft (16) and around a driven pulley (22) coupled to a pump shaft. Driven pulley spokes (28) are shaped as fan blades transmit torque and cool the pump (14). A belt guard (30) encloses the transmission belt (18), and pulleys (20, 22). The belt guard (18) has a front wall (32) with slits (34) for air drawn by the driven pulley (22), a side wall (36) enclosing the space around the transmission belt (18) and around pulley's (20, 22), and a rear wall (38) having an opening (40) receiving the pump (14). Air drawn through the slits (34) in the front wall (32) passes towards the pump (14). The guard rear wall (38) covers the pump (14) by at least 30% of its depth.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine housing (2), having a compressor housing (3), having a bearing housing (4), has a bearing housing axis (L), and having a connecting device (5), for connecting the bearing housing (4) to the compressor housing (3) and/or the turbine housing (2). The connecting device has a plurality connecting elements (6) each have a connecting element end face (7). The number of bores (8) in the compressor housing (3) corresponds to the number of connecting elements (6). The bores and the connecting elements (6) inserted into the bores (8) are arranged at an acute angle (?) with respect to the bearing housing axis (L), and the connecting element end faces (7) rest on an associated bearing surface (9) of the bearing housing (4) and/or turbine housing (2).

Abstract: An electric motor according to the present invention includes stator (10) which has ring-shaped yoke (11) and a plurality of teeth (12) disposed at the inner peripheral part of yoke (11). Yoke (11) and teeth (12) configure slots (13) in which windings (15) are wound via electric insulator (14). Moreover, the motor includes rotor (20) that is rotatably held and faces the inner periphery of stator (10) via a slight gap. The rotor includes rotor iron core (21) having permanent magnets (22) that are disposed in the inside or on the surface of the core. Furthermore, a plurality of yoke recesses (16) is disposed only in the yoke (11) parts of slots (13).

Abstract: A body outer shell includes a plurality of first body legs and a plurality of second body legs protruding outward and being disposed at a peripheral edge of an end of the body outer shell, and the end is near the bracket. The bracket includes a plurality of first bracket legs and a plurality of second bracket legs protruding outward and being disposed at a peripheral edge of the bracket. The body outer shell and the bracket are fastened together using the first body legs and the first bracket legs via fixing members. The body outer shell, the bracket, and a support member are fastened together using the second body legs and the second bracket legs via fixing members in a state where the bracket is disposed between the body outer shell and the support member, and the motor and the support member are fixed together.

Abstract: A liquid pump has a pump housing defining a pump chamber. A motor is accommodated within the pump housing and separated from the pump chamber by an end cap. An impeller disposed within the pump chamber is driven by the motor. The pump chamber has an inlet and one or more outlets. The outlets are located on a sidewall of the pump chamber and extend in a direction substantially tangential to an outer circumference of the pump chamber. Each outlet has a first end near the pump chamber, and a second end remote from the pump chamber. A cross-sectional area S1 of the first end is smaller than a cross-sectional area S2 of the second end, forming a diffuser within the outlet.

Abstract: A valve seat member which partitions between a supply passage and a pressurizing chamber, includes an inner flow path, which communicates between the supply passage and the pressurizing chamber, and an outer flow path, which is placed on a radially outer side of the inner flow path. An inner valve is seatable against inner valve seat formed in an opening of the inner flow path. An outer valve is contactable with an end surface of the inner valve, which is opposite from the inner valve seat. The outer valve is seatable against an outer valve seat, which is formed in an opening of the outer flow path.

Abstract: A device for pumping a fluid comprises a suction valve module. In addition, the device comprises a discharge valve module. Further, the device comprises a fluid flow passage extending between the suction valve module and the discharge valve module. The suction valve module includes a valve housing block having a fluid inlet and a suction valve assembly disposed within the valve housing block. The suction valve assembly includes a moveable poppet element configured to reciprocate along a suction valve axis that is skewed relative to a central axis of the fluid inlet.