Abstract: An apparatus includes a hydrophilic surface configured to drive flow of a polar fluid responsive to an exclusion zone (EZ) effect, the EZ being formed near the hydrophilic surface. An energy source may provide energy to form or maintain the EZ.

Abstract: A liquid arc induced cavitation (LAIC) system (also referred to as a pulsed arc electrohydraulic discharge system) for use in reducing contaminants in liquids (e.g. water), having: a moving electrode positioning mechanism with feedback sensors to control the electrode gap geometry; a bank of hybrid capacitors and an air gap switch.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.

Abstract: Known time reversal methods consist of three steps which may be listed as (i) the recording of signals and (ii) the time reversing of the recorded signals, and (iii) the transmission of the time-reversed signals. The first and third steps of the above process are retained, but the second step is modified. The empirical signal is transformed to fit mathematical forms taught by the mathematics of singularity and catastrophe theory that ensure a structural stability to the waveforms that will be received, when the time reversed signals are transmitted again. This structural stability ensures robustness of the waveform and the predominant direction of the flux of energy of the waveform, and improves controllability of the location of the high magnitude regions of the energy flux despite limited knowledge of the exact properties of the medium. Applications to drug delivery in the brain, and geophysical applications are envisaged.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic assembly, the assembly comprising: a magnet (4); and a ferromagnetic component (6) having at least two regions of different Curie temperature, the magnet (4) and the ferromagnetic component being movable with respect to each other in dependence on the temperature of the ferromagnetic component (6).

Abstract: A system for manipulating a fluid medium is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of particles suspended in the fluid medium, and a light source configured for irradiating the particles by light to induce nonlinear optical effects. The particles are constituted such that the nonlinear optical effects result in drag forces exerted by the particles on the fluid medium. The magnitude of the drag forces is sufficient to establish hydrodynamic flow of the fluid medium.

Abstract: An assembly for the magnetic treatment of fluids such as liquids and gases. The treatment device is a hollow outer sleeve having magnets along the inside wall of the outer sleeve. An inner fluid conduit with a weak magnetic response can be provided in the outer sleeve. Different magnet arrangements produce different effects in the fluid being treated. An even-number of magnets arranged with alternating polarities around the outer sleeve are called a buster, producing an effect that tends to “bust” fluid molecules by introducing mechanical stresses and turbulence in the fluid. One or more magnets arranged with uniform polarity are called an aligner, producing an effect that tends to align fluid molecules with the magnetic field produced by the magnets. One or more busters and one or more aligners are often used together to form a magnetic treatment assembly. Magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets.

Abstract: A metamaterial has a magnetic permeability response at frequencies sufficient to generate a repulsive force between a fluid and a surface to which the metamaterial may be applied. The metamaterial may be nanofabricated such that an absolute value of the magnetic permeability of the metamaterial is substantially greater than an absolute value of an electric permittivity of the metamaterial. The metamaterial may generate a repulsive force between the surface and the fluid moving relative to the surface and thereby reduce viscous drag of the fluid on the surface. A method of reducing the viscous drag of the fluid moving past the surface includes producing relative motion between the surface and the fluid and generating the repulsive force between the surface and the fluid.

Abstract: A compliant-surface flow-control device for reducing drag on objects moving through fluids is described. The device has a substrate having a plurality of ridges, a porous membrane covering the substrate, and interior spaces between the porous membrane and the substrate ridges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic system comprising a plurality of ciliary actuator elements (10) located at an inner surface (14) of a wall (15) of a microchannel (16) of the microfluidic system at a first location. The microfluidic system furthermore comprises a magnetic field generator formed by at least one current wire (17) integrated in the wall (15) of the micro channel (16) at a second location substantially opposite to the first location with respect to a centre line of the microchannel (16). The present invention also provides a method for the manufacturing of such microfluidic systems and to a method for controlling a fluid flow through a microchannel (16) of such a microfluidic system.

Abstract: Efficient micro-pumping of gas/liquids is provided. In one embodiment a pipeline of insulative material can be asymmetrically coated with electrodes. The asymmetric coating can affect the flow passage to create straight and swirl pumping effects. The electrodes can include electrode pairs arranged at intervals along the pipeline, each electrode pair being capable of inducing an electrohydrodynamic body force. The electrode pairs can be formed at the same surface, such as along the inner perimeter of the pipeline, and can be powered by steady, pulsed direct, or alternating current. Alternatively, the electrode pairs can be separated by the insulative material of the pipeline, and can be powered with direct or alternating current operating at radio frequency.

Abstract: A method of focusing a plurality of discrete particles. The method comprises establishing a flow of a fluid medium carrying a plurality of discrete particles within a capillary having a plurality of separate walls and a longitudinal axis. The method further includes vibrating the plurality of separate walls to apply an acoustic field having a central axis substantially along the longitudinal axis to focus the plurality of discrete particles substantially along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing or avoiding deposition of a hydrocarbon hydrate on a surface that is in contact with a hydrocarbon flow which contains water, the method comprising controlling the nucleation of dry hydrocarbon hydrate crystals in the flow. The invention further relates to a method for transporting a hydrocarbon flow which contains a hydrocarbon hydrate and to a method for preparing a dry hydrocarbon hydrate.

Abstract: An apparatus system for controlling liquid in a fluid channel in a micro-fluid device has an ultrasonic oscillator for conveying liquid. The ultrasonic oscillator oscillates with amplitude modulation. The apparatus system has a holding section for holding the micro-fluid device on the ultrasonic oscillator to allow a micro-fluid device to be removably fitted to it. A liquid conveying method and a liquid conveying unit showing an improved liquid conveying efficiency are provided.

Abstract: The liquid accelerator and chemical mixing system apparatus is a means for generating a velocity head differential to a current of liquid in a liquid environment or liquid containment means or a natural water body. The generating means includes a venturi eductor, having a motive liquid distribution housing and at least one venturi nozzle. The venturi eductor functions by motive liquid introduced from a remote motive liquid source, received via the motive liquid attachment means passing through a motive liquid main pipe or cylinder, through the liquid distribution housing, which is circumferentially attached to the eductor tube. The generated velocity head differential induces and accelerates the current of liquid, enabling the venturi eductor to discharge a current of liquid to move objects within the liquid environment by directing the current of liquid and to induce and mix chemicals in a liquid containment means.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.

Abstract: The advanced modified high performance synthetic jet actuator with optimized curvature shape chamber (ASJA-M) is a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) with a lower volume reservoir or chamber. A curved chamber is used, instead of the conventional cylinder chamber, to reduce the dead volume of the jet chamber and increase the efficiency of the synthetic jet actuator. The shape of the curvature corresponds to the maximum displacement (deformation) profile of the electroactive diaphragm. The jet velocity and mass flow rate for the ASJA-M will be several times higher than conventional piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.

Abstract: A fluidically-controlled valve is provided. The fluidically-controlled valve includes a main flow channel with a main flow entrance, a flow exit and a constricted channel section located between the main flow entrance and the flow exit. The fluidically-controlled valve also includes a control flow channel including a jet forming control entrance, a first branch channel, a second branch channel, a common channel section, and a convex channel wall. The common channel section follows the control entrance, the first branch channel emerges from the common channel section and leads to the main flow entrance, the second branch channel emerges from the common channel section and leads to the constricted channel section, and the convex channel wall extends from the common channel section into the first branch channel. The fluidically-controlled valve can be used in bypasses present in turbines or in swirlers of gas turbine combustors.

Abstract: Component microfluidic devices which are integrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chips, include designs for an electrical and optical pressure gauge, valve, electrostatic and magnetic pumps, alternating or mixing pumps, a solenoid, a magnetometer, a magnetically actuated reversible filter and valve, and a hydrolysis valve. These devices enhance and miniaturize microfluidic control, thereby expanding the available capabilities and allowing complete system miniaturization for handheld diagnostic apparatuses.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in a petroleum fluid having hydrate-forming constituents is claimed. More specifically, the method can be used to treat a petroleum fluid, such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe, to inhibit the formation of a hydrate flow restriction in the pipe. The preferred hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method comprise substantially water soluble homopolymers and copolymers of isopropylmethacrylamide derivatives which have a bimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustic focusing hardware and implementations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling medium flow path for improving cooling efficiency of a cooling medium used for liquid-cooling systems for motors, radiators and the like. The cooling medium flow path according to the present invention is capable of increasing cooling efficiency of a cooling medium by providing magnetic members for generating a magnetic force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling medium so that clusters of a liquid, such as cooling water, antifreeze liquid or the like flowing through the flow path may be finely divided or activated.

Abstract: A flow system (1) comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3), the parts (2, 3) being made from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The first (2) and second (3) parts are positioned relatively to each other in such a way that when the ambient temperature changes corresponding changes are caused in a flow channel (4) formed in the first part (2), thereby changing the flow resistance of the flow channel (4). Thereby a change in flow resistance caused by a change in viscosity of a fluid being transported by the flow system (1) can be counteracted. The resulting flow resistance of the flow system (1) is thereby at least substantially independent of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, a micro fluidic system comprising the flow system (1). The micro fluidic system may be or form part of a medical device, a fluid analysis system, e.g. a device for measuring blood glucose levels of blood samples, or an infusion device.

Abstract: A microstructure includes a catalyst region, and a non-catalyst region proximate to the catalyst region. The catalyst region induces a chemical reaction of a fluid component when the microstructure is located within a fluid medium containing the fluid component. The chemical reaction induces relative motion between the fluid medium and the microstructure, which can be used to provide, for example, autonomous directional movement, rotation of microgears, microfluidic devices, and novel sensor configurations. In one example, a palladium catalyst is used, and the fluid medium is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A device for displacing a small volume of liquid under the effect of an electric control, including a first substrate with a hydrophobic surface provided with a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor positioned facing the first conductor, and a third conductor, forming with the second conductor, a mechanism for analyzing or heating a volume of liquid.

Abstract: A method to manipulate boundary layer conditions within a ducted fluid flow is provided. This method may be used to attach fluid flow to ducted surfaces bounding the fluid flow. This involves flowing a fluid over the surface wherein the fluid contains positively charged ions and electrons. An electric field accelerates ions and electrons in directions parallel to the electric field. The accelerated positively charged ions accelerate low energy air within lower regions of a boundary layer over the ducted surfaces bounding the ducted fluid flow. A magnetic field at the surface redirects ions and electrons based on their velocity and charge.

Abstract: A method of bonding layers to form a structure, comprises curing a first adhesive while squeezing a first layer and a multilayer structure together between a first backing and a second backing. The multilayer structure comprises a substrate and a second layer, and the first adhesive is between and in contact with the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the first layer and the second layer each have a thickness of at most 100 ?m, and at least one of the first backing and the second backing comprises a first elastic polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for turbulent flow drag reduction using discrete counter-rotating elements disposed adjacent a bounding surface and arranged to effectively disrupt or suppress stream-wise vortices and/or traveling waves thereby reducing turbulence and increasing fluid flow. In embodiments, the counter-rotating elements effectively decouple the interaction between traveling waves and stream-wise vortices. By using discrete counter-rotating elements as disclosed, the energy input to the counter-rotating elements is advantageously less than the energy gained from the flow rate increase. The counter-rotating elements may comprise e.g., counter-rotating strips, counter-rotating disks or a plurality of sequentially activated jets. In addition, the bounding surface may comprise a section or pipe, a substantially planar surface, etc. The counter-rotating elements may be used along a section of a pipe, on a surface of an aircraft wing, in HVAC systems, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidic oscillators including compressed gas driven pumps and liquid piston and thermoacoustic heat engines and heat pumps in which the intention is to generate large amplitude oscillations by eliminating the dependence of the oscillations on inertia. According to the principle embodiment represented by circuit 200 pressure or temperature variations 27? drive pressure variations in vessel 11? causing a flow of further working fluid between vessel 11? and load 12? wherein useful work is consumed. Said flow varies out of phase with said pressure variations in vessel 11? by a first phase angle determined by inter alia the dissipative load 12?and the capacity of vessel 11?.

Abstract: A vortex brake (4) for a liquid drainage system has a vortex chamber (5), an inlet section (6) and an outlet (12), wherein liquid can flow into the inlet section (6), through this into the vortex chamber (5), through this and out through the outlet (12). The vortex chamber (5) has a side wall (9), following a conical face, and a base wall (11). The conical face has a cone axis (10), and the outlet (12) is located at an apex of the conical face. The inlet section (6) has side walls (14) and a bottom wall (15) that extend mutually in parallel in a direction of flow (16) in the inlet section (6), and a ceiling. Said ceiling having a converging ceiling portion, which extends between a first and a second end of the ceiling portion, and which, in said direction of flow, extends converging towards the bottom wall (15).

Abstract: Disclosed in a novel apparatus and associated methods for controlling the flow around a reshapable flow restrictor. The flow restrictor reshapes as a function of the pressure differential within the flow restrictor. Small changes in the pressure differential allow for larger changes in the flow rate over conventional flow restrictor systems and provides for real time, fine-tuned adjustments to the flow rate.

Abstract: A hermetic vessel capable of preventing noise caused by fluid flow, and an oil separator, a gas-liquid separator, and an air conditioning system using the same. The hermetic vessel having a vessel body includes an inlet through which a fluid flows into the vessel body, and a discharge pipe which is inserted into the vessel body to discharge the fluid. The discharge pipe includes a first discharge pipe which guides a flow of the fluid in a first direction and causes a wave of a higher frequency than an audible frequency, and a second discharge pipe which is connected to the first discharge pipe to guide a flow of the fluid from the first discharge pipe in a second direction which is different from the first direction.

Abstract: There is provided a micro chemical device with a valve function for which the pressure resistance is high and the channel cross-sectional area does not depend on the fluid pressure, and which furthermore enables the suppression of the adsorption of biological matter and yet is easy to produce, as well as a flow regulation method using such a device. This has a valve function, in which a member (B) is bonded to a member (A) with a groove in the surface thereof, via the surface of the member (A) in which the groove is formed, a capillary type channel of width from 1 to 1000 ?m and height from 1 to 1000 ?m is formed by the groove of the member (A) and the member (B) at the bonding surface between the member (A) and the member (B), a cavity section is formed partway along the channel and the width of this cavity section is from 0.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring particulate material in a fluid comprising a passageway (17), through which fluid to be monitored is passed, at least a portion (24) of the boundary of the passageway (17) being translucent to enable radiation to pass through that portion (24). A camera (40) is arranged to receive such radiation and is constructed to generate electrical signals representative of the images it receives. Image analysis means (57) are connected to receive those electrical signals and to provide data from them relating to the particulate material contained within the fluid.

Abstract: Actuator arrays for use in adaptive-optical elements and optical systems containing at least one such element are disclosed. The actuator arrays provide more precise control of the shape of the adaptive-optical surface while utilizing fewer actuators than conventional systems. An adaptive-optical system of an embodiment includes an array of force devices coupled to a deformable optical surface. The force devices of the array are arranged in braking groups and force-altering groups such that each force device belongs to a respective combination of braking group and force-altering group. A respective force controller is coupled to the force devices of each force-altering group, and a respective braking controller is coupled to the force devices of each braking group.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of moving a fluid in a capillary using a capillary chip having a layer including a polymer composition and a capillary formed on the surface or inside of the aforementioned layer including a polymer composition, wherein the aforementioned capillary has a movement control part, and the aforementioned movement control part includes multiple and sequential opening/closing parts; the aforementioned opening/closing part blocks movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by increase in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the closed state, while it permits movement of the fluid that flows in the aforementioned capillary by decrease in the volume of the aforementioned polymer composition to result in the open state; and the aforementioned method of moving the fluid includes a step (a) of switching the aforementioned multiple opening/closing parts from the open state to the closed state sequentially in a movement direction by changing

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having a plurality of functional features for performing one or more fluidic operations in parallel are provided. Reagents, samples or other fluids common to multiple functional features (“common fluids”) may be input into a microfluidic device or system through one or more distributing inputs that divide and distribute the common fluids as desired. The use of a multi-layer fabrication technique allows multiple distributing inputs to distribute to multiple functional features in a microfluidic device without undesirable fluid channel intersections.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: The lifetime of a double-cone device (21) for creating a pressure difference in a streaming fluid can be greatly increased by moving the inlet gap (5) into the exit cone (4). This results in a short so-called diffuser (22) being obtained between the gap (5) and the orifice (19), where entry cone (3) and exit cone (4) are connected. The increased lifetime permits the double-cone device to cope with much higher flow rates. Thus higher system pressures are created which enhance the use of the double-cone for such applications as the desalination of sea water by reverse osmosis. The important application of the seperation of oil from water using a separating device such as a cyclone (57) working under elevated pressure is now feasible. The increased power of the double-cone permits one to profit more fully from the new concept of reduction of the concentration of the feed supplied to the double-cone device (21).

Abstract: Acoustic waves are used to transfer small amounts of fluid in a non-contact manner. Acoustic waves are propagated through a pool of a source fluid in such a manner that causes the ejection of a single micro-droplet from the surface of the pool. The droplet is ejected towards a target with sufficient force to provide for contact of the droplet with the target. Because the fluid is not contacted by any fluid transfer device such as a pipette, the opportunities for contamination are minimized. Methods may be employed to transfer fluids from an array of source sites to an array of target sites, thereby enabling the precise automation of a wide variety of procedures including screening and synthesis procedures commonly used in biotechnology.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for controlling fluid flow through flow paths with pressure gradient fluid control. Passive fluid flow barriers may be used to act as valves, thereby allowing the flow of fluids through flow paths to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be introduced via a single channel and subsequently split into multiple channels. Flow through the flow paths can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. Each flow path may have multiple segments, at least one of which is designed to balance the pressure drops of the flow paths to provide uniform flow of fluids through the flow paths. The configurations of the wells may also be modified by adding vents or flow dividers to enhance fluid flushing and gas removal capability.

Abstract: A household fluid flow-rate monitor and control system is provided to prevent flood damage, fluid leakage and loss of fluid. The system includes a plurality of alarm units for monitoring fluid flow in the system; an automatic electrically operated valve for shutting off the fluid flow to prevent damage; a fluid meter for sending to a monitor an electrical signal for every unit of fluid flowing through the system; and a controller unit including a microprocessor unit and a memory unit connected to the automatic valve to shut off the system. The monitor receives input from the fluid meter or from a flood sensor and sends alarm signals for several types of events, such as burst flow, leakage, flood, etc. to the controller unit. The unit also has a manual override switch to bypass the electronics.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow control actuator capable of exciting a fluid via the coupling of edge tones generated along a wedge and resonance generated within a cavity. The invention consists of a resonance cavity and ejector port separated by a wedge with fluid flow provided by a pressurized cavity and directed through a throat over the wedge. Several actuators may be arranged independently or in a coupled arrangement to generate a pulsed fluid field of desired shape.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator capable of generating free fluid jets having distinctive, controllable and industrially/commercially useful flow patterns has a switching chamber having an inlet port that allows a pressurized fluid to enter and flow through the oscillator, an exhaust passage having a sidewall that forms one boundary wall of the switching chamber, a container passage having a sidewall that forms the second boundary wall of the switching chamber, a compliance member connected to the distal end of the container passage, and an expansion chamber connected to the distal end of the exhaust passage, with the expansion chamber having an exhaust orifice that allows fluid to flow from the oscillator. In operation, such an oscillator yields a contained fluid jet that issues from the inlet port into the swishing chamber and alternately switches its flow direction between the container and exhaust passages.