Abstract: A hydraulic reservoir (10), for use for example in a marine pleasure craft, comprises a vortex chamber (16), a hydraulic fluid return line (18) and a hydraulic fluid suction line (20) respective entering and exiting substantially tangentially to an internal wall surface of the vortex chamber. An upper chamber (26) is disposed above the vortex chamber (16) and in fluid communication with the vortex chamber. The upper chamber is capable of expansion and/or contraction in use in order to adjust continuously to the volume of the hydraulic fluid to be accommodated in the hydraulic reservoir. Also disclosed is a method of operating such a hydraulic reservoir, in which hydraulic fluid is directed into the vortex chamber (16) along the hydraulic fluid return line (18) and extracting hydraulic fluid from the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid suction line (20), to thereby generate a vortex flow in the vortex chamber. Dissolved air, if present, becomes entrained into bubbles which rise to the upper chamber (26).

Abstract: An unload elbow with spherical wear pocket is disclosed which comprises a body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a spherical wear pocket formed near the outlet end. The spherical wear pocket is capable of trapping material that is being unloaded through the unload elbow to trap a portion of material being unloaded so that any other material being unloaded will contact the trapped material and not impact the wear pocket to prematurely wear out the unload elbow.

Abstract: System, methods, and apparatuses for actuating a tool downhole in a wellbore are presented. In one instance, a system includes a hydraulic tool to generate a hydrostatic pressure in a first chamber using a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid the first chamber is transmitted through a fluid-flow path to a second chamber, which is at lower pressure. The fluid-flow path contains at least one fluid-flow restrictor to cause the flow of the hydraulic fluid to follow a rotational path. A frangible member may be disposed within the fluid-flow path to occlude the path until pressure of the hydraulic fluid exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses darkroom type security inspection apparatus and method. An apparatus comprises a housing constituting a closed darkroom, and assemblies disposed inside the housing. The assemblies disposed inside the housing are communicated by fittings or connectors and comprises: a sampling assembly comprising a sample collecting unit and a conveyer unit configured to convey an object to be inspected into the sample collecting unit; a sample processing assembly configured to concentrate and analyze the sample; and, an inspecting assembly configured to inspect composition of the sample by means of a gas chromatographic-ion mobility spectrometer (GC-IMS) or a separated ion mobility spectrometer (IMS).

Abstract: Example apparatus for regulator heat transfer are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing including an inlet, an outlet, a first valve, and a stem disposed therein. The example apparatus includes a vortex generator disposed in the housing. A fluid is to flow from the inlet through the vortex generator. The example apparatus includes a second valve disposed in the vortex generator. In the example apparatus, the vortex generator is to generate heat prior to the fluid flowing through the second valve to the outlet. The stem is to control the first valve and the second valve to regulate an amount of the heat conveyed to the first valve.

Abstract: An exogenous substance transfer apparatus that introduces an exogenous substance into a small amount of cells by electrical action and a method for manufacturing exogenous substance-bearing cells at low cost are provided. In the introducing an exogenous substance like a gene into a cell, a cell suspension liquid that contains the cell and the exogenous substance is supplied to a container through an opening portion in an amount that is prepared such that a liquid droplet that is formed will not come into contact with a pair of electrodes simultaneously. The liquid droplet is formed in an oil stored in the container, without the cell suspension liquid mixing with the oil. When a direct current voltage is supplied to the electrodes from a power supply, the liquid droplet moves there-between, and the exogenous substance is introduced into the cell within the liquid droplet by electrical action.

Abstract: Vortex generators are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a housing including a surface. The example apparatus also includes a bimorph actuator disposed in the housing. The bimorph actuator includes a first bimorph beam having a first portion fixed relative to the surface. A blade is rotatably coupled to the bimorph actuator, and the bimorph actuator is to rotate the blade to extend a portion of the blade through the surface to generate a vortex in a fluid flowing past the surface.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for containing an underwater gas or oil leak. The system and method may include a vortex device comprising a vortex chamber, a high pressure inlet tangentially engaging the vortex chamber, a low pressure inlet axially engaging the vortex chamber, and a low pressure outlet axially engaging the vortex chamber opposite the low pressure inlet. The vortex device may be positioned underwater proximate an underwater leak. A vortex may be generated within the vortex device. The vortex device may then collect a leak flow issuing from the underwater leak. The vortex device may collect the leak flow via the low pressure inlet, the high pressure inlet, or both.

Abstract: A flow path member includes a lid portion, a bottom plate portion, and side walls provided between the lid portion and the bottom plate portion, a flow path in which a fluid flows is configured with the lid portion, the side walls, and the bottom plate portion, a portion of a surface of the side walls on the flow path side includes a coarse portion that is coarser than the other portions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is a fluid control valve configured to attenuate acoustic resonance generated by a fluid flow. The fluid control valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passageway. A pair of seat rings are coupled to the valve body, with each seat ring defining an opening disposed about the fluid passageway. Each seat ring includes a plurality of vortex generators disposed about the radial periphery thereof for generating streamwise vorticies which suppress acoustic resonance.

Abstract: Vortex generators are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a housing including a surface. The example apparatus also includes a bimorph actuator disposed in the housing. The bimorph actuator includes a first bimorph beam having a first portion fixed relative to the surface. A blade is rotatably coupled to the bimorph actuator, and the bimorph actuator is to rotate the blade to extend a portion of the blade through the surface to generate a vortex in a fluid flowing past the surface.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a fluid chamber; a first outlet; a second outlet; a first outlet fluid passageway, wherein the first outlet fluid passageway is operatively connected to the first outlet; and a second outlet fluid passageway, wherein the second outlet fluid passageway is operatively connected to the second outlet; wherein the fluid rotationally flows about the inside of the chamber, and wherein the fluid flowing through the first outlet fluid passageway conjoins with the fluid flowing through the second outlet fluid passageway at a point downstream of the first and second outlet.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing process, a swirling device, and a thermal management process are disclosed. The three-dimensional printing process includes distributing a material to a selected region, selectively laser melting the material, and forming a swirling device from the material. The swirling device is printed by selective laser melting. The thermal management process includes providing an article having a swirling device printed by selective laser melting, and cooling a portion of the article by transporting air through the swirling device.

Abstract: To convey tactile sensations over an open space, a system may use a vortex generator to direct one or more vortices at an object in 3-D space. Once a vortex strikes an object—e.g., a user's hand—it applies a force. The vortex generator can control the frequency and intensity of the vortices in order to provide different tactile sensations that correspond to virtual objects or events in a visual presentation. The system may identify and track objects in the real-world environment, and based on information provided by a device displaying the visual presentation, transmit instructions to the vortex generator to discharge vortices that convey a tactile sensation corresponding to the virtual object or event in the visual presentation. By doing so, the vortices augment the real-world environment to immerse the user in the visual presentation.

Abstract: Example apparatus for regulator heat transfer are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a regulator including a body, a stem disposed therein, a first inlet and a first outlet. The regulator regulates a pressure of a fluid flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet. The example apparatus comprises a vortex generator disposed within the body to covey heat to a valve of the regulator.

Abstract: A flow control device can include a surface that defines a chamber and includes a side perimeter and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces being smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces, a first port through one of the end surfaces, and a second port through the surface and apart from the first port, the side perimeter surface being operable to direct flow from the second port to rotate about the first port. Another device can include a cylindroidal chamber for receiving flow through an inlet and directing the flow to an outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber being smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, the cylindroidal chamber promoting rotation of the flow based on a characteristic of the inflow through the inlet. The device can have a flow path structure in the cylindroidal chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.

Abstract: A method of propagating pressure pulses in a well can include flowing a fluid composition through a variable flow resistance system which includes a vortex chamber having at least one inlet and an outlet, a vortex being created when the fluid composition spirals about the outlet, and a resistance to flow of the fluid composition alternately increasing and decreasing. The vortex can be alternately created and dissipated in response to flowing the fluid composition through the system. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system which propagates pressure pulses into a formation in response to flow of a fluid composition from the formation.

Abstract: A device for inducing a vortical fluid flow includes a central hub and a plurality of vanes that extend radially from the central hub. Each vane has an interior edge that extends substantially along the length of the hub, a top edge that tapers from narrow to wide in the direction from an inlet end towards an outlet end of the device, a vertical outer edge, and an outside corner at the outlet end bent inwardly at a 45-degree angle to a longitudinal axis of the central hub.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for containing an underwater gas or oil leak. The system and method may include a vortex device comprising a vortex chamber, a high pressure inlet tangentially engaging the vortex chamber, a low pressure inlet axially engaging the vortex chamber, and a low pressure outlet axially engaging the vortex chamber opposite the low pressure inlet. The vortex device may be positioned underwater proximate an underwater leak. A vortex may be generated within the vortex device. The vortex device may then collect a leak flow issuing from the underwater leak. In certain embodiments, the vortex device may collect the leak flow via the low pressure inlet. In other embodiments, the vortex device may collect the leak from via the high pressure inlet.

Abstract: Variable flow resistance systems can be used to regulate fluid flow in various applications, particularly within a subterranean formation. A variable flow resistance system can comprise a chamber configured to induce rotational motion of a fluid flowing therethrough, a fluid inlet coupled to the chamber, and a fluid outlet coupled to the chamber that allows the fluid to exit through at least a sidewall of the chamber. If desired, a plurality of the chambers can be connected in series fluid flow communication with one another.

Abstract: A vortex-generating nozzle-end ring includes a body having an outer periphery and an aperture disposed through the body, the aperture defining an inner periphery of the body, the body being adaptable to the end of a nozzle, and at least one tab extending from the inner periphery radially inwardly toward the center of the aperture. In another embodiment, a nozzle includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis having an inlet and an outlet; a vortex-generating nozzle-end ring disposed on the outlet, including a body having an outer periphery and an aperture disposed through the body, the aperture defining an inner periphery of the body, the body being adaptable to the end of nozzle; and at least one tab extending from the inner periphery radially inwardly toward the center of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid flow control valve (1) comprising a cylindrical inlet chamber (2) having a fluid inlet aperture (3) and a coaxial waisted cylindrical outlet chamber (4) having a fluid outlet aperture (5), said inlet chamber containing a coaxial cylindrical cage (6) opening into said outlet chamber and said cage having in its cylinder wall at least one valve aperture (7) to allow fluid to pass from said fluid inlet aperture into said outlet chamber, said control valve further comprising a coaxial cylindrical plug (10) movable axially relative to said cage to close and open said valve aperture and a valve actuator (9, 11, 12, 13) operable to move said plug or cage relative to each other whereby to close or open said valve aperture, wherein said valve aperture is arranged to provide fluid exiting said cage from said inlet chamber with a velocity component tangential to the cylindrical axis (31) of said cage.

Abstract: An aspect of one embodiment, there is provided an exhaust system includes a vacuum pump exhausting first gas, a trap bottle having a cylindrical shape, a sidewall of the trap bottle being configured to move in a circumference direction, and a first pipe connecting between the vacuum pump and the trap bottle, the first pipe having a tilt angle in an axis direction of the cylindrical shape, the first gas flowing in the first pipe from the vacuum pump to the trap bottle.

Abstract: A connector for a flow managing device in fluid communication with an outlet conduit is disclosed. The connector can comprise a receiving member, an engaging member, and an adapter. The receiving member can be secured to the adapter, which can be secured to a side wall of a basin near an outlet coupled to the outlet conduit. The adapter can comprise a curvature plate having a curvature that complements a curvature of the side wall. The adapter can further comprise an adapter bore through the curvature plate and an adapter conduit extending from the curvature plate and at least partially overlapping the adapter bore. The flow managing apparatus can be secured to the engaging member, which can be engaged with the receiving member. Fluid from the basin can flow through the flow managing device, the engaging member, the receiving member, and the adapter and into the outlet conduit.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a swirler is disclosed. The swirler may include an outer shroud and inner shroud. The inner shroud may be positioned radially inside the outer shroud. At least one of the outer shroud and inner shroud may have a major diameter greater than that of a minor diameter such that the shrouds define an ovate shape. The swirler may further include a plurality of vanes which may be positioned between the inner and outer shrouds.

Abstract: A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heat transfer tube and a racking furnace using the heat transfer tube. The heat transfer tube comprises a twisted baffle arranged in an inner wall of the tube, said twisted baffle extending spirally along an axial direction of the heat transfer tube. The twisted baffle defines a closed circle viewed from an end of the heat transfer tube. Along the trajectory of the circle a casing is arranged, which is fixedly connected to a radial inner end of the twisted baffle. The twisted baffle is provided with a plurality of holes. The heat transfer tube according to the present disclosure has a good heat transfer effect and small pressure loss.

Abstract: A non-adjustable water pressure and flow speed regulating flushing system includes a valve member adapted for sealedly disposing between the water inlet and outlet to control water flowing from water inlet to outlet through the water chamber, a relief valve disposed within the water chamber for controlling the water flowing from water chamber to water outlet, and a flow speed regulation arrangement which includes an elongated bleed channel for controlling a water pressure between the water inlet and water chamber, so as to regulate a flow speed of the water entering into the water chamber through the bleed channel in a non-adjustable manner.

Abstract: A swirler includes a swirler body defining a diverging upstream surface defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of swirl vanes extending from the diverging upstream surface. The swirl vanes are angled to impart swirl around the longitudinal axis on a fluid flow over the diverging upstream surface. An airblast injector includes a swirler as described above, and a nozzle body defining an air passage therethrough along the longitudinal axis with a diverging outlet. The swirler is operatively associated with a diverging outlet of the nozzle body. An annular swirler outlet area can be defined between downstream ends of the swirler and diverging outlet of the air passage. A throat area can be defined in the air passage upstream of the diverging outlet thereof. The swirler outlet area can be greater than the throat area.

Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.

Abstract: Roughness is added to the surface of a bluff body in a relative motion with respect to a fluid. The amount, size, and distribution of roughness on the body surface is controlled passively or actively to modify the flow around the body and subsequently the Vortex Induced Forces and Motion (VIFM). The added roughness, when designed and implemented appropriately, affects in a predetermined way the boundary layer, the separation of the boundary layer, the level of turbulence, the wake, the drag and lift forces, and consequently the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM), and the fluid-structure interaction. The goal of surface roughness control is to decrease/suppress Vortex Induced Forces and Motion. Suppression is required when fluid-structure interaction becomes destructive as in VIM of flexible cylinders or rigid cylinders on elastic support, such as underwater pipelines, marine risers, tubes in heat exchangers, nuclear fuel rods, cooling towers, SPAR offshore platforms.

Abstract: A vortex generator, designed to bring a medium into a controlled vortex motion, with a hollow inlet section (1) to direct the medium into the vortex generator. The inlet section consists of a rotational symmetric cavity (101) with a curved geometry (108). Furthermore, a vortex chamber (4a; 4b), inside which the vortex motion is to be established, is attached to the inlet section. The inlet section (1) contains at least one spiral-shaped conic channel for directing the medium from the rotational symmetric cavity to the vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is either trumpet-shaped (4a) or egg-shaped (4b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the fluid having a density which changes over time. An embodiment of the apparatus has a vortex chamber, a vortex outlet, and first and second inlets into the vortex chamber. Flow into the inlets is directed by a fluid control system which has a control passageway for directing fluid flow as it exits a primary passageway. A movable fluid diverter positioned in the control passageway moves in response to change in fluid density to restrict fluid flow through the control passageway. When fluid flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, fluid from the control passageway directs fluid exiting the primary passageway toward a selected vortex inlet. When flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, flow from the primary passageway is directed into the other vortex inlet.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device that controls a flow of fluid within the flow control device has a flow path to convey the fluid. A cross-sectional area of the flow path varies along the flow path. At least a portion of the length of the fluid flow control device includes an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the flow path to cause vortical motion of the fluid within the fluid pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid flow control valve (1) comprising a cylindrical inlet chamber (2) having a fluid inlet aperture (3) and a coaxial waisted cylindrical outlet chamber (4) having a fluid outlet aperture (5), said inlet chamber containing a coaxial cylindrical cage (6) opening into said outlet chamber and said cage having in its cylinder wall at least one valve aperture (7) to allow fluid to pass from said fluid inlet aperture into said outlet chamber, said control valve further comprising a coaxial cylindrical plug (10) movable axially relative to said cage to close and open said valve aperture and a valve actuator (9, 11, 12, 13) operable to move said plug or cage relative to each other whereby to close or open said valve aperture, wherein said valve aperture is arranged to provide fluid exiting said cage from said inlet chamber with a velocity component tangential to the cylindrical axis (31) of said cage.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of a first fluid stream within a bulk rotating fluid stream is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a fluid flow region having a longitudinal axis, within which a rotating flow of fluid may be established; a flow guide having a convex outer surface disposed centrally within the fluid flow region, the convex outer surface of the flow guide extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow region, the convex surface being shaped to induce a spiral coanda effect in the flow of the first fluid stream over the flow guide.

Abstract: An improvement in a vapor recovery line in the form of a vortex shedding flow meter installable within such vapor recovery line to monitor the flow rate of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery line, such flow meter including a housing having an inlet flange with an associated inlet connectable to the upstream portion of the vapor recovery line, an outlet flange with an outlet connectable to the downstream portion of the vapor recovery line, a housing for a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, with a vortex strut extending into the passageway nearer the outlet to generate shed flow vortices and a transmitter-receiver transducer pair positioned nearer the outlet to subject the shed vortices to a sonic beam to effect modulation thereof, and an electronics package within an electronic housing portion for determining from such modulation the flow rate of the vapor passing through the vapor recovery line.

Abstract: An aerated swirling vertical shaft with double volute chambers comprises an upper volute chamber (2) and a first shrinking section (3) beneath the upper volute chamber (2), a venting passage (4) outside the upper volute chamber (2), a vertical shaft section (7) beneath the first shrinking section (3), as well as an aerated lower volute chamber (5) and a second shrinking section (6) communicated with the aerated lower volute chamber (5) between the first shrinking section (3) and the vertical shaft section (7), wherein the upper end of the aerated lower volute chamber (5) is connected with the first shrinking section (3), the lower end of the second shrinking section (6) is connected with the vertical shaft section (7); the upper end of the venting passage (4) is communicated with the atmosphere and the lower end is communicated with the aerated lower volute chamber (5).

Abstract: A connector assembly for a flow restricting apparatus is disclosed. The flow restricting apparatus comprises an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet conduit. The connector assembly comprises a first member configured to be engaged with the flow restricting apparatus at least partially about the outlet. The first member comprises a first face, a second face, and a bore defined through the first member. The connector assembly comprises a second member comprising a first side, a second side, a bore defined through the second member, at least one projection extending outwardly from the first side of the second member, and sealing means for sealing positioned intermediate the first member and the second member. The at least one projection forms a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the first member.

Abstract: An active vortex control system (AVOCS) includes a set of primary injectors that inject gas into a cavity to generate a vortex in front of and possibly around components inside the cavity. The vortex interferes with an external flow field in an opening to the cavity to protect the components from the external environment. Sets of secondary injectors may inject gas at a reduced mass flow into the cavity to compensate for energy losses to maintain the coherence of the vortex. The AVOCS is well suited for use in windowless endo- and exo-atmospheric interceptors to protect the electro-optical imagers and optical components from Earth atmosphere.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of liquid flowing in a main fluid flow path, a pressure measuring unit is installed by providing a pressure measuring space at a position branching from a straight-pipe portion of the main fluid flow path, and, in addition, the main fluid flow path and the pressure measuring space are connected with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe whose pipe diameters are smaller than the main fluid flow path.

Abstract: An aerated swirling vertical shaft with double volute chambers comprises an upper volute chamber (2) and a first shrinking section (3) beneath the upper volute chamber (2), a venting passage (4) outside the upper volute chamber (2), a vertical shaft section (7) beneath the first shrinking section (3), as well as an aerated lower volute chamber (5) and a second shrinking section (6) communicated with the aerated lower volute chamber (5) between the first shrinking section (3) and the vertical shaft section (7), wherein the upper end of the aerated lower volute chamber (5) is connected with the first shrinking section (3), the lower end of the second shrinking section (6) is connected with the vertical shaft section (7); the upper end of the venting passage (4) is communicated with the atmosphere and the lower end is communicated with the aerated lower volute chamber (5).

Abstract: A blowoff tank (B) for receiving blowdown, blowoff, and drain water from an HRSG (C) or other type of boiler, so as to lower the temperature of that water enough to enable it to be discharged into a sewer system, includes a generally cylindrical vessel (50) and inlet pipes (60) through which the blowdown, blowoff, and drain water is introduced into the vessel. Each pipe has a radial segment (62) that passes through the sidewall (52) of the vessel, a generally vertical segment (64) that extends upwardly within the vessel, and a tangential segment (68) that opens into the vessel. The radial segment contains a small drain aperture (74). The tank also has a cooling line (90) through which cooling water is introduced into the vessel to lower the temperature of the blowdown, blowoff, and drain water in the vessel and a drain line (86) that drains the mixture of cooling water and blowdown, blowoff, and drain water from the vessel, but never exceeds the elevation of the apertures in the inlet pipes.

Abstract: A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least one inlet, an outlet, and at least one structure spirally oriented relative to the outlet, whereby the structure induces spiral flow of the fluid composition about the outlet. Another variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber including an outlet, at least one structure which induces spiral flow of a fluid composition about the outlet, and at least one other structure which impedes a change in direction of flow of the fluid composition radially toward the outlet.

Abstract: An exhaust reflector for cooling and reducing the velocity of firearm, internal combustion engine, and other exhaust gases, and controlling the dispersion of exhaust debris away from the operator.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least one inlet, an outlet, and at least one structure spirally oriented relative to the outlet, whereby the structure induces spiral flow of the fluid composition about the outlet. Another variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber including an outlet, at least one structure which induces spiral flow of a fluid composition about the outlet, and at least one other structure which impedes a change in direction of flow of the fluid composition radially toward the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable device to be inserted into the center hole of the cutting tip of a cutting/welding torch that can be easily cleaned without distorting future cuts, minimizes the amount of oxygen needed for a cutting or welding task, concentrates, controls and defines the flow of air and oxygen into a cutting/welding torch, prevents the center hole of a cutting/welding torch from becoming distorted and imprecise over time, improves the quality of a cut, and minimizes the amount of cut steel that must be cleaned up after a cutting/welding task is completed.