Abstract: The method of operation of a vortex chamber which has a fluid connection which can be controlled at times to send fluid from the chamber to a cavity, containing a movable mass, and which can allow fluid to travel from the cavity through the same fluid connection into the chamber to later exit from the vortex chamber exit is disclosed. The vortex chamber, in a preferred embodiment, has a tangential power fluid input, an output at the center, and a radial combined input-output communicating with the movable mass container. The vortex chamber is used to reduce pressure at the fluid output when and only when control fluid input enters the chamber at the fluid input. Exhaust fluid from the movable mass container can easily pass radially through the vortex chamber to its output.

Abstract: A fluid telemetry system is disclosed which utilizes an improved pulsing ice. The pulser comprises a bistable fluid amplifier. Both outlets of the bistable fluid amplifier communicate tangentially with a vortex chamber. A pulse in the fluid entering the amplifier may be produced each time the fluid flow is diverted from one outlet to the other.

Abstract: A vortex-diode check valve comprises a short cylindrical working chamber with an axial inlet port entering axially through a first end wall at a short distance from the central portion of a second end wall and a tangential outlet port exiting tangentially through a circular side wall. The ratio of fluid flow resistances, between flows in the reverse and forward directions, is markedly increased by configuring at least one end wall as a flexible resilient diaphragm, permitting relative motion between the second end wall and the axial inlet port.

Abstract: A vortex diode has a cylindrical vortex chamber having an enlarged peripheral channel, one or more tangential ports communicating with the channel and two co-axially arranged axial ports on opposite end walls of the chamber. The height of the chamber is less than three quarters of the diameter of the axial ports. The channel may communicate with the vortex chamber either radially or tangentially with respect to the channel.

Abstract: A valve for controlling venting of excess gas from a diving suit includes a alve body housing first and second rubber check valves arranged in series. A control knob is rotatable on the valve body to selectively open or close outlet ports for venting gas from between the check valves and to actuate a member to selectively either hold the first check valve closed or to allow it function.

Abstract: A first stage scuba regulator operates to supply breathable air at a pressure of say, about 125 psi above ambient to a second stage demand regulator. The first stage regulator includes a piston subjected on one side to ambient pressure, and on the other to downstream air pressure, and so arranged as to open when the ambient pressure overpowers downstream pressure by a preset amount determined by a bias spring and to close when downstream pressure rises to the present amount. Instead of directly conducting outside water to the first side of the piston, an inert barrier fluid of high molecular weight is used that fills the piston chamber. Low temperature silicone grease is the preferred material. The barrier fluid is retained by a porous closure that offers very limited restriction to the flow of water, but significantly greater resistance to the flow of the barrier fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to pressure regulators used in scuba diving wherein a pressure sensing means is employed to actuate an associated valve member for controlling pressure in the regulator. Specifically, the instant invention relates to that portion of the regulator housing including biasing means operably connected to said pressure sensing means wherein a pressure relief opening is provided in the regulator housing so as to expose the biasing means to ambient pressure conditions. The instant invention teaches the provision of a pressure bleed means for transmitting pressurized air through the regulator housing portion including the biasing means and outwardly through said relief opening. By this arrangement ambient water may not pass into the regulator housing through said relief opening which could otherwise result in potentially adverse effects on the operation of the biasing means.

Abstract: An attenuator, for use in a fluid system for reducing pulsations and transients, having a vortex chamber with a plurality of tangential inlets and one or more outlets with converging nozzles being provided in the inlets to increase the inlet flow velocity and to provide diode action. At least one elbow is provided in the outlet line adjacent the vortex chamber outlet with a second elbow being provided at a distance from the elbow adjacent the vortex outlet, approximately equal to the radius of the vortex chamber. The second elbow is not needed when outlet line discharges to a sump or to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An attenuator, for use in a fluid system for reducing pulsations and transients, having a vortex chamber with a plurality of tangential inlets and one or more outlets with converging nozzles being provided in the inlets to increase the inlet flow velocity and to provide diode action. At least one elbow is provided in the outlet line adjacent the vortex chamber outlet with a second elbow being provided at a distance from the elbow adjacent the vortex outlet, approximately equal to the radius of the vortex chamber. The second elbow is not needed when outlet line discharges to a sump or to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vortex diode having a thin cylindrical vortex chamber with an axial port and at least one tangential port. The chamber is provided with a peripheral channel and the diameter of each tangential port is substantially equal to the diameter of the peripheral channel.

Abstract: 1.