Abstract: An electromagnetic flow control valve for an electrically conductive liquid having a plurality of coils and yokes surrounding a non-metallic, such as alumina, tube through which an electrically conducting liquid, such as liquid metal, flows. Direct current applied to the coils causes retarding forces to be imposed on the flowing liquid. The electromagnetic flow control valve can be used in conjunction with a continuous caster where the electromagnetic flow control valve is in fluid communication with a tundish.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fluid conditioning (EFC) apparatus and method to control paraffin and/or asphaltene is disclosed. Further, the present invention incorporates the discovery that the electric field must have specific characteristics to achieve the efficiency described herein. The invention disclosed is an apparatus and method for inducing a magnetic field parallel to the flow of fluid in the conduit at surface or downhole conditions and an electrical field orthogonal to the direction of the flow of fluid in the conductor. The magnetic and electrical fields have high magnetic and electric intensity, respectively. A high vibration frequency of the fields is achieved using high frequency AC current or high pulsed DC current. The apparatus and method controls the deposition of paraffin, asphaltene and other susceptible substances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a container with a magnetic material using an electromagnetic valve and a demagnetizing circuit to control the flow and properties of the material. Initially an empty container is placed under a fill tube through which the material will be supplied to the container. In the filling process an auger located inside of the fill tube rotates to move the material through the fill tube. When the container is filled, the auger stops rotating and the electromagnetic valve is actuated. The electromagnetic valve supplies a magnetic field which holds the material particles in place, plugging the fill tube with the material. The filled container is removed from the fill tube and an empty container is put in its place. When the electromagnetic valve is switched off, a demagnetizing circuit is activated. After the material particles are demagnetized the auger is switched on and the material flows again to fill the container.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fluid conditioning (EFC) apparatus and method to control paraffin and/or asphaltene is disclosed. Further, the present invention incorporates the discovery that the electric field must have specific characteristics to achieve the efficiency described herein. The invention disclosed is an apparatus and method for inducing a magnetic field parallel to the flow of fluid in the conduit at surface or downhole conditions and an electrical field orthogonal to the direction of the flow of fluid in the conductor. The EFC apparatus comprises a non-magnetic conduit having opposite ends and allowing a flow of product to go therethrough, an insulated coiled wire or winding in a magnetic enclosure within its opposite ends. The adjacent turns of the wire are electrically insulated from each other and the non-magnetic conduit. The winding is protected with an aluminum or stainless steel or other suitable non-magnetic material that encapsulates the wire and part of the non-magnetic conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a cryogenic liquid includes means for focusing a beam of energy, eg. laser energy from a source onto the liquid cryogen as it passes through an outlet from a cryogenic liquid container.

Abstract: A valve used to control the flow of a magnetorheological fluid, in which the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological fluid are varied by applying a magnetic field, is described. The valve can comprise a magnetoconducting body with a magnetic core that houses an induction coil winding, and an hydraulic channel located between the outside of the core and the inside of the body connected to a fluid inlet port and an outlet port, in which magnetorheological fluid flows from the inlet port through the hydraulic line to the outlet port. Devices employing magnetorheological valves are also described.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electroviscous fluid has a pair of electrodes between which the electroviscous fluid is disposed and a control device for applying nearly-trapezoidal shaped pulses positive and negative voltages alternately across the electrodes to control viscosity of the electroviscous fluid. The control apparatus changes gradually a voltage value when switching between the positive voltage and the negative voltage.

Abstract: A valve used to control the flow of a magnetorheological fluid, in which the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological fluid are varied by applying a magnetic field, is described. The valve can comprise a magnetoconducting body with a magnetic core that houses an induction coil winding, and an hydraulic channel located between the outside of the core and the inside of the body connected to a fluid inlet port and an outlet port, in which magnetorheological fluid flows from the inlet port through the hydraulic line to the outlet port. Devices employing magnetorheological valves are also described.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid treatment device is provided in which elongated cup shaped members are aligned to form a tube about a fluid conducting conduit. Interposed between the conduit and the elongated cup shaped member are a plurality of magnets which are arranged in diametrically opposed pairs within the tube. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cup shaped members are secured about the fluid conducting conduit by interconnecting longitudinally extending flanges. According to another embodiment of the invention, the elongated cup shaped members are received within a housing having end caps closing the ends thereof about the fluid conducting conduit. Each end of the conduit is provided with an adapter or appropriate connector to then be received within a conduit carrying the fluid to be treated.

Abstract: Electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of a liquid metal or metal alloy in a pressurized pipe is provided with a tubular body made of a material which is permeable to magnetic fields, and a polyphase field coil arranged around the tubular body in order to create a magnetic field for sliding lengthwise along the tubular body. A core is held in an axial position through the tubular body, with the core leaving between itself and the inner surface of the tubular body a substantially annular passage for the liquid metal or metal alloy of which the flow is to be controlled.

Abstract: An E-R hydraulic control valve that has two or more surfaces that can be moved relatively to one another to adjust a flow orifice size while maintaining a control voltage gradient across the E-R fluid and to seat one surface against the other to shut off fluid flow. Combining movable mechanical fluid flow elements with E-R fluid control allows initial tuning of the valve to a particular application by mechanical restriction of an orifice, and E-R operating control of the fluid. Seating the mechanical surfaces provides a fail-safe shut-down mode.

Abstract: A pressure regulating inlet-and-outlet valve for a sealed space enclosed by a housing wall (10). The wall is penetrated by at least one gap (6) that is spanned by a magnetic field and completely occupied by a ferrofluidic liquid (7) confined inside the gap by the field.

Abstract: A descending stream of molten metal is electromagnetically metered by a primary coil surrounding an upstream portion of the stream. Alternating electric current flows through the coil, and the frequency of that current is controlled to optimize the electromagnetic efficiency (magnetic pressure/power loss) of the electromagnetic metering system. Direct current can be added to the alternating current to also optimize electromagnetic efficiency.

Abstract: Magnetic valve and methods related thereto for regulating the physically unobstructed flow of ferromagnetic particulate solid materials through a conduit by means of an electromagnetic and/or permanent magnetic device for establishing and controlling a magnetic field, which is caused to selectively pass along a magnetic circuit which comprises said particulate materials in said conduit to be regulated and wherein said magnetic field is deviated from said conduit or deactivated to allow the flow of said material.

Abstract: A fluid control valve of "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement for use with electrorheological fluids comprises a plurality of channel plates and printed circuit board plates alternatingly stacked together. Electrodes are printed on the printed circuit board plates to form walls on sides of channels formed in the channel plates. Holes piercing the printed circuit board plates are so located as to permit the flow of fluid through the printed circuit board plates from channel plate to channel plate at specific locations thereby causing the flow of fluid through a "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement. Electric activation of selected electrodes cause the flow of fluid in channels between the selected electrodes to become exceedingly viscous or "freeze" and thereby close selected portions of the "Wheatstone Bridge". In the most common arrangement closure of parallel valves cause flow through the cross arm of the "Wheatstone Bridge" and actuation of an hydraulic device connected into the cross arm.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid conditioner for abating the adherence of precipitates in conduits transmitting a variety of liquids and/or gases which contain unwanted compounds capable of adhering to the inner walls of the fluid transmitting conduits, the magnetic fluid conditioner having means for directing the outwardly radiating magnetic flux toward the fluid conducting conduits to thereby increase the magnetic flux acting on the liquid and/or gas flowing in the conduits.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for use for discharge of molten metal from a container comprises a body (1) providing a discharge passage (2, 3) surrounded by an electrical induction coil (4), the passage having a first portion (2) adjacent the container having a radius greater than that of a second portion (3) extending from the first portion to the discharge end of the passage, whereby the frequency of the electric current supplied to the coil (4) can be chosen independently of the passage discharge diameter.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for use for discharge of molten metal from a container, comprises a main body providing a discharge passage through which, in use, molten metal will flow; and electrical induction coil located about the passage; means to supply an alternating electric current to the coil whereby the coil provides an alternating magnetic field which induces electric currents in any molten metal in the passage; and a center member located in the passage, the arrangement being such that interaction between the magnetic field provided by the coil and the currents induced in the molten metal in the passage provides a force which as it is increased causes the flow rate of the molten metal through the valve to be reduced until the force is sufficient to urge the molten metal away from the wall of the passage until the molten metal is supported on the center member and the flow of molten metal is cut off.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a minor portion of the air-fuel mixture being flowed to the combustion engine chamber is withdrawn through a fluid withdrawal passage. The fluid withdrawal passage enters the curved outlet section of the intake passage, with its inlet at the convexly curved interior surface of such outlet. The side stream of air-fuel mixture is withdrawn by application of suction to the outer end of such fluid withdrawal passage. Withdrawal of a side stream of air-fuel mixture in this fashion has been found to substantially increase the rate of flow of air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber during the charging step of engine operaton. The fluid withdrawal apparatus and method of the invention are potentially applicable to many other types of fluid flow systems comprising a flow path with a curved portion, downstream of which it is desirable to increase fluid velocity and volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid conditioner for abating the adherence of precipitates in conduits transmitting a variety of fluids and/or gases which contain unwanted compounds which will precipitate and adhere to the inner walls of the conduits. The magnetic fluid conditioner includes a metallic flux path for increasing the flux density.

Abstract: In a method for electromagnetically regulating flow and in an apparatus for performing the method, a molten metal flowing in a pouring tube is inhibited in a central region of the pouring tube by an insert member installed in a conduit of the pouring tube and is diverted radially outward. An electromagnetic coil is arranged concentrically about the pouring tube for exerting constrictive electromagnetic forces upon the molten metal and thus regulating the flow of molten metal in a wide range.

Abstract: An actuator output member (11) is angularly deflectable by two opposed, tangentially movable, pressure transmitting members (7, 8), each responsive to the pressure drop developed across two respective flow restrictors (1, 2) serially connected in a fluid circuit. Deflection is achieved by variation of one or both of the flow restrictors. In a fast response arrangement the fluid is electroviscous and the flow restrictors electrically variable.

Abstract: A device for confining liquid metals comprises a coil which surrounds a jet of liquid metal to be confined and means for causing an alternating current to flow through the coil. These means cause an alternating current to flow through the coil at a frequency which is less than the inverse of the product of the magnetic permeability of the liquid metal, the electrical conductivity of the metal and the square of the radius of the jet of the metal after confinement, in coherent units.The invention applies to the casting of steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof.

Abstract: Charging means is provided in a fluid flow path for charging the fluid. Another means is provided downstream of the charging means in such a manner as to be outside of the fluid flow path, applying electrostatic or magnetic force to the charged fluid in order to control the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns the centering, the guiding and the correction of shape of liquid streams of different metals. A series of various and different electrical conductors A, B, C, D, even in number, are disposed along generatrices of a prism whose axis X coincides with the axis to be imposed on stream V. High frequency alternating currents opposite in direction are passed along two successive conductors. Application to different types of casting in particular.

Abstract: A switch arrangement in which shock wave energy is utilized to switch the path of a fluid through a fluidic device, the switch arrangement being such that a reflector is employed to direct the shock wave to a desired position in the switch arrangement.

Abstract: A valve device for metallurgical containers includes an electric circuit formed by two electrodes opening out into the molten metal at the tapping point. The electric circuit measures the resistive voltage drop across the molten metal at the tapping point to determine the slag content in the tap stream by changes in the measured resistive voltage drop. The rate of tapping of the melt can be controlled simultaneously along with the indication of the presence of slag in the tap stream.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid etal in a tubular conduit of elongated cross-section by means of an external magnetic field. The method comprises providing means for applying a magnetic field adapted to traverse the flow path of said fluid wherein the orientation of the magnetic field relative said conduit is adapted to be varied and varying said field direction in order to control the flow of liquid metal in said conduit whereby when a magnetic field is applied in a direction traversing the elongated wall sections of said conduit the rate of flow is decreased and when a magnetic field is applied in a direction traversing the shorter wall sections of said conduit the rate of flow is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus for constricting a jet of liquid metal at the outlet of the orifice of a nozzle. The jet is constricted due to the provision of a winding which surrounds the discharge end of the nozzle, and a conductive cylindrical screen which extends into the winding. The apparatus can be used to constrict streams of molten steel, aluminum, copper or copper or aluminum alloys preparatory to flow of molten metal through a joint between two conduits which are not sealingly connected to each other or for the making of wire or small-diameter billets.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting the function conventionally performed by the distributor plate in static, packed, or fluidized beds wherein the bed particles are supported or stabilized by an electric field imposed by an external source of electric potential.

Abstract: An implant to be situated in a vas deferens for reversibly preventing conception. A pair of open-ended tubular structures respectively have inner end regions adjacent but spaced from each other and fluid-tightly joined with a housing having an interior space through which fluid can flow between the pair of tubular structures. Within the housing are a plurality of fine particles capable of responding to magnetic forces. A permanent magnet is provided for attracting the particles to a conception-preventing position where the particles form a body of sufficient density to retain sperm while of insufficient density to prevent the sperm-carrying fluid from flowing through the body and through the tubular structures.

Abstract: A fluidic system (e.g. amplifier or bistable unit) having an inlet branch and a pair of outlet branches separated by a fluid-flow splitter whereby the fluid is rendered electromagnetically susceptible, e.g. magnetic by incorporating magnetic particles therein, electrostatically responsive by being relatively dielectric, or electrically conductive, so that the fluid flow to the outlet branches may be controlled by magnetic, electrostatic or current flow means or an output may be derived by similar electromagnetic means for controlling an ancillary device, providing an indication of a fluid flow parameter or feedback control of an input parameter.