Abstract: A displacement pump with a pump housing containing a pump chamber of varying volume, the limiting walls of which includes a moveable portion or diaphragm, the movement and/or deformation of which varies the pump chamber volume. The pump chamber has a fluid inlet on the suction side of the pump and a fluid outlet on the pressure side. Both the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, or possibly only one of them, includes a flow controlling element having one diffuser and one diffuser inlet which, for the same flow, has a larger pressure drop in one flow direction (the nozzle direction) than in the opposite flow direction (the diffuser direction). A drive element is coupled to the diaphragm, whereby the diaphragm can be caused to oscillate, so that the fluid volume in the pump chamber is caused to pulsate and thereby produce a net flow of fluid through the pump.

Abstract: A molded fluidic device having a power nozzle with a width W and a coupling passage coupling a source of fluid to said power nozzle. The coupling passage has a planar enlargement and a plurality of posts spaced across the enlargement, the spacing S between each post being less than the width of the power nozzle with the sum of spacing S being greater than the width W.

Abstract: Microdevices based on surface tension and wettability are useful as sensors, detectors, actuators, pumps, among other applications. As sensors and detectors they can respond to numerous stimuli such as pressure, temperature, gravity, rotation, acceleration, oscillation, chemical environments, magnetic fields, electric fields, radiation, and particle beams with a great choice of output options. Because of their design, they can be used in a broad range of temperatures and environments. Additionally, unlike other microsensors and detectors, these devices can be exposed to forces and pressures orders of magnitudes greater than their design limit and still return to their original accuracy and precision. These microdevices are also useful as actuators, pumps, valves and shutters. It is possible by joining these devices together to form complex devices that are able to control macroscopic flows for example. They are also able to perform complex electrical switching operations.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for producing fluidic jet perturbations for controlling a fluid stream and mix of fluids. The invention is especially applicable to aerodynamic bodies for delaying separation and increasing the maximum angle of attack. The teachings of the invention can easily be converted to produce mechanic or mechanical fluidic effects. The apparatus provides simultaneous perturbations applicable for successive perturbations in the longitudinal direction as well as for segmented requirements. However, the invention may be advantageously used in other applications, such as increasing the angle of divergence in diffusers, controlling and increasing the mixing rate of fluids in the mixing process without adding any mass, and vectoring fluid streams. It can also be applied, among others uses, for a windshield defogger or a vortex generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidic oscillator which is symmetrical with respective to a longitudinal symmetry plane, comprising a fluid inlet intended to form a bidimensional fluid jet which oscillates transversally with respective to the symmetry plane, an obstacle wherein is arranged a cavity which faces said fluid inlet and which is scavenged by the oscillation jet, characterized in that the obstacle has a front wall which has two so-called front surfaces substantially planar and framing the cavity, the plane of each surface being substantially perpendicular to the symmetry plane, said cavity being defined by a surface which is substantially parallel to said plane at the points where said surface joins each of said front surfaces, the obstacle also having two side walls of which said side surfaces are substantially parallel to the symmetry plane at the points where each of them joins the corresponding front surface.

Abstract: A flow control device (FCD) controls low flow rate fluid flow to within closely tolerated and consistently maintained limits by way of improved stacked disc technology. Stacking face to face of similar disc configurations generates novel enhanced etched disc stacks allowing course and fine flow adjustments, maintenance of cleanliness, resistance to flow degradation, improved structural strength and the ability to make real time flow adjustments during mission life. A stainless/copper sandwiched embodiment seals face to face leakage faster than known means for controlling etched disc face to face seal designs.

Abstract: A fluidic ball diverter valve for use in aerospace applications for diverting the output of a fluidic amplifier comprises a valve chamber having an inlet and two outlets. The orientation of the outlet valve seats is such that a line of action between the valve seats passing through the center of the valve ball defines an angle less 180 degrees. The orientation of the outlet valve seats permits the entire laminated fluidic amplifier module and at least a portion of the ball diverter valve itself to be mounted within the pressure vessel of the gas generator itself. By moving these components inside the pressure vessel, the pressure differential experienced by the components is substantially less than if the components were mounted outside the pressure vessel. This permits the components to be of substantially lighter construction.

Abstract: Micropumps fabricated by micromachining techniques and employing fixed or no-moving-parts valves. As one aspect of the invention, a laser-assisted chemical etching technique is employed for providing smooth-walled, curved configuration necessary to obtain the desired flow characteristics of the valves that are used in conjunction with the micropump.

Abstract: Turbulence is controlled in boundary layer or wall-bounded fluid flow fields having a turbulent wall region characterized by a system of roll pairs extending in the direction of flow, and obliquely propagating structures interacting with the system of roll pairs, by locally introducing into the turbulent wall region two separate disturbances that are effective to produce, in a local region, a composite disturbance field that is strongly coupled to and modifies the obliquely propagating structures in a manner that increases or decreases the interaction of the propagating structures with the system of roll pairs thereby locally increasing or decreasing the turbulence in the flow field. One of the disturbances may result from the interaction of the fluid with a linear strip, or an array of strips, of delta-shaped protrusions positioned spanwise on the wall (i.e., transverse to the flow direction); and the second disturbance may result from injecting sonic energy into the local region.

Abstract: Flow diverter methods and apparatus useful, for example, in adsorber systems capable of meeting the California ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standard, are described, the adsorber systems incorporating a combination of a burn-off catalyst and a modified adsorber constructed with an open flow region of substantially unobstructed flow having a hole or a region of larger cell openings, the flow diverter acting to control exhaust flow through the adsorber to both increase adsorption and reduce the light-off time of the burn-off catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fluid microdiode for directionally incorporating a dosed fluid into another stationary or flowing target fluid contained in a closed system, especially in the submicroliter range. It is characterized by a planar arrangement of a microcapillary open on both sides or a system of closely juxtaposed microcapillaries open on both sides being in direct contact with the target fluid on the outlet side thereof and being separated from the discontinuously supplied dosed fluid on their inlet side by an air or gas cushion, forming a meniscus (6) which is curved according to the surface tension. As a device (1), said fluid microdiode consists of a stacked arrangement of a flow channel (9), the actual diode in the form of a grid structure formed by capillaries, and a spacer chip (2), securing the gaseous medium in the region of the coupling surface.

Abstract: Turbulence is controlled in boundary layer or wall-bounded fluid flow fields having a turbulent wall region characterized by a system of roll pairs extending in the direction of flow, and obliquely propagating structures interacting with the system of roll pairs, by locally introducing into the turbulent wall region two separate disturbances that are effective to produce, in a local region, a composite disturbance field that is strongly coupled to and modifies the obliquely propagating structures in a manner that increases or decreases the interaction of the propagating structures with the system of roll pairs thereby locally increasing or decreasing the turbulence in the flow field. One of the disturbances may result from the interaction of the fluid with a linear strip, or an array of strips, of delta-shaped protrusions positioned spanwise on the wall (i.e., transverse to the flow direction); and the second disturbance may result from injecting sonic energy into the local region.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer wherein a magnetostrictive layer is applied to a flexible element, for example, a flexible beam. The flexible element is deflected by an external magnetic field. The thin magnetostrictive layer consists of Tb.sub.(1-x) Dy.sub.(x) Fe.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device with diversion or branching of a pipe flow under pressure with a height-adjustable built-in part and a swirl chamber which tapers from the region of the tangential inlet to the axial outlet of the flow, and is characterized in that, for simultaneous action with virtually any spiral movement distributed over the cross-section and for controlling the pressure distribution in the swirl flow and thus in the axial outlet opening, the built-in part (3) is inserted into the swirl chamber (5) adjustably in its eccentricity in relation to the swirl chamber axis.

Abstract: A plate-type nozzle and a method of using same to atomize a liquid are disclosed, wherein the nozzle contains at least one nozzle plate having formed on a common facial surface thereof at least one atomization chamber containing: an inlet for a liquid stream; a jet-forming channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the inlet, the jet-forming channel being adapted to convert the stream into a jet; an interaction channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the jet-forming channel and having opposite first and second sides, the jet passing between the first and second sides and forming an attachment to either the first or second side; a split path having first and second branch channels associated with the respective first and second sides of the interaction channel, wherein attachment to the first side causes the jet to flow entirely into the first branch channel while attachment to the second side causes the jet to flow entirely into the second branch channel; at least one control channel

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator and a flowmeter comprising means (10, 14, 16) for forming a two-dimensional fluid jet and an obstacle (22) having a main cavity (26) swept by the oscillating jet, and secondary cavities (34, 36) on either side of the main cavity (26) enabling the radial extension of main vortices accompanying the oscillation of the jet to be made dependent on flow conditions. Applicable to the measurement of the velocity or flow rate of flowing fluid.

Abstract: A fluidic generator (38) employing a fluidic feedback oscillator (12) in combination with a magnetogenerator (41) is described. Oscillational changes in pressure produced within the feedback oscillator are transmitted to opposite sides of a pole cap (74) which reciprocates a coil (70) in a magnetic field.

Abstract: A vortex valve includes a housing having a cylindrical side wall and opposite ends to define a vortex chamber. The sidewall of the housing has a primary tangential inlet through which liquid may enter the vortex chamber in a manner to promote swirl within the vortex chamber and an outlet at one axial end of the vortex chamber. The outlet represents at least 50% of the area of the end of the vortex chamber in which it is situated and in the vortex chamber has a length which is at least one and a half times the diameter of the outlet. The vortex valve requires only a low head to initiate vortex flow.

Abstract: Balanced piston fluid valve, wherein annular outer and core inner coaxial valve members are adapted to move to and fro slidably relative to one another and to bar upstream-to-downstream fluid flow when mutually juxtaposed into seated position but adapted to enable such flow when spaced apart in unseated position.

Abstract: A microvalve in multi-layer structure is proposed, where an inlet connector, a return connector and an outlet connector are produced by planar structuring of material layers. The microvalve has a first and a second stage, which is disposed behind the first stage in respect to the flow direction of the fluid. In the first stage the flow direction of the fluid is directed into a cavity formed by two chambers by means of a flexible tongue, which in the position of rest is oriented parallel to the flow direction of the fluid. At least one outlet connector is disposed in the second stage.

Abstract: A single-stage and multiple-stage fluidic rectifier wherein each stage has a trunk channel and a reversing channel that joins the trunk channel at a downstream position of the trunk channel, downstream with respect to fluid flowing in a reverse direction through the fluidic rectifier. A first vena contracta is formed upon entry of the fluid into the body, when the fluid is flowing in the reverse direction. Further vena contractas are formed within the trunk channel of each corresponding stage, preferably by flow through the reversing channel being discharged and impinged upon flow through the trunk channel. Such discharged flow from the reversing channel contracts the flow through the trunk channel at a particular area. When fluid flows through the fluidic rectifier in a forward direction, each vena contracta is disabled. Thus in the forward direction, the overall head loss of the fluidic rectifier is less than the overall head loss of the fluidic rectifier when the fluid is flowing in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A miniature non-return valve comprises a circular recess with an inlet at its center, an annular groove coaxial with the recess and communicating with the recess at a number of points within the groove, and an outlet duct communicating with the groove. Fluid entering the inlet passes through the recess, the annular groove and the outlet duct substantially unimpeded, whereas fluid entering the outlet duct forms a vortex in the recess so that flow of that fluid to the inlet is inhibited. Control fluid may be fed into the recess to initiate or enhance formation of the vortex. The inlet and the circular recess may be provided in first and second substrates, respectively, and the annular groove and the outlet duct may be provided in a third substrate, all by a micromachining process, the substrates being bonded together in a stack. The substrates may be formed of silicon.

Abstract: A vortex valving assembly for a hydraulic damper is adaptable for use in both a piston and a cylinder end. A generator plate includes a plurality of upstanding, arcuate vanes for imparting a vortex to passing fluid and directing the fluid to a central opening. A control plate having a plurality of openings is stacked adjacent the generator plate to control the entry and exit of fluid from the control plate during reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: A fluidic amplification device having an input, a fluid supply, a fluid sly nozzle for creating a laminar jet of fluid, an output chamber for receiving the laminar jet, control nozzles to control fluid flow through the amplification device from the fluid supply nozzle to the output chamber, wherein the control nozzle acts directly on the fluid to proportionally control the fluid output, vents disposed between the control nozzle and the output chamber, a DC flow output communicating with the output chamber, and pressure signal output ports communicating with the output chamber. By providing outputs for both DC flow and the pressure signal, the DC flow in the pressure signal output channels of the device is reduced and the problems of interstage flow noise, null off-set, parasitic capacitance and inductance in the input and output channels is also reduced.

Abstract: A fluidic flowmeter is provided for measuring fluid flow comprising an inlet nozzle, a chamber and splitter located on a centerline with a feedback channel on each side of the chamber with the channel inlet disposed on each side of the apex of the splitter. An outlet channel is disposed on each side of the chamber with the apex of the feedback channel inlet disposed between the outlet channel and the feedback channel. The distance from the mouth of the nozzle to the splitter is greater than the distance between the mouth of the nozzle to the apex between the feedback channel and the outlet channel to provide improved uniformity and sensitivity in measuring fluid flow.

Abstract: Fluidic volumetric flow meter method and apparatus wherein undesirable dynamic interaction (ringing) which could appear in an output signal is inhibited. Electrical isolation and shielding also contribute to a high quality output signal in accordance with the invention. Particularly advantageous housing structures adapt the flow measurement device to a variety of applications as a complete flow meter.

Abstract: Fluidic volumetric flow meter method and apparatus wherein undesirable dynamic interaction (ringing) which could appear in an output signal is inhibited. Electrical isolation and shielding also contribute to a high quality output signal in accordance with the invention. Particularly advantageous housing structures adapt the flow measurement device to a variety of applications as a complete flow meter.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrofluidic pin transducer (64) which maintains a stable null setting for a control pin (46). In the control mode of operation, the pin (46) is rotatable in a conventional manner about a first axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (140) of the pin. In the null setting mode, a cam arrangement (120,122,128) is employed to effect rotational movement of the pin (46) about a second axis (136) which is perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis (140) of the pin. This arrangement effectively makes control independent on null setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge for a liquid filter, in particular for use for tanks for the filtration of water for the production of drinking water, with a generally cylindrical vessel, which contains the filtering material and with a sealing screen mounted on this vessel like a cover. In order to improve the functioning of a filter cartridge, and in particular to make such a filter cartridge, which with comparatively fast liquid throughput has a good filtration action with optimum utilization of the filtering material, it is proposed in conformity with the invention that the sealing screen be covered by a distributor cap 3 essentially closed at the top and open at the side.

Abstract: A fluidic circuit (10) having two oscillators (22,24) which separately vent to a common volume (78) and receive pressurized fluid inputs along separate flow paths (54,56) is provided with filters (80) positioned both upstream and downstream from each oscillator. Each of the filters (80) is adapted to attenuate oscillator-induced noise and comprises a series combination of an inductive element (82), a capacitive element (84), and an inductive element (86).

Abstract: A fluidic flowmeter having a reduced diameter pipe portion, a discharge nozzle and an enlarged diameter pipe portion disposed in series in the order of fluid flow direction, a pair of control nozzles formed on a boundary between the discharge nozzle and the enlarged diameter pipe portion and oriented substantially normal to the discharge direction of the discharge nozzle, the control nozzles facing each other, a pair of return flow passages connecting between the respective control nozzles and a downstream side of the enlarged diameter pipe portion, a target for stabilizing switching of fluid flow direction at the enlarged diameter pipe portion, a flow amount measuring sensor for detecting a variation in pressure or flow amount due to a variation in the flow direction of discharged fluid from the discharge nozzle, a pair of first partition walls for sectioning the enlarged diameter pipe portion, the control nozzles and the return flow passages, a second partition wall for forming discharge passages together w

Abstract: A trapped-vortex pair flowmeter having a body with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet has a nozzle which forms a fluid jet having two primary counter-rotating vortices. The body has a chamber between the inlet and outlet through which the fluid jet flows. Two wedges are secured within the chamber. Each wedge has an inner side and an outer side. The inner sides of both wedges form a converging channel between the upper portions of both wedges. Both wedges have a gap between the inner sides of the wedges through which the converging channel passes. The inlet nozzle directs the fluid jet into the converging channel. A small portion of the fluid jet flows through the gap within the converging channel, but the majority of the fluid jet flows back over the top sections and down the outer sides of the wedges. Pressure sensors located within the chamber detect alternating high and low pressures at various points within the chamber.

Abstract: An enhanced output opto-fluidic device includes three plates which together bound a number of passages including an interaction passage, an inlet channel including which opens into one of such ends, and two outlet channels which open into the other end of the interaction passage at symmetrically arranged outlet regions. Fluid is caused to flow through the inlet channel into the interaction passage to form a jet stream that flows toward the outlet regions.

Abstract: A fluidic set point amplifier provides an output signal which is strongly linear with respect to pressure of fluid supply, free of hysteresis, and has a zero crossing (set point) at a determined value of supply pressure. Uses of the set point amplifier include an all-fluidic pressure regulator, and a turbine engine fuel control having only a single moving part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oscillating jet meter for fluids, with an assembly in which are formed substantially the chambers and passages of the flow system conveying the fluid, and wherein the inlet and outlet openings of the flow system are in communication with respective pipe connections for the installation of the meter. An oscillating fluid jet is generated in the flow system, the frequency of which within the designated measurement range is at least approximately proportional to the flow velocity of the fluid and which is measured with a measuring instrument so as to determine the throughflow of the fluid in a calculating unit. The aforementioned assembly is in the form of a housing which is closed, except for the inlet and outlet openings, whereas the housing is surrounded on all sides by a pressure-tight casing which carries the two pipe connections.

Abstract: A fluid swivel joint coupling has first and second body members pivotably connected together for pivoting about a swivel axis. The first body member includes an inlet portal, an outlet portal, a diverted fluid passageway opening into the outlet portal and a channel communicating the inlet portal with the diverted passageway. The second body member is pivotably mounted in flow communication with the outlet portal and has a second diverted passageway communicating through a second channel to a third portal. Each channel has an axis of elongation offset from the swivel axis so that fluid may enter the diverted passageway in the first body member tangentially from the first channel and flow therethrough in vortex fashion along the swivel axis into the second diverted passageway and leave the second diverted passageway tangentially to flow out the second channel.

Abstract: A full wave fluidic rectifier which produces a direct fluidic output signal having an amplitude which increases from a very low level as the amplitude of an alternating fluidic input signal increases. In includes a nozzle for directing a fluid stream along the rectifier axis into a null venting outlet, two signal outlets which are symmetrically disposed in opposite sides of the null outlet, and two control signal inlets for applying the alternating input signal to the stream, deflecting the stream alternately toward the two signal outlets in proportion to the amplitude of the alternating input signal. The two signal outlets are connected by respective channels of equal fluid resistance to a common channel which serves as the rectifier output.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided in which the laminar flow operating range has een increased. The fluidic system uses stacks of laminate plates in which filter means is placed between vent and exhaust laminates for breaking up eddies and flow noise created from supply nozzle and vent areas.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus and method for preventing or removing the formation of paraffin, scale, salt encrustation, emulsion, and the like on the interior surface of a conduit carrying a fluid. The fluid treatment apparatus comprises a turbulent flow generator, a plurality of support cylinders inside the apparatus, symmetrically opposed lower and upper flow distribution holes in the support cylinders, a plurality of permanent magnets within the support cylinders oriented with adjacent magnets having the opposite polarity, magnetic field intensification disks disposed between each magnet, and two magnetic field closure rings engaged with the support cylinders for securing the position of the cylinders and magnets and for closing and concentrating the magnetic fields at both extremities of the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: A focused optical input signal is applied to an optically absorbent wall portion of a supply nozzle 40 in a fluidic device to cause boundary layer separation of flow therein. The boundary layer separation turns the flow to achieve a desired output from the device.

Abstract: An unfocused optical input signal is applied to an optically absorbent wall portion of an interaction region 30 in a fluidic device to effect flow impedance modulation thereat. The flow impedance modulation adjusts the velocity profile of the flow to achieve a desired output from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidic transducers of electrical signals from an electronic computer for accurately metering flow of a liquid to a utilization device. A liquid filled hollow channel means is accelerated along the flow axis thereof to produce a fluid control signal for a bistable fluidic switch element having a pressurized, cross-over type interaction region leading to a common outlet and to a pair of output passageways. In a preferred embodiment, electrical signals from an electronic computer are supplied to a coil centered by a spring in a magnetic field, first in one direction of current flow and then in the opposite direction, to introduce bidirectional movement of the coil and the hollow channel means coupled thereto. The signals are preferably frequency modulated (but may be pulse width modulated).

Abstract: A fluidic diverter comprising a housing forming a chamber having an inlet at one end and two diverging outlets at the opposite end. An asymmetric configuration is produced within the chamber by axially spaced steps in opposing walls of the chamber and a single control port communicates with the chamber at a position associated with the step adjacent the inlet. In use and in the absence of a control at the control port, flow will emerge through the outlet at the side of the chamber associated with the control port. A fluidic pumping system includes a fluidic pump having the fluidic diverter in a delivery line of the pump.

Abstract: A mechanically offset fluid amplifier for converting the absolute pressure f a pressurized fluid to a differential pressure indicating the pressure of the pressurized fluid relative to a predetermined set point pressure. The device includes two outlets separated by a splitter, a supply nozzle for directing a jet of the pressurized fluid toward a first of the two outlets at a velocity determined by the absolute pressure, and control elements for deflecting the jet toward the second outlet such that as the jet velocity increases from zero, the deflection of the jet increases to a maximum value and then decreases until the differential pressure between the two outlets is equal to zero when the absolute pressure of the pressurized fluid is equal to the predetermined set point pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting the absolute pressure of a pressuri fluid to a differential pressure indicating the fluid pressure relative to a reference pressure. The pressurized fluid is directed asymmetrically into a laminar proportional amplifier (LPA) along a centerline toward a first of two outlets at a velocity determined by the fluid pressure. The LPA includes first and second control inlets disposed on opposite sides of the directed fluid jet and connected to a common source of control fluid, the first control inlet being disposed on the same side as the first outlet, and the second control inlet being disposed on the same side as the second outlet.

Abstract: A pressure compensating, water flow control device in which the incoming water is split between first and second flow paths. The first flow path is in the form of a closed loop and the second flow path includes a vortex chamber. The outlet from the device is co-axial with said vortex chamber. Both ends of the closed loop communicate with an inlet zone. The vortex chamber is, in one form, connected to said inlet zone by a passage and, in another form, said chamber and said inlet zone are contiguous.

Abstract: A three-axis navigational guidance system utilizes three specially designed internal jet-type fluidic angular rate sensors which simultaneously sense the rotational rate of a guided body relative to three mutually perpendicular control axes. Fluidic output signals from the sensors are converted to electrical signals which are used to maintain the body in a preselected attitude relative to each of the three axes. The sensors are rendered extremely accurate by means of unique calibration mechanisms associated therewith which compensate for or correct for fabricational inaccuracies in the sensors. The operation of the rate sensing portion of the guidance system is environmentally stabilized by a novel jet-control system which automatically maintains the Reynolds number of each sensor jet within a predetermined range to thereby substantially eliminate jet drift.

Abstract: An analog electro-fluidic signal transducer utilizing one or a tandem series of laminar proportional amplifiers. The transducer has input passages at a varying pressure differential produced by movements of a piezoelectric bender bimorph between opposed nozzles in a pressurized chamber. The pressure in the chamber and the excursion of the bender between the nozzles relative to the nozzle diameters are limited to minimize turbulence and achieve a pressure differential between the input passages that varies proportionally to or as an analog of a voltage applied to the bender. The pressure differential between the input passages is amplified by the amplifier or plural amplifiers in tandem series.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a chamber having a common inflow and outflow opening into which a jet is issued in a generally radial direction. After impinging upon the far chamber wall the jet is redirected to form a vortex on each side of the incoming jet. The vortices alternate in strength and position to direct outflow through the common opening along one side and then the other of the inflowing jet. A spray-forming output chamber is arranged to receive the pulsating outflows from the aforementioned or other fluid oscillator and establish an output vortex which is thereby alternately spun in opposite directions. An outlet opening from the output chamber issues fluid in a sweeping spray pattern determined by the vectorial sum of a first vector, tangential to the output vortex and a function of the spin velocity, and a second vector, directed radially from the vortex and determined by the static pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a chamber having a common inflow and outflow opening into which a jet is issued in a generally radial direction. After impinging upon the far chamber wall the jet is redirected to form a vortex on each side of the incoming jet. The vortices alternate in strength and position to direct outflow through the common opening along one side and then the other of the inflowing jet. A spray-forming output chamber is arranged to receive the pulsating outflows from the aforementioned or other fluid oscillator and establish an output vortex which is thereby alternately spun in opposite directions. An outlet opening from the output chamber issues fluid in a sweeping spray pattern determined by the vectorial sum of a first vector, tangential to the output vortex and a function of the spin velocity, and a second vector, directed radially from the vortex and determined by the static pressure in the chamber.