Abstract: A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface by ejecting a fluid flowing through the fluid actuator is described. The fluid actuator has at least two outlet lines with outlet openings at the respective ends thereof, and a feed line connected to the outlet lines for feeding fluid at a supply pressure, a flow direction diverting device into which the feed line opens and out of which the outlet lines open, and an adjusting device coupled to the flow direction diverting device to control the latter. The adjusting device is configured so the fluid is conducted successively in a cyclic sequence into each of the outlet lines. A discharge device for discharging a fluid out of a flow body, and a flow body having a multiplicity of discharge openings and a discharge device of said type are also described.

Abstract: A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, the first and second oscillation control ports transverse to the conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.

Abstract: A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A manifold is disclosed which includes a manifold body that defines a main lumen, a primary injection line and a port. A check valve system is also provided which permits flow from the primary injection line to the main lumen while selectively preventing back flow from the main lumen to the primary injection line and, simultaneously, permitting flow from the port to the primary injection line while preventing back flow from the primary injection line to the port.

Abstract: A three-way valve with self-supporting body for medical use has at least two ways which are controlled by way of unidirectional flow control elements and a third way which is constantly open.

Abstract: A fluidic complementary gain changing circuit has three laminar proportio amplifiers, one of which supplies fluid pressure streams to the other two. The latter amplifiers have substantially identical geometries and complementary gain curves at any given supply pressure, relative to a gain changing signal constituting a bias pressure applied to control ports of the first amplifier. A differential input signal supplied to the control ports of the two complementary amplifiers modulates the supply streams traversing those amplifiers and results in concurrent high and low gain complementary signals at the respective outlet ports of the overall circuit. Variable resistance elements permit calibration of the circuit.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system has a fluid source and plural flow pipes connected to the fluid source. Each of the pipes has an opening of a specific area corresponding to one of the bit orders of a PCM (Pulse Code Modulated) input signal. The flow-condition of the fluid through each of the pipes is controlled by the PCM signal without changing the PCM signal to an analog signal. The summation of the outflow from each of the pipes combines to produce an analog flow output signal in response to the PCM input signal.

Abstract: A fluidic flow or pressure regulator which utilizes a linear and a non-lir resistance arranged in parallel supplying control passages to change the direction of a jet as a function of the pressure of an unregulated fluid source. An output means is provided which can supply fluid having pressure which is a desired function of the unregulated pressure, including a constant pressure. One embodiment forms the variable direction jet solely from the two control passages while another embodiment uses the control passages to change the direction of a power jet.

Abstract: Control of a liquid power stream by establishment of a gaseous control flow is disclosed. The gaseous control flow is generated by the withdrawal of air at the boundary of the power stream to thereby create a pressure differential which deflects the power stream. Creation and control of a moving carrier flow to establish a moving boundary whereby the energy of the power stream may be modulated is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved fluid logic elements are disclosed employing a laminar proportio fluid amplifier connected in a feedback arrangement. Logic functions such as AND, OR, and NOR as well as the flip-flop can be implemented with a reduced power consumption and signal to noise ratio relative to turbulent wall-attachment devices. In one embodiment, the outputs of a first laminar proportional fluid amplifier are input to a second laminar proportional fluid amplifier so as to decouple the operation of the first amplifier from a utilization circuit.

Abstract: A fluidic device using a free jet in which a control nozzle or nozzles terminate within the emitter jet, is disclosed. Positioning the ends of the control nozzles within the emitter jet avoids jet distortion when acted upon by control fluid for deflection. In the preferred embodiment, geometric symmetry is provided, either with control nozzles in pairs disposed opposite to each other, or another control member, such as a rod, disposed opposite to each control nozzle. A receiver for preventing air or gas entrainment is also disclosed. The device provides high efficiency, low noise, and operates with low pressure.