Abstract: A microfluidic device having durable ultraphobic fluid contact surfaces in the fluid flow channels of the device. The ultraphobic surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed in a regular array so that the surface has a predetermined contact line density equal to or greater than a critical contact line density, and so that the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the asperities to the spacing dimension of the asperities is less than or equal to 0.1.

Abstract: An intake device for an intake manifold of a internal combustion engine includes a seat, multiple ribs extending out from the seat and adapted to connect to an inner periphery of the intake manifold. Multiple blades each are arranged between two adjacent ribs. Each blade has a first side securely connected to the adjacent rib and a second side opposite to the first side and is movable relative to the first side. When the internal combustion engine operates, suction force generated inside the intake manifold is able to draw downward the second sides of the blades such that air drawn into the intake manifold flows helically and a gap defined between the second side and the adjacent second side of the blade is adjustable.

Abstract: There is an object to provide a technique of forming a proper abrasion resistance layer by a thermal spraying and fusing of a self fluxing alloy. The object may be solved by cutting the pipe body along a curved face that is perpendicular to a plane including a central axis of the pipe body and that extends not to cross the inlet hole and the outlet hole but to include a part of the central axis. Thus the pipe body is divided into a first partitioned part having at least one of the inlet hole and the outlet hole, and a second partitioned part. An abrasion resistance layer is then formed on the inner surface of at least the outer bent portion of the pipe body by a thermal spraying and fusing of a self fluxing alloy. Thereafter, the first partitioned part is fitted into the second partitioned part for welding to obtain a bent pipe according to the present invention.

Abstract: A gas conduit pipe for a gas bag module, the gas conduit pipe comprising an inflow opening defining a direction of gas flow, a peripheral wall limiting an interior of the pipe, at least one outflow opening arranged in the peripheral wall of the pipe, an edge of the outflow opening being defined by an upstream section and a downstream section of the peripheral wall, which sections both project into the interior of the pipe, the downstream section projecting further into the interior of the pipe than the upstream section.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning duct 1 has an oblong cross-sectional configuration. The air-conditioning duct 1 has a top wall 16, a bottom wall 18 and side walls 12, 14 enclosing an interior space and at least one constriction 22, 24 formed by a projection protruding from at least one of the top wall 16 and the bottom wall 18 into the air-conditioning duct 1 so as to connect the top wall 16 with the bottom wall 18. The constriction 22, 24 continuously extends in an air flow direction so that cross-sectional areas of the constriction 22, 24 are constant in the air flow direction.

Abstract: A static hydrodynamic mixer undulating interior conduit provides a static mixing apparatus which utilizes a spiral, coiled or curved conduit to cause dynamic mixing of flowing fluids while they are pumped through the conduit. Gentle but pervasive low-shear mixing is produced by axial and radial secondary currents induced by gravitational and centrifugal body forces acting on the solid and liquid fluid components flowing through the undulating conduit. The vigor of mixing and resistance to flow increases with the undulation's amplitude/pitch ratio. The application includes a method of use in extracting bitumen from oil sands.

Abstract: A compressor in a turbocharger has a compressor impeller in an inflow passage and an outflow region downstream of the compressor-impeller outlet edge. The outflow region is assigned a connecting passage, a stabilizing chamber and an outflow passage, the connecting passage being arranged with a lateral offset with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the stabilizing chamber.

Abstract: Reaction hydraulic turbine that includes a draft tube having side wails arranged to define an inlet and an outlet and an elbow arranged to position the outlet substantially perpendicular to the inlet. A turbine runner is positioned adjacent the inlet and the outlet is arranged to define a flow exit, and a splitter vane is mounted within the draft tube to partially extend across a width of the draft tube. In this manner, flow is redirected about the elbow of the draft tube. The splitter vane includes opposing side edge surfaces that are spaced from the side walls, such that swirl flow is permitted around the splitter vane within the draft tube.

Abstract: A heat exchange system utilizing flow reducers at 180 degree bends in the tubes includes a first set of media tubes in which heating/cooling media flows, and a set of product tubes positioned concentrically within the media tubes and in which liquid product flows in a counter direction to the heating/cooling media. The tubes are arranged in a serpentine, back and forth manner, and U-shaped tubes interconnect successive pairs of product tubes to achieve the 180-degree change in flow direction. The U-shaped tubes are of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the product pipes. Tapering flow reducers extend between the opposing ends of the U-shaped tubes and the product tubes. The exit flow reducer is eccentrically formed to facilitate a smooth transition of the product from the U-shaped bend to the product tube and prevent liquid product from becoming entrapped along the bottom of the flow reducer.

Abstract: A fluid flow resistor 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12 having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16. An elongated turbine 22 is caused to spin within the housing 12 by a flow of fluid which extracts energy from the fluid flow and effectively increases a resistance to fluid flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16.

Abstract: Moving fluids are subjected to acceleration forces in turns, contractions, expansions and when flowing around bluff bodies. These forces can result in losses that are much larger than friction losses. For internal flow contractions, it is known that constant acceleration will eliminate pressure losses by balancing the forces that cause these accelerations with changes in static pressure. This disclosure teaches how to provide constant deceleration forces in expansions (diffusers) by maintaining a constant area to shear surface ratio, known as hydraulic diameter. Also taught, is how to design a turn vane array that has a hydraulic diameter equal to the upstream ducting diameter. Lastly, that these design techniques apply equally well to external flow regimes and a simple calculation demonstrates this method. Constant Acceleration Fluid Dynamics, results in ducting and bluff bodies that have no losses other than friction.

Abstract: A water pipe structure of a branch pipe line (12) connected to a main pipe (22) for flowing water therethrough, wherein a cavity flow suppressing structure (30) is installed between the main pipe (22) and the branch pipe line (12) or in the branch pipe line to suppress a cavity flow produced in the closed branch pipeline, whereby the adverse effect of a thermal stratification formed by the cavity flow on the pipe can be eliminated.

Abstract: A flow conditioner includes a body composed of an array of vanes generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow. The vanes create a plurality of chambers to effectively reduce large scale vortices in the flow. The vanes have surfaces with perforations to allow pressure regulation between chambers to effectively reduce asymmetric flow and reduce drag. Additional preferred features include an acoustic choke created by a reduction in cross-sectional flow area at the entrance and the exit of the flow conditioner with circular plates. The plates have rough edges to increase production of micro-vortices.

Abstract: A vortex generating fuel saving device is installed on the air intake hose to a fuel injector. An airfoil body creates a spiral vortex of air spiraling off of its outer edge, thereby increasing the air in the fuel-air mixture to the fuel injectors. The airfoil body is mounted on the forward rim of the air intake hose by a clip, and is positioned inside of the hose with the edge of the airfoil in the center of the hose. The airfoil creates a spiral vortex, which is in concentric relation to the interior of the hose, thereby allowing maximum mixture of air in the fuel-air mixture. The airfoil is capable of being adjusted in width so that the outer edge of the airfoil blade is positioned in the center of any of a variety of sizes of fuel injector air intake hoses.

Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning loose-fill insulation including an elongated tubular cylinder having a plurality of internal blades positioned in a helical configuration. Large nodules of glass fibrous material pass through the conditioning cylinder and are combed into smaller, more uniform sizes, thus allowing a more uniform additive application further downstream in the manufacturing process. The addition of a tangential airflow to the conditioning cylinder facilitates the combing process by adding a tangential force to move the nodules down the cylinder.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a flat diffuser for changing the flow cross section in a flow conduit, preferably for the inlet and outlet zone of UV disinfection devices for drinking water, water for industrial use or sewage water with a square or rectangular flow cross section. High-performance UV disinfection devices inevitably lead to the arrangement of UV radiators in square or rectangular UV radiator grids transversally or longitudinally to the flow direction. In closed UV disinfection devices of high flow rates the inlets and outlets have round cross sections like the arriving piping. It is necessary to achieve there a transition from the arriving round inlet cross section to the completely differently shaped rectangular inlet cross section of the radiation chamber.

Abstract: A static hydro-dynamic mixer undulating interior conduit provides a static mixing apparatus which utilizes a spiral, coiled or curved conduit to cause dynamic mixing of its flowing contents while they are pumped through it. The application includes a method of use in separating oil sands. The mixing is caused by the resistance to flow through the undulated conduit and the resistance increases with pitch and conduit diameter.

Abstract: Dispensing equipment for dispensing blown loose-fill insulation. The equipment includes a flexible delivery conduit that conveys loose-fill insulation material from a source of such material and, possibly, an optional a rigid tubular wand connected to the distal end of the conduit. The equipment further includes structure projecting radially inwardly into the loose-fill insulation flow path of the delivery conduit and/or wand for mechanically separating the insulation material's fibers and particles prior to discharge from the delivery conduit or wand. The insulation material separating structure conditions or “opens” the insulation material in such a way that the material is discharged in a substantially uniform density stream of substantially uniformly distributed fibers and particles.

Abstract: A diffusing corner for fluid flow within a wind tunnel comprising an arrangement of diffusing vanes for diverting the flow of air through the corner in a plurality of air passages having increasing cross-sectional area, thereby increasing the overall cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel and slowing the air flow. The vanes are configured to minimize turbulence and the loss of energy through the corner, and to attenuate transmission of sound generated within the wind tunnel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow rate economizing device having a tubular body and a reduction in the inner diameter, suitable to install inside residential, commercial or industrial hydraulic tubing at fluid intakes, meters and/or registers.

Abstract: A fluid communication conduit 18 for a vehicle induction system includes a vane 28 offset from a center axis to generally bifurcate the duct 20. The vane 28 assures generally equal airflow distribution to separate plenum portions to maintain engine performance. The vane 28 is separated into a plurality of interrupted vane portions 40, 42 each having aerodynamic end section profiles 40e, 42e to minimize turbulent airflow.

Abstract: The pipe member (1) having an infeed point (2) for an additive (20), or having a plurality of such infeed points includes a pipe wall (11) and a static mixing element (12). The infeed points are provided for introducing the additives into a flowing, low viscosity fluid (10). The static mixing element consists of a pair of vanes (5a, 5) and of a third vane (6). The vane pair (5), which forms a restriction deflecting the flow (10′) of the fluid, is formed with substantially mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane (15) extending in the direction of the flow. The third vane is arranged in a crossing manner with respect to the vane pair and in a lying manner in the region of the central plane. It has a rear side (60) with respect to the flow which extends from a base at the pipe wall to a downstream end. Each infeed point is arranged at the rear side of the third vane.

Abstract: A fluid diversion apparatus, which has a first member and a second member, each said member having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the first member comprising a fluid inlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe, and a fluid outlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe such that fluid passing through the fluid pipes passes through the first member in a fluid flow direction, and a connecting means, the second member being attached to the first member via the connecting means, the second member having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned inside the first member, the first end having an inlet means and an outlet means, the second end of the second member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first end of the second member is in fluid connection with the outlet of the second end and the outlet of the first end is in fluid connection with the inlet of the second end.

Abstract: A method for reducing frictional loss in unlined tunnels or other tunnels with a rough wall surface and/or irregular cross section. A flexible or rigid pipe with a cross section similar to or somewhat less than the largest circular open cross section of the tunnel is introduced into the tunnel and attached continuously or at certain points to parts of the tunnel wall. Apparatus for ensuring that a superpressure occurs within the pipe relative to its outside during flow are also introduced.

Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: A water pipe structure of a branch pipe line (12) connected to a main pipe (22) for flowing water therethrough, wherein a cavity flow suppressing means (30) is installed between the main pipe (22) and the branch pipe line (12) or in the branch pipe line to suppress a cavity flow produced in the closed branch pipeline, whereby the adverse effect of a thermal stratification formed by the cavity flow on the pipe can be eliminated.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling sygtems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A Y-pipe and flattened boom tube exhaust pipe for use on race cars, such as stock cars which race on oval tracks, which mount to the lower frame or chassis of the car, and which route exhaust gasses to the side of the car while providing improved ground clearance. The Y-pipe comprises first and second longitudinally flattened or tapered secondary exhaust pipes having respective generally circular cross-section inlet portions connectable to a header assembly and respective laterally bevelled, flattened circular cross-section outlet portions which are affixed together so as to merge together to a single outlet opening which is connectable to the inlet of the boom tube exhaust pipe. The boom tube exhaust pipe comprises a tubular inlet and attached tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow deflecting device 5, comprising a substantially planar baffle adapted to be disposed in a conduit 2 having a first part 3 defining a first flow direction 3a and a second part 4 defining a second flow direction 4a deviating from the first direction, to promote substantially uniform flow in the second part 4.

Abstract: A honeycomb type bundle of conduits are of various construction to provide a multitude of uses. The primary function of the honeycomb type bundle is to alter the flow path of fluid and produce Uniform flow, uniform turbulence and reduced noise. Because of the unique construction, the bundle has other unexpected uses.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.

Abstract: Flow enhancing restrictors are located within a fluid conduit to provide pressure reduction and flow enhancement. The restrictors may be used in combination with a conventional choke valve or as a stand-alone pressure reduction means. Alternative exemplary embodiments for flow enhancers are described. Each of the flow enhancers has a generally cylindrical base with at least one fluid passage disposed therethrough. Each of the flow enhancers also provides a dome that projects upwardly from the center of the base to assist in directing fluid flow and receiving the abrasive forces associated with the fluid.

Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.

Abstract: Dispensing equipment for dispensing blown loose-fill insulation. The equipment includes a flexible delivery conduit that conveys loose-fill insulation material from a source of such material and, possibly, an optional a rigid tubular wand connected to the distal end of the conduit. The equipment further includes an insert projecting radially inwardly into the loose-fill insulation flow path of the delivery conduit and/or wand for mechanically separating the insulation material's fibers and particles prior to discharge from the delivery conduit or wand. The insulation material separating structure conditions or “opens” the insulation material in such a way that the material is discharged in a substantially uniform density stream of substantially uniformly distributed fibers and particles.

Abstract: A fluid stream pulse damper having a fluid conduit defining a fluid path and a fluid flow direction. The conduit has an inlet end and an outlet end. A damper body in the conduit intersects the fluid path. An energy absorber attached to the damper body operates in resistance to fluid flowing in the conduit.

Abstract: A discharge flow control includes a plurality of flexible elongate elements adapted to be supported at one end from a discharge outlet to extend from the outlet in the direction of the discharge and across the flow path of the discharge outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at reducing a fluid frictional resistance generated on a surface of a body which relatively moves in a fluid. A structure on the body for reducing the fluid frictional resistance generated on a body B which relatively moves in the fluid wherein: grooves M formed on a surface S of the body in order that grooves M lead the fluid flowing along the surface so as to turn flowing fluid to a direction of the moving direction X of the body.

Abstract: A flow-through member (1), which is suitable for being positioned in a connecting passage of an expansion tank in order to define a first flow-through passage (30) and a second flow-through passage (40), and which comprises a basic part (1a), by way of which the flow-through member (1) can be secured in the connecting passage, and a flow-guidance element (14) which is movably connected to the basic part (1a) and has an inlet opening (8) which can direct itself towards the upstream direction of a flow which is present in the flow passage 50 at least during operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow deflecting device 5, comprising a substantially planar baffle adapted to be disposed in a conduit 2 having a first part 3 defining a first flow direction 3a and a second part 4 defining a second flow direction 4a deviating from the first direction, to promote substantially uniform flow in the second part 4.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow system for enhancing fluid flow through an opening. The first embodiment uses a first extension member for extending an opening through a perpendicular surface and a second extension member with a generally converging introductory section secured in a sealed overlapping relationship to the distal end of the first extension member. A second embodiment uses a pair of conduits of equal cross-section with a bulbous section therebetween with one of the conduits inserted into the bulbous section. A third embodiment with unequal cross-sections with the smaller diameter conduit inserted into the larger diameter conduit and sealed thereto for forming a continuous conduit.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow or valve in a piping system, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as noise, vibration, and/or erosion. Turbulence also creates a pressure drop which is undesirable. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and pressure drops as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow of the present invention included an elongate tapered discharge nozzle. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters.

Abstract: A suction elbow is divided in a plurality of sub-channels similar to each other by one or more guide vanes made of a curved plate and flat plates connected to the curved plate based on the following formulas.

Abstract: A valve for use in a sucker rod actuated fluid pump including a traveling valve assembly and a standing valve assembly within which a vortex is believed to be created to draft the ball check valve from its seat during the stroke of the sucker rod and thereby increase the amount of petroleum fluids pumped to the surface during each stroke of the fluid pump.

Abstract: An exhaust processor is provided having an exhaust processor body, first, and second end caps. The exhaust processor body includes an outer shell and a substrate positioned to lie within the outer shell. The outer shell includes an outer surface facing away from the substrate, an inner surface facing toward the substrate, spaced apart first and second ends. The inner surface of the outer shell defines a first end cap region at the first end, a second end cap region at the second end, and an inner surface side. The first end cap is positioned to lie in the first end cap region, and the second end cap is positioned to lie in the second end cap region. Each of the first and second end caps include a crimpable flange that is sizable to include a size substantially equal to the inner surface size of the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A vane rail has a plurality of tabs, in pairs, partially severed therefrom, to engage air deflection vanes in sandwiched relation therebetween. Fasteners may secure the connection between the sandwiching tabs and the vanes. When vanes and a pair of rails are used together in engagement with the vanes, an assembly is provided for disposition in an air duct for intercepting air flow in a duct and diverting it to a different direction.

Abstract: In a drainage system for a conduit having a conduit inflow and a conduit outflow, the intention is that at least one drainage obstacle which can be moved in the direction of flow (X) is provided for limiting, directing, regulating or influencing a stream of water.