Abstract: A laminated array of pressure swirl atomizers forms spray plate that produces a fine mist or spray of liquid. The atomizers may be arrayed in a custom manner that may be made application specific for greater efficiency. The spray plate is typically formed of a plurality of laminated plates. In a preferred embodiment, a plate adjacent to a fluid reservoir provides an array of aperture sets, each aperture set having two or three apertures that allow liquid to pass from the pressurized reservoir through the first layer. The second plate provides a corresponding array of swirlers, each swirler providing at least two swirl feed ports to tangentially project liquid into the swirl chambers contained in a third plate. A fourth plate provides a corresponding array of discharge apertures, which release the liquid in an atomized state.

Abstract: A venting nozzle has a housing having an air inlet through which an air flow enters the housing. The housing has an outlet through which the air flow exits. The outlet has deflection elements for deflecting the air flow. Parallel flaps are pivotably connected in the housing for shutting off the air flow. Meshing gear segments are positioned in the housing and connect the flaps. The meshing gear segments are arranged outside the air flow. A rotary control is coordinated with one of the flaps for controlling positioning of the flaps.

Abstract: A burner utilizing a low pressure fan for atomizing oil and supplying air for combustion. The burner includes an air-tube, an air-atomizing nozzle disposed in the air-tube, a conduit for supplying oil to the nozzle, and a fan for supplying air to the air-tube. A back plate, a retention plate, and a side ring meter primary air to the nozzle and provide a chamber through which secondary air passes around the nozzle. The side ring is provided with a plurality of apertures for directing secondary air inwardly into a chamber desirably normal to the direction from which the secondary air is discharged therefrom. Also disclosed is a novel three-piece air-atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A foam break device and a system for use of said device. The system comprises an outlet tube for a filling machine using an air gap proportioner. The device has a plurality of vanes and beveled edges for positioning in the bottom of the outlet tube of the filling machine. The device reduces the amount of foam discharged from the system.

Abstract: A laminated array of pressure swirl atomizers forms spray plate that produces a fine mist or spray of liquid. The atomizers may be arrayed in a custom manner that may be made application specific for greater efficiency. The spray plate is typically formed of a plurality of laminated plates. In a preferred embodiment, a plate adjacent to a fluid reservoir provides an array of aperture sets, each aperture set having two or three apertures that allow liquid to pass from the pressurized reservoir through the first layer. The second plate provides a corresponding array of swirlers, each swirler providing at least two swirl feed ports to tangentially project liquid into the swirl chambers contained in a third plate. A fourth plate provides a corresponding array of discharge apertures, which release the liquid in an atomized state.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in combination with utility supplied tap water for discharging a water stream for massaging a user's body characterized by a flexible water permeable membrane, preferably of terry cloth, mounted in front of a discharge orifice. In use, water stream discharged from the orifice impacts against the rear face of the membrane while the membrane's front face is held against and massages the user's body. The permeability of the membrane permits water to pass therethrough to wet and lubricate the user's skin. The water permeable membrane spreads the impact area to thus provide a softer more pleasing massage effect while minimizing the amount of unwanted splash. The apparatus may also include a shower outlet for selectively discharging a shower spray.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the velocity of shaping air in a rotary bell atomizer for a paint sprayer, including a funnel that collects substantially all of the shaping air, a means for straightening the collected shaping air and a means for measuring the velocity of the straightened shaping air. These techniques enable the average velocity of the shaping air to be calibrated from a single velocity sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convection and steam oven for food with an oven chamber and an auxiliary chamber partitioned-off from this in which are arranged a motor-driven, radial-action fan and several heating elements surrounding the fan, with a pre-atomization element mounted on and rotating with the hub of the fan to which is optionally supplied water from a pipe. In order to maximize pre-atomization efficiency, the pre-atomization element is arranged as a separate body with a convex surface on the hub of the fan.

Abstract: The Applicant's present invention is drawn to an improved nozzle for a miniaturized sludge lance intended to be used with an articulated sludge lancing systems to clean narrow tube lanes. The improved nozzle has an internal flow straightener which minimizes turbulence within the nozzle and allows a pair of oppositely located nozzles to be fitted within the miniature lance while producing the output cleaning power of nozzles requiring dimensioning that would not fit within the confines of the miniature lance assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly particularly adapted for directing a finely atomized slurry of hydrated lime for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body having a first pre-atomizing and mixing chamber into which pressurized liquid and air flow streams are directed for breaking down and pre-atomizing the liquid, an orifice plate at the downstream end of the first pre-atomization and mixing chamber for restricting the fluid flow into a second chamber defined by the orifice plate and spray tip, and a spray tip having a plurality of circumferentially spaced discharge orifices through which atomized liquid particles in the second chamber discharge. Each discharge orifice is inclined at a compound angle in order to cause the spray to discharge from the tip as a swirling annular curtain and thereby retard the build up of lime and fly ash on the tip.

Abstract: Highly reliable measurements of the fluid and/or fluid flow in a conduit are obtained by insertion within the conduit, upstream of a fluid measuring or sampling device, of a fluid flow straigntening and displacement apparatus which serves to stabilize, homogenize and condition the fluid flow and form at the device a uniform, axially centered, axially symmetrical, well defined and accurately measurable flow profile of large means flow diameter. The flow straightening and fluid displacement apparatus comprises, in sequence in the direction of fluid flow, a first swirl mitigating and flow straightening device, a fluid displacement member comprised of two oppositely facing frustums jointed at their larger ends and mounted coaxially within the conduit, and a second flow straightening device. Advantageous combinations of the flow straightening and fluid displacement apparatus with known measuring and sampling devices are provided.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A nozzle which produces laminar fluid flow, which may be used in fountains and water displays, is disclosed. The nozzle disclosed reduces the turbulence of the fluid flowing through the nozzle by using a material which has randomly-arranged filaments for dividing the velocity components of the incoming fluid stream into smaller components. Some of the velocity components cancel each other thereby presenting a more uniform velocity profile, reducing the turbulence of the fluid, and allowing laminar flow at higher flow rates than would otherwise be possible.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for spraying a liquid marking material onto the surface of a substrate by dividing a stream of the marking material into droplets by an impinging stream of pressurized control fluid directed at the surface to be sprayed. The apparatus comprises a module forming a plurality of first conduits for delivery of the stream of marking material and a plurality of second conduits for delivery of the impinging stream of control fluid. In one embodiment, the module comprises a module body having a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves and means for enclosing such grooves to form the first and second conduits, respectively. Methods of producing substrates having a sprayed pattern are also disclosed which employ such apparatus.

Abstract: An improved irrigation valve has a valve housing with a tubular passage and an inlet opening in one side. The valve housing can be attached to an opening in an irrigation pipe so that water from the pipe can flow into the housing and through the inlet opening. A tubular valve in the tubular passage has a flow opening in its wall and an open outlet end, the valve member being rotatable in the passage to align the flow opening with the inlet opening to different degrees to control the flow of water through the valve from the pipe to the outlet. A baffle extends along an inside wall of the valve member to interfere with circular flow of water within said valve member to thereby reduce a fan effect at the outlet which such circular flow causes, the fan being a cause of erosion of the irrigated soil. Annular and axial ribs between the valve member and tubular passage reduce the ingress of dirt to reduce maintenance of the valve.

Abstract: A snow gun in the form of a hollow body includes a radially outer cylindrical wall having a longitudinally adjustable central tube coaxially mounted within the hollow body which further includes a radially inner cylindrical wall, radially spaced from the radially outer cylindrical wall and from the central tube. The outer cylindrical wall terminates in a converging, diverging nozzle downstream of facing ends of the radially inner cylindrical wall and the central tube. The end of the radially inner cylindrical wall proximate to the expansion nozzle forms a conical portion which extends beyond the axial end of the central tube to form a second converging and diverging expansion nozzle for a water passage between the central tube of the radially inner cylindrical wall. Compressed air is fed to the interior of the central tube and between the radially outer and radially inner cylindrical walls.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a liquid dispensing unit includes a discharge nozzle having a central bore, the bore having a central axis, an inner wall, and an edge forming a valve seat; a movable valve element cooperating with the bore to control liquid flow out of the nozzle; the valve element including a valve stem extending along the central axis; a device for reciprocally moving the valve element along the central axis; a valve base mounted at the end of the valve stem for contacting the valve seat to seal closed the nozzle, the valve base including a shear step at the outer circumferential edge thereof, and a seal area adjacent the shear step for contacting the valve seat for shutting off liquid flow when the valve is in a closed position; a plurality of arms projecting from the valve stem for guiding the valve stem with respect to the inner wall of the bore, the arms being spaced from the valve base; and a single fin extending from an outer periphery of the valve base in a direction perpendicular to the axis

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating intermixed particles of differing densities including a separator bowl rotatable about an axis inclined to the horizontal plane and having a base wall and a peripheral wall, and a plurality of radially-spaced chambers disposed around the peripheral wall and extending from adjacent the base wall to the upper edge of the peripheral wall, each of the chambers having chamber walls converging with one another away from the axis to a discharge port at a height intermediate the base wall and the upper edge. The bowl is rotated and a mixture of the particles is fed into the lower portion of the bowl and the mineral particle fraction discharged from the discharge port of the bowl is collected.

Abstract: A disposable device for dispensing an aerosol spray medicament to the lungs of a patient from a stanardized aerosol dispenser activated automatically by the inhaling of the user. The device has only one moving part, and no power requirements. The device may be used alone or within a respirator, by asthmatics, pulmonary cancer patients, and others. The device comprises a body having an outwardly extending nozzle, a receptacle formed within the body for receiving the dispenser, and an activator positioned within the body being mechanically interactive with the inhalation by the patient. Vents are formed in the body for carbureting air into the nozzle. A fixator is provided for detachably affixing the dispenser in position within the receptacle. Specifically, the fixator is a cap that is threadedly connected to the body and has an interior area suitable for accommodating the dispenser. The activator comprises a diaphragm positioned within the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of generating flat liquid sheet sprays by means of simple cylindrical orifices. One form is a container having an interior closed end with the exception of an orifice disposed eccentrically of the closed end to enable generation of a fine spray through the orifice. The orifice is rounded on the outside of the closed end. The orifices may extend radially outwardly instead or may take other forms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and selectively interrupting one or more fluid stream which is confined within an open channel. A transverse fluid stream is introduced into the channel at a point under the stream flowing within the channel. Introduction of the transverse stream at relatively low pressures is sufficient to cause the stream within the channel to leave the confines of the channel. If the channel is directed at a target, the method and apparatus will allow intermittent and selective interruption of a fluid stream flowing within the channel and directed at the target.

Abstract: A two-stage pop-up sprinkler unit includes a cylindrical housing having a first telescoping sleeve reciprocably mounted in the housing and a second sleeve telescoping mounted within the first sleeve and containing the sprinkler head and driving mechanism, the first sleeve extending from the housing first for clearance of the ground surface and the second sleeve extends from the first sleeve with the head cleared to begin distributing water.

Abstract: A gas nozzle for a dryer apparatus for use with moving webs includes a planar pressure plate with an upstream end portion and a downstream terminus portion and a gas discharge nozzle disposed at the upstream portion of the pressure plate to define a slot for gas flow parallel to the pressure plate. The nozzle includes a first jet forming plate which engages the upstream end portion of the pressure plate and at obtuse angle and which includes a vortex forming step. The nozzle also includes a second jet forming plate located a distance from the first jet forming plate. The two jet forming plates and the step define a passageway for gas flow parallel to the pressure plate.

Abstract: A fuel burner apparatus for converting fossil fuel such as gas into heat. A cylindrical burner body is provided having an air inlet and a flame opening wherethrough flames, combustion gases and any unburned particles of fuel exit. A flame spreader apparatus is connected to the flame opening for evenly distributing the flames, combustion gases and unburned fuel particles coming out of the fuel burner. The fuel spreader apparatus includes a fuel spreader, a stem connected substantially perpendicular thereto and three leg portions connected at one end thereof to each other and at the other end thereof to the flame burner opening. The stem is connected to the meeting point of the three leg portions. A two-stage gas valve or a slow opening gas valve is provided for controlling the rate at which the fuel valve opens and allows fuel to enter the fuel burner. The fuel burner is connected to a heat exchanger which has a flue line and a blower connected to the flue line.

Abstract: The trigger actuated pump sprayer has a nozzle cap which surrounds a unitary element and forms a spin chamber therewith, the element having an integrally connected spring and biased discharge check valve and including a plurality of supply channels, the nozzle cap being rotatable without axial displacement relative to the element and containing a plurality of tangential openings being arranged relative to the channels for controlling the swirl velocity in the spin chamber, upon cap rotation, and thus the pattern range of discharge through the discharge orifice from an OFF position.

Abstract: In a gas distribution arrangement the processing gas is admitted from a helical inlet duct through an annular orificial slit into a space between two coaxial guide walls. Guide vanes are provided in the orificial slit to impart a change of direction to the flow of processing gas. Each guide vane is a spatial body with differently extending, vertical limitation surfaces, which between adjacent vanes delimit ducts whose sectional area as measured transversely of the flow direction of the processing gas through the individual duct is substantially of the same size over the extent of the duct. The vertical height of the guide vanes may decrease along their radial extent inwards in the orificial slit, and their vertical limitation surfaces may form an acute angle at the radially innermost ends of the guide vanes.

Abstract: There is provided a gas-fuelled burner for producing a concentrated, rotag flame. The burner comprises a body including a plenum chamber into which gas and primary combustion air are introduced by a standard nozzle, which chamber is defined and delimited on its upper side by a roof element provided with a plurality of relatively narrow passgeways for the gas/air mixture, the passageways leading from the plenum chamber upwards and inwards to the upper, outside face of the burner. The passageways include angles with a common plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the burner, and individual vertical planes substantially passing through the passageways are tangential to an imaginary vertical cylinder passing through the center of the burner.

Abstract: An add-on bidet includes a moulded plastic seat (12) which has a channel-shaped cross-section. A pivoting spray-arm (108) is stowed between the toilet-bowl rim and the inside of the channel. The inner wall (16) of the seat acts as a splash guard. The spray-arm is mounted in bearings (214,102) which are formed in the walls (16,18) of the seat. The seat is able to pivot, for raising, on a pair of stubby pivot pins (36,38) widely spaced apart. One (38) is hollow, to convey water to the seat. There are no exposed hose pipes or other obtrusive components. The water control knobs (70,71,76) are accessibly located. Water leaves the spray-head (116) as a coherent tube of water, which gives rise to a soft, gentle stream, whether the flow volume is large or small. This is achieved by deflecting jets of water from nozzles so that the jets coalesce back into a stream.

Abstract: A self-contained induction air supply unit is provided for an exhaust hood having an exhaust fan drawing of freeze laden air through an angled filter. The supply unit includes a supply chamber with a bottom stream forming slot having a curved bottom wall for turning air through the slot and into the exhaust hood. An air deflector includes an adjustable support coupled to the curved bottom wall to vary the angular orientation of the stream to permit changing the angle of the induction air stream for proper engagement with the filter and simultaneously change the curved bottom wall. The deflector in one form includes a single plate having a curved portion abutting the underside of the curved bottom wall and an outer planar portion. In another structure the curved bottom slot wall is flexibly mounted. A deflector plate is pivotally mounted beneath the outer end of flexibly mounted wall and projects outwardly thereof.

Abstract: A honeycomb assembly 32 located in the air discharge nozzle portion 30 of a transport refrigeration unit is movable from one position as shown in FIG. 2 in which the assembly functions as an airflow straightener and air throw increaser, to another position as shown in FIG. 4 in which the honeycomb assembly blocks airflow through the discharge nozzle and functions as a defrost damper.

Abstract: A liquid-projecting monitor of the spherical head type has its head sealing against a housing which defines together with the head a chamber from which liquid is lead into a passage in the head and then to a nozzle coupled to the head. The head is borne by a horizontal axle for pivotal movement relative to the housing so as to adjust the angular elevation or depression of the nozzle. A center body extends transversely across the interior of the head to enclose the axle and is so shaped, together with the internal surface of the head, that the cross-sectional area of the passage within the head available for liquid flow is maintained at least approximately constant throughout its length, so as to minimize the pressure drop in the liquid flow which passes through the head.

Abstract: An improved pulverized fuel burning method and apparatus having means for decreasing the pressure drop through the burner nozzle and decreasing the formation of nitric oxides, including a splash plate to breakup a natural forming fuel-rope, a deflector to deflect the fuel-rope, and a diffuser to disperse the pulverized fuel into a more desirable fuel burning distribution pattern.

Abstract: An impulse turbine system (10) includes a rotatably mounted turbine wheel (12) and a speed sensing system (40) to sense the speed of the turbine wheel (12). A flow diversion nozzle (14) normally provides a jet of driving fluid to power the turbine wheel (12). This nozzle (14) includes an internal flow diverter (30, 38, 58, 74, 76, 88, 90, 94, 104, 110, 118) which operates under the control of the speed sensing system (40) when the turbine wheel (12) reaches an overspeed condition to angularly divert the jet of driving fluid issuing from the nozzle opening (26).