Fluid handling – Systems – Programmer or timer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-03-27
Freay, Charles G. (Department: 3746)
Fluid handling
Systems
Programmer or timer
C417S225000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206041
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a fluid pressure amplifier, especially for increasing the pressure of water flowing in a pipe.
It is known that water can be drawn from a limited and known depth and can be raised by reciprocal pumping action to specifically calculated heights. Water can also be drawn from known depths and elevated by the rotary action of an impeller. Water and other fluids, including air, are known to be substantially incompressible and this forms the basis of much present-day engineering practice, which includes reciprocating and rotary pumps for water and reciprocating and rotary compressors for air. The object of the present invention is to increase the pressure of fluids such as air and water without the use of mechanical or electrical energy. The invention is especially intended to increase the outlet pressure of fluid in a pipe where the inlet pressure is low, for example where the pipe is submerged in a river or where the pipe is connected to a low-pressure fluid source.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a fluid pressure amplifier comprises a pipe for flowing fluid and having an array of holes formed therein through which fluid can flow from within the pipe in use and resiliently-movable obturator means adjacent the pipe and operatively responsive to fluid inlet pressure in the pipe, in which fluid inlet pressure causes the obturator means to oscillate between conditions which alternately permit and prevent fluid from passing through the holes, whereby the fluid leaving the pipe has a pulsed increased pressure.
The obturator means may surround the pipe and may comprise an annular ring resiliently movable in a chamber formed around the pipe, the chamber having an annular fluid outlet which can be sealed by the obturator means, or a sleeve member slidingly movable between positions in which the holes are respectively open and closed.
Where the obturator means comprises a ring, the annular chamber may be defined by a shroud having an obturator sealing surface constituted by a seat formed by profiling the inner surface of the shroud. In the rest or open position the obturator ring may be held in position in a groove or recess provided in the outer wall of the pipe, or by an upstanding rib or collar about the duct. Preferably, the obturator is annular and comprises an elastomeric or resilient material, for example a rubber or a plastics material. Preferably, the shroud is cylindrical, although it may be configured in another shape according to use.
In use, flow restriction means, for example, a nozzle or a non-return valve, may be attached to the outlet end of the pipe, causing back pressure of fluid in the pipe. Fluid within the pipe can pass through the holes into the chamber. With resistance to direct axial flow through the pipe being caused by the flow restriction means, the obturator will be forced by the fluid to move into abutment against the seat in the shroud, the fluid flowing through the pipe being forced to exit through the restriction means at enhanced speed. The flow restriction means may be detachable from or integral with the downstream end of the pipe. Optionally, a non-return valve may be integral with the pipe and provided internally thereof.
Fluid passing through the holes in the pipe in the open condition of the obturator means may be collected and recycled or be ducted to waste.
By varying the density, resilience, shape, dimensions and sections of the material comprising the obturator means, the pressure and velocity of the fluid passing through the outlet of the pipe can be increased or decreased. The shape and nature of the obturator means may be varied and may allow variations in the inlet pressure to be accommodated.
In another embodiment, the obturator means comprises a resilient body carried within a chamber in communication with the holes formed in the pipe, the chamber including a sealing surface against which the resilient body is urged under increased fluid pressure in the chamber. Alternatively, a diaphragm or a valve member may be responsive to increased fluid pressure to adopt a chamber-sealing position against the influence of a biassing force tending to open the valve. The resilience of the body or the biassing influence may be adjustable.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for amplifying the pressure of fluid flowing through a pipe, the method comprising the steps of alternately permitting and preventing fluid to flow through holes formed in the pipe, to provide a pulsed increase in pressure at the pipe outlet, the fluid acting or a resiliently-movable obturator means to cause oscillation thereof between positions which alternately permit and prevent fluid flow through the holes.
Oscillation of the obturator means is caused by a combination of fluid pressure from behind the obturator means and a zone of reduced pressure created in front thereof to urge the obturator means towards the sealing condition, and the resilience thereof tending to move the obturator means towards the open condition, the speed of oscillation depending on the fluid pressure through the holes and the parameter of the obturator means.
The method of fluid pressure amplification according to the invention has many uses; it can be used for example to raise the temperature of water, it can aerate stale water settlements in ponds or reservoirs; it can cut through solids and it can be used in driving power-generating machinery or for propulsion of craft through water.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2945447 (1960-07-01), Yamaguchi et al.
patent: 5727529 (1998-03-01), Tuckey
patent: 899 903 (1953-12-01), None
patent: 0 655 557 (1995-05-01), None
patent: 2 589 900 (1987-05-01), None
patent: 6447 (1913-05-01), None
patent: 521 783 (1940-05-01), None
Freay Charles G.
Gartenberg Ehud
Kerins John C.
Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
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