Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps – Method of operation
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-09
2004-05-04
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps
Method of operation
C415S058500, C415S058600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06729839
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates initially, and thus generally, to lifting and suction generating apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus utilizing a partial toroidal vortex to establish a lifting force, and can further be configured to utilize a complete toroidal vortex to provide a suction force. Furthermore, the device can be configured in such a way as to further employ a cylindrical vortex to generate an even greater attractive force.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of vortex forces is known in various arts, including the separation of matter from liquid and gas effluent flow streams, the removal of contaminated air from a region and the propulsion of objects. However, toroidal and cylindrical vortex forces have not previously been provided in a device capable of attracting itself to and/or removably attract other solid objects.
A tornado is a strongly rotating column of air, or vortex, generally attached to the base of a thunderstorm cloud and extending to a tip. The pressure in the center of the rotating column is lower than ambient and becomes lower still as the tip of the column approaches and attaches the ground or a solid surface such as a roof. If the vortex or vortices are not connected to the base of a cloud, they are not tornadoes, but rather are termed “gustnadoes”.
Many devices and methods are used to attract solid objects or particles. A common method is with the use of suction generated by a vacuum. However, the vortex attraction forces created by the present invention is distinguished from a typical vacuum impeller system. Briefly, a motor driven impeller causes a circular fluid motion within its vanes, whereby the centrifugal force or centripetal acceleration throws fluid out through an exhaust. Pressure is reduced and fluid is drawn into the inlet and through the impeller blades to the exhaust. In contrast, the continuous flow through the impeller of the present invention is not exhausted, but rather, its energy is retained. Thus, the efficiency is greatly improved over a conventional vacuum impeller. However, extensive analysis has found that greater efficiency can be attained over prior vortex attractors taught by the inventor. Such attractors utilized a cylindrical vortex, herein described as tornado-like, but also created toroidal vortices that were considered parasitic. Herein, the inventor proposes attractor designs that take advantage of toroidal vortices, and make them contributory to the overall attractive effect.
Other methods of attracting or displacing solid objects or particles (on both large and small operational scales) include cranes, forklifts, springs, slide assemblies, hydraulics or electromagnets. However, the vortex generating apparatus of the present invention provides an efficient and versatile substitute for existing lifting or displacement methods and devices. For example, unlike electromagnets, the present invention is not limited to displacing or attracting objects having magnetic properties. Additionally, unlike traditional forklifts and cranes, pallets, straps or chains are not required to lift objects as the device presented herein may be configured to attract a surface of an object. Other benefits will become apparent from the summary and descriptions set forth herein.
Furthermore, devices using the invention herein may be configured to attract itself to a solid surface. Prior methods of removably adhering devices to solid objects include magnets and suction cups. The present invention may replace these prior methods in applications where control, movement and predictability are added concerns.
Heretofore unknown, proposed herein is a device utilizing a variety of vortex principles to optimize the attractive force. These attraction forces are generated by a vortex apparatus that may be used for attracting and removably adhering solid objects or for removably adhering itself to a surface. The prior art is desolate of an apparatus utilizing the vortex phenomena to accomplish the objects relayed herein.
SURVEY OF THE PRIOR DISCLOSURES
The prior art is strikingly devoid of references dealing with toroidal vortices. However, the following represent the references that the inventor believes to be the most relevant. One skilled in the art will plainly see that even these do not approach the scope of the present invention.
Heron, et al United States Patent Number (“U.S. Pat. No.”) 4,836,498 discloses a liquid flow control assembly for use in hydraulic systems. The invention utilizes a frusto-conical guide surface within a guide member to direct a fluid flow into a toroidal vortex flow pattern. This flow pattern is beneficial in this instance because it controls the collapse of bubbles within the fluid, which occur as a result of cavitation. Cavitation can erode subjected components, and is also a source of noise and vibration. Clearly, Heron, et al do not approach the scope of the present invention. Nowhere do Heron, et al discuss the use of a toroidal vortex as a means to generate an attractive force. Importantly, the pressure characteristics of a toroidal vortex not even appear to be recognized.
Fuimefreddo, et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,883 discloses a plasma spray device. The spray device has a ring member at its exit with a plurality of equally spaced holes directed radially inward. Air is injected into the holes, and forms a toroidal vortex surrounding the nozzle. The toroidal vortex is utilized to prevent the deposition of powder onto the nozzle during operation. Fuimefreddo, et al do not teach the use of a toroidal vortex to generate an attractive force, nor is the behavior of the vortex studied in any great detail.
Newton, et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,226 relates to a combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine. Within the chamber, annular liners with louvers induce a toroidal vortex flow. The toroidal vortex flow is said to ensure a more complete combustion of the reactants. However, the use of toroidal vortices to generate an attractive force is not mentioned or suggested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an efficient apparatus capable of generating a negative pressure region that produces attractive forces in the form of a vortex flow (also referred to herein as a “vortex attractor”). The vortex attractor may be used alone or in conjunction with other mechanical or electronic systems. The present invention has the functional ability to pull, suck, suspend, hold, lift and interrupt. The negative pressure regions also can adhere a vortex attractor to a surface. For example, an apparatus is provided that is capable of pulling itself toward a surface or maintaining itself a certain distance relative to a surface. Furthermore, the fluids that may be acted on by the present invention include any gas (e.g., air), liquid (e.g., water), any combination thereof, slurries, or any gas and/or liquid having solids and/or particulates dispersed therethrough.
These general uses and additional examples described herein are accomplished by providing an apparatus comprising one or more impellers or vanes, and a shell. The impeller or impellers are positioned within a shell that has one closed end, or impeller end. Materials of construction for a vortex attractor will vary depending on the desired application.
The shell comprises a containing ring or wall and a backplate for said wall. The containing ring or wall may be attached to the impeller vanes and rotate with them or may be separate from the vanes (relatively close to the vane ends) and may be mounted on a stationary frame. The backplate may be connected with the impeller vanes and rotate with them or may be separate from the vanes (relatively close to the vanes), and may be mounted to a stationary frame. The containing ring and/or backplate may be sealed such that fluid cannot flow radially through the vanes or backwards behind them, or they may have apertures or vents in them to allow for some fluid to circulate radially and behind. These apertures or vents preferably are configured such that
Illingworth Lewis
Reinfeld David
Edgar Richard A.
Look Edward K.
Vortex Holding Company
Ward & Olivo
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