Patent Application
20130214054
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0015879 A1 discloses a vortex ring gun. Operation of the vortex ring gun causes the production and propulsion of a vortex ring of fluid from a nozzle of the gun.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a process is provided for dispersing suspended particles in the air comprising: providing a generator apparatus for producing one or more propagating fluid vortex rings transporting ionized particles; directing the generator apparatus in a direction toward suspended particles in the air to be dispersed; generating a fluid vortex ring transporting ionized particles using the generator apparatus such that the fluid vortex ring travels to the suspended particles resulting in at least a portion of the ionized particles engaging and applying a charge to at least a portion of the suspended particles. The charged suspended particles are then attracted to one another or to nearby surfaces.
The suspended particles may comprise one or more of dust particles, smoke particles, pollutants and vapors.
The ionized particles may comprise one of ions, vapor particles, liquid particles and solid particles.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a generator apparatus is provided for producing a propagating fluid vortex ring comprising: a main structure defining an internal chamber having an exit; structure for generating a force to effect movement of a pulse of fluid through the chamber such that the fluid pulse forms a vortex ring of fluid; and energy supply structure for creating ionized particles. The energy supply structure may be positioned relative to the main structure such that the fluid vortex ring transports ionized particles.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present invention is directed to a generator apparatus for producing one or more propagating fluid vortex rings, each entrained with ionized particles. The term “ionized particles,” as used herein, is intended to encompass electrically charged ions, electrically charged vapor particles, electrically charged liquid particles and/or electrically charged solid particles. Moreover, the term “ionized ring” refers to a fluid vortex ring entrained with ionized particles. The generator apparatus may comprise a battery powered, portable hand-held apparatus so as to be easily carried, for example, by a firefighter for use in dispersing smoke in a smoke-filled space. The generator may also comprise a stationary generator apparatus, powered either by one or more batteries or by line power received via coupling structure forming part of the generator apparatus for connection to an outlet for providing the line power to the generator apparatus. It is believed that the generator apparatus may be used to disperse particles, such as smoke, pollutants, vapors, dust and the like, in architectural spaces where traditional dispersion techniques do not work well, such as in long or tall structures/volumes having high length-to-width ratios or high height-to-width ratios. Examples of long or tall structures/volumes may include hallways, tunnels, silos, open areas and the like. An “architectural space” may include a room, hallway or the like within a building or structure or an open area outside of a building or a structure.
In the case of dispersing smoke in a smoke-filled space, the generator apparatus of the present invention is advantageous as it is believed to allow a firefighter to be positioned away from the smoke-filled space, e.g., a room, and directionally aim and launch ionized vortex rings into the smoke-filled space to effectively clear the space of smoke. As each ionized ring propagates into or through a space, the ionized particles are dispersed. It is believed that the rate at which the ionized particles disperse can be varied depending upon the amount of net charge included in each vortex ring. Hence, a minimal amount of net charge may result in the vortex ring staying generally intact until airflow dynamics cause it to lose its geometry, while an over-abundance of net charge may cause the ring to readily lose its geometry as the like charges within the vortex ring push away from each other. As ionized particles migrate from a vortex ring, it is believed that the ionized particles contact and interact with suspended particles, such as dust, smoke, vapors, that may be in the path of the vortex ring causing the suspended particles to be electrically charged. The charged suspended particles may migrate to nearby surfaces, such as floors, walls, objects and the like and are attracted to the surfaces through induced charging of the surface. The charged suspended particles, if oppositely charged, may be attracted to one another, resulting in larger suspended particles than may fall to the floor via gravity.
A generator apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more fluid vortex rings entrained with ionized particles is illustrated in
In accordance with the present invention, the generator apparatus 10 further comprises an energy supply structure 20 for creating electrically charged or ionized particles. In the
It may be preferred that the cylinder 12 be made from or at least partially coated on its interior wall W with an electrically conductive or semi-conductive material and be electrically coupled to ground to prevent charge from building up on the cylinder 12. Coupling the cylinder 12 to ground may also enhance electric field formation at the electrode 22.
As the fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 14, charged ions generated by the energy supply structure 20 are captured and transported by the moving fluid pulse P. Hence, as the fluid pulse P forms into a fluid vortex ring R, the charged ions are incorporated into the fluid vortex ring R forming an ionized ring.
A trigger or switch (not shown) may be provided on the generator apparatus 10. Actuation of the trigger by an operator causes the piston 16 and the energy supply structure 20 to be activated such that an ionized ring R is generated. The voltage source VS may further comprise a control C for varying a magnitude of ionizing current provided to the electrode 22 and/or the time period during which ionizing current is provided to the electrode 22 after the trigger is actuated by a user and before the piston 16 is activated. By varying the magnitude of the ionizing current provided to the electrode 22 and/or the time period for providing current to the electrode 22, an amount of charged ions created by the ionizing electrode 22 prior to the piston 16 being activated can be varied as well as the amount of charged ions incorporated into a fluid vortex ring R.
The generator apparatus 10 may be used by an operator positioned away from a space filled with suspended particles to be dissipated to directionally aim and launch vortex rings entrained with charged ions into the space to effectively clear the space of the suspended particles. As each ionized ring propagates into or through a space, the charged ions are dispersed. The amount of charged ions incorporated into an ionized ring can be varied using the control C forming part of the voltage source VS. As charged ions migrate from a vortex ring, the charged ions contact and interact with the suspended particles, such as dust, smoke, vapors, that may be in the path of the vortex ring causing the suspended particles to be electrically charged. It is believed that the charged suspended particles migrate to nearby surfaces, such as floors, walls, objects and the like and induce opposite charges on those surfaces and are subsequently attracted to the surface. If oppositely charged ions are provided, they cause the suspended particles to become oppositely charged. Hence, the oppositely charged suspended particles are attracted to one another, resulting in larger suspended particles that may fall to the floor via gravity.
A generator apparatus 100 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized fluid vortex rings is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 100 further comprises an energy supply structure 120 for creating electrically charged particles. In the
As the fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, electrically charged ions generated by the energy supply structure 120 are captured and transported by the moving fluid pulse P. Hence, as the fluid pulse P forms into a fluid vortex ring R, the charged ions are incorporated into the fluid vortex ring R.
A generator apparatus 200 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized fluid vortex rings R is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 200 further comprises an energy supply structure 220 including a voltage source VS coupled to the corona wire 202 for supplying a voltage to the corona wire 202 sufficient to generate an intense electric field along the entire length of the wire 202. The voltage source VS comprises the generally same elements as the voltage source VS set out in the
A generator apparatus 300 constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized fluid vortex rings R is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 300 further comprises an energy supply structure 320 for creating electrically charged particles. In the
The generator apparatus 300 further comprises an airflow guide 330 having a generally cylindrical shape with an internal wall 330A that varies in diameter from a first end 330B having a first diameter to a second end 330C having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the second end 330C is nearer to the cylinder exit opening 110A than the first end 330B. The airflow guide 330 is positioned about the serrated sheet metal ring 322A in the illustrated embodiment and functions to direct low velocity airflow, designated by arrows 340 in
A generator apparatus 400 constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized rings R is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 400 further comprises an energy supply structure 420 including a voltage source VS coupled to a corona wire 202 located within the internal chamber 112 and a serrated sheet metal ring 322A defining a plurality of ionizing electrodes 322 positioned about the end section 110B of the cylinder 110. The corona wire 202 is constructed and operates in the same manner as the corona wire 202 provided in the
The generator apparatus 400 further comprises an airflow guide 330, which is constructed and functions like the airflow guide 330 provided in the
As a fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, charged ions generated by the corona wire 202 are captured by the moving fluid pulse P. The airflow guide 330 channels or direct ions generated by the ionizing electrodes 322 toward the chamber exit 112A or just downstream of the chamber exit 112A. After the fluid pulse P leaves the internal chamber 112 with the ions generated by the corona wire 202, it receives the ions generated by the ionizing electrodes 322 which have been diverted into the fluid vortex ring formation zone Z, such that the fluid pulse P forms into a fluid vortex ring R having incorporated therein ions generated by the corona wire 202 and the electrodes 322.
It may be preferred to apply voltages having different polarities to the corona wire 202 and the ionizing electrodes 322 such that positive and negative ions are generated, thereby maintaining a generally net neutral charge environment within a resulting fluid vortex ring R.
It is noted that the shape of the serrated sheet metal ring 322A defining the ionizing electrodes 322 and the airflow guide 330 may be varied from the shapes illustrated in
A generator apparatus 500 constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionizing fluid vortex rings is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 500 further comprises supply structure 510 comprising in the illustrated embodiment a reservoir 512 for storing a liquid, such as water, glycerin, solubilized polymer in water, perfluorated liquids, commercially available Safety Solvents (Trademark) or other preferably non-combustible fluids. A supply element comprising a conduit 520 extends from the reservoir 512, through a bore 110D in the cylinder 110 into the internal chamber 112. A nozzle 522 defining an exit orifice is provided at the end of the conduit 520. Liquid is supplied by the reservoir 512 to the conduit 520 via gravity, pressure generated by pressurized air supplied to the reservoir 512 and acting on the liquid, or suction feed via a venturi effect caused by the high velocity fluid pulse P moving past the nozzle 522. The liquid passes through the conduit 520 and then the nozzle 522 for delivery into the internal chamber 112. The liquid may be supplied by the nozzle 522 as small liquid droplets or an aerosol. It is also contemplated that the liquid may be in a vapor state when supplied by the nozzle 522.
Alternatively, the supply element may comprise a capillary tube (not shown), which supplies liquid to the internal chamber 110 via capillary action. As the high velocity fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, it shears fluid from the capillary tube creating aerosol droplets.
The generator apparatus 500 also comprises energy supply structure 530 comprising a high voltage source VS coupled to an electrode 532 positioned on an internal surface of the conduit 520 in the illustrated embodiment. The voltage source VS may generate a DC potential or an AC potential. The conduit 520 in the illustrated embodiment may be formed from an electrically conductive material. Voltage from the high voltage source VS and the electrode 532 is applied to the liquid passing through the conduit 522. Alternatively, the high voltage source VS could be coupled to the reservoir 512 or the nozzle 522, presuming the reservoir 512 or the nozzle 522 is made from an electrically conductive material.
As a fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, the pulse P transports small liquid droplets, a liquid aerosol or a vapor supplied by the nozzle 522. The small liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor receive either a positive charge or a negative charge when passing through the conduit 520, depending upon the polarity of the high voltage source VS. Thereafter, the fluid pulse P is formed into a fluid vortex ring R, wherein the charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor are incorporated into the fluid vortex ring R.
The generator apparatus 500 may be used by an operator positioned away from a space filled with suspended particles to be dissipated to directionally aim and launch vortex rings entrained with charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor into the space to effectively clear the space of the suspended particles. As each ionized ring propagates into or through a space, the charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor are dispersed. As charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor migrate from a propagating vortex ring, the charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor contact and interact with the suspended particles, such as dust, smoke, vapors, that may be in the path of the vortex ring causing the suspended particles to be electrically charged. It is believed that the charged suspended particles migrate to surfaces, such as floors, walls, objects and the like and induce opposite charges on those surfaces and are subsequently attracted to the surface. If the charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor are oppositely charged, resulting in the charged suspended particles being oppositely charged, the charged suspended particles may be attracted to one another, resulting in larger suspended particles that may fall to the floor via gravity.
It is contemplated that a generally solid cylindrical wicking element 540, formed from a woven fabric chemically compatible with the liquid, may be used in place of the nozzle 522 for supplying a liquid to the internal chamber 112, see
A generator apparatus 600 constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized fluid vortex rings is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 600 further comprises supply structure 610 comprising in the illustrated embodiment a reservoir 612 for storing small solid particles, such as powdered talc, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, a non-combustible polymer, any of a variety of glass and the like. A supply element comprising a conduit 620 extends from the reservoir 612, through a bore 110D in the cylinder 110 into the internal chamber 112. A nozzle 622 defining an exit orifice is provided at the end of the conduit 620. Solid particles are supplied by the reservoir 612 to the conduit 620 via gravity, pressure generated by pressurized air supplied to the reservoir 512 and acting on the particles, or pressure generated by a reservoir piston or diaphragm 640 located opposite the reservoir conduit 620. The solid particles pass through the conduit 620 and then the nozzle 622 for delivery into the internal chamber 112. It is further envisioned that the operation of the reservoir piston or diaphragm 640 is coordinated with the actuation of the chamber piston 114 so that the solid particles are suspended in the air of the chamber 112 immediately prior to operation of the chamber piston 114.
The generator apparatus 600 further comprises energy supply structure 630 comprising a high voltage source VS coupled to an electrode 632 positioned on an internal surface of the conduit 620 in the illustrated embodiment. The voltage source VS may generate a DC potential or an AC potential. The conduit 620 in the illustrated embodiment may be formed from an electrically conductive material. Voltage from the high voltage source VS and the electrode 632 is applied to the solid particles passing through the conduit 622. Alternatively, the high voltage source VS could be coupled to the reservoir 612 or the nozzle 622, presuming the reservoir 612 or the nozzle 622 is made from an electrically conductive material.
As a fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, the pulse P transports small solid particles supplied by the nozzle 622. The small solid particles receive either a positive charge or a negative charge when passing through the conduit 620, depending upon the polarity of the high voltage source VS. Thereafter, the fluid pulse P is formed into a fluid vortex ring R, wherein the charged solid particles are incorporated into the fluid vortex R.
In a further embodiment, the supply structure may comprise more than one reservoir. For example, a first reservoir may supply charged liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor to the internal chamber 112 and a second reservoir may supply charged solid particles to the internal chamber 112, such that liquid droplets, liquid aerosol or vapor together with solid particles are incorporated into a fluid vortex ring R.
A generator apparatus 700 constructed in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention for producing one or more ionized fluid vortex rings is illustrated in
The generator apparatus 700 further comprises supply structure 710 comprising in the illustrated embodiment a reservoir 712 for storing a liquid, such as water, glycerin, solubilized polymer in water, perfluorated liquids, commercially available Safety Solvents (Trademark) or other preferably non-combustible fluids. A supply element comprising a conduit or tube 720 extends from the reservoir 712, through a bore 110D in the cylinder 110 into the internal chamber 112. Liquid is supplied to an exit orifice 720A of the tube 720 via gravity, pressure generated by pressurized air supplied to the reservoir 712 and acting on the liquid, or capillary action in tube 720.
The generator apparatus 700 also comprises energy supply structure 730 comprising a high voltage generator 732, a first conductor 733 connecting the tube 720 to earth or ground and a second conductor 734 connecting one or more inducing electrodes 735 to the high voltage generator 732. The one or more electrodes 735 are spaced from the tube exit orifice 720A. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more inducing electrodes 735 are coupled to a high magnitude potential terminal (either positive or negative) of the high voltage generator, and the tube 720 and the reservoir 712 are coupled to earth or ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 720 and the one or more induction electrodes 735 function to cause an intense electric field to be generated at the tube exit orifice 720A so as to effect electrohydrodynamic comminuting of the liquid supplied to the tube exit orifice 720A.
As a fluid pulse P moves through the internal chamber 112, the pulse P receives a charged liquid aerosol created via the electrohydrodynamic forces (EHD) generated by the energy supply structure 730. Thereafter, the fluid pulse P is formed into a fluid vortex ring R, wherein the charged liquid aerosol is incorporated into the fluid vortex ring R.
In yet another embodiment illustrated in
It is further contemplated that the energy supply structure may be provided downstream from the main structure defined, for example, by the cylinder 12 in
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/596,800, filed Feb. 9, 2012 entitled “GENERATOR APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING VORTEX RINGS ENTRAINED WITH CHARGED PARTICLES”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61596800 | Feb 2012 | US |
