Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6415994
-
Patent Number
6,415,994
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, August 29, 200023 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 9, 200221 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 239 461
- 239 463
- 239 464
- 239 53315
- 239 5331
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The present invention discloses an atomizer 28 facing the component 32, 34, 36, 64 to be cooled and sprayed. The atomizer 28 has a first housing 90 and a second housing 92 joined together by threads 103, 108. Fluid passes from the inlet 76 to the outlet 70 through a central conduit 80 and a spring 82 and ball 84 check valve assembly is used to control the fluid flow. The atomized spray 30 takes on a spiraling nature due to the presence of a rotational nozzle 86 within the atomizer 28 that is acted upon by the passage of the pressurized fluid traveling through multiple diagonal channels 94 cut in the nozzle's head 78.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to spray nozzles and, more particularly, is directed to a rotational spray nozzle which emits fluid in a rotational spray pattern. The rotational nozzle may be used in conjunction with an automotive cooling system, or an automatic emergency cooling and refilling system which detects when the temperature in a vehicle's cooling system rises above a selected level and automatically activates an atomized spray over the face of the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating thereby allowing an operator to continue driving uninterrupted to a desirable location.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Spray nozzles have been described in the prior art. While these spray nozzles may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. It is thus desirable to provide a rotational nozzle atomizer that can be adapted to fit any application involving a heat exchanger, such as an automobile radiator and transmission cooler/air conditioner condenser coil or residential and commercial central air condenser coils. The present invention can be factory installed or retrofit to existing units and may be automatically activated when a thermocouple detects a high temperature condition and activates a pump that moves fluid from an independent reservoir to atomizers facing the component to be cooled and sprayed thereupon. The atomized spray takes on a spiraling nature due to the presence of a rotational nozzle within the atomizer that is acted upon by the passage of the pressurized fluid traveling through diagonal channels cut in the nozzle's head.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention discloses a rotational atomizer for spraying fluid onto a surface which is to be cooled by the fluid. A conduit is disclosed containing a plurality of atomizers strategically placed to provide a means of egress for the pressurized fluid during atomization and the resulting spray is ejected upon the object to be cooled such as a radiator or condensing coil. The emission from the atomizer takes on a rotational effect due to the properties of a free-spinning rotational nozzle within the atomizer. The atomizer has a threaded two-piece housing with a central recess and inlet conduit extending longitudinally therethrough and said inlet conduit leads to a fluid inlet recess situated within the interior portion of the conduit and an egress recess on a distal end of the atomizer and in an exterior region of the conduit facing the component to be cooled thereby providing a passageway through which fluid can travel. The central recess houses the atomization components comprising a spring loaded ball-type check valve and an atomizing rotational nozzle having a cylindrical nozzle head and a shank being of sufficient diameter to nestle inside the spring without restricting the potential for the axial rotation of the nozzle. When the atomizer is assembled the nozzle head is placed against the egress recess of the housing with the shank residing within a first end of the spring and the ball of the check valve held in place against the inlet conduit by a second end of said spring. The spring exerts an opposing bias to the nozzle and to the check ball. Fluid enters the atomizer through the inlet recess, passes through the inlet conduit where the flow into the central recess is restricted by the ball of the check valve which is of a greater diameter than the inlet conduit until the pressure within the conduit is greater than the bias presented by the spring resulting in the ball moving away from the inlet recess and compressing the spring thereby increasing the bias applied to the nozzle against the egress portion of the housing. Diagonally cut channels extend from the upper side portion of the nozzle head to the top thereof providing the only path for the pressurized fluid to travel from the central recess to the egress recess. The pressure of the fluid passing through the channels causes the propeller-like axial rotation of the nozzle head resulting in a spiraling, atomized spray.
An object of the present invention is to provide a rotational atomizer which may be used with an emergency cooling and refilling system having a plurality of atomizers.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an atomizer having an internal rotational nozzle and a spring loaded check valve with said spring exerting an opposing bias to the nozzle and the check ball.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle head having a plurality of diagonal channels cut into the upper portion thereof providing a passage for pressurized fluid flow from the side of the nozzle head to the top resulting in atomization of the fluid and the axial rotation of the nozzle as the fluid passes therethrough providing greater force in the ejection of the atomized spray
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1
is side view of the prior art showing a truck that has overheated and rendered disabled.
FIG. 2
is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention and the flow of fluid therein during operation.
FIG. 3
is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention and the flow of fluid therein with a cooling system using a dual radiator configuration.
FIG. 4
is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention and the flow of fluid therein during refilling of the radiator.
FIG. 5
is a block diagram depicting the interaction and relationship of the various components of the present invention as applied to a vehicle.
FIG. 6
is a block diagram depicting the interaction and relationship of the various components of the present invention as applied to a central air conditioning unit.
FIG. 7
is a perspective view showing a plurality of atomizers installed in series and activated.
FIG. 8
is a perspective view of an atomizer.
FIG. 9
is an exploded perspective view of an atomizer with a rotational nozzle and check valve assembly.
FIG. 10
is a perspective view of the rotational nozzle of the atomizer.
FIG. 11
is a perspective view of a rotational nozzle atomizer with the housing shown in hidden line to illustrate the internal workings of the atomizer during operation.
FIG. 12
is a cross-sectional side view of the atomizer assembly showing the check valve assembly.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.
10
present invention
12
vehicle
14
steam
16
fluid/coolant
18
direction arrow
20
thermocouple
22
reservoir
24
pump
26
conduit
28
atomizer
30
spray
32
first radiator
34
air conditioner condenser coil
36
transmission cooler
38
direction arrow
40
conduit
42
3-way valve
44
emergency refill conduit
46
check valve
48
solenoid
50
thermostat
52
second radiator
54
fill sensor
56
3-position switch
58
manual
60
automatic
62
refill
64
central A/C coil
66
local water supply
68
direction arrow
70
outlet aperture
74
filtration screen
76
inlet aperture
78
nozzle head
80
central recess
82
spring
84
ball
86
nozzle
88
nozzle shank
90
first housing
92
second housing
94
channels
96
first end
98
second end
100
first end
102
second end
103
internal threads
104
external threads
106
head
108
external threads
110
head
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now by described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
FIGS. 1 through 12
illustrate the present invention being an emergency cooling and refilling system.
Turning to
FIG. 1
, shown therein is side view of the prior art showing a truck vehicle
12
that has overheated and rendered disabled. Shown is steam
14
and coolant fluid
16
from the truck vehicle
12
. The present invention discloses a cooling system for vehicles
12
and, more specifically, an emergency cooling and refilling system for motor vehicles
12
, air conditioning systems and other heat exchanger applications.
Turning to
FIG. 2
, shown therein is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention
10
and the flow of fluid
16
shown by direction arrows
18
therein during operation. The present invention
10
discloses a cooling system for vehicles and, more specifically, an emergency cooling and refilling system for motor vehicles, air conditioning systems and other heat exchanger applications wherein the system is automatically initiated when a high temperature condition is detected by a thermocouple
20
communicating with the cooling system of the apparatus being maintained. Fluid
16
is then transferred from an independent reservoir
22
through a pump
24
and into a conduit
26
where it is pressurized. The conduit
26
contains a plurality of atomizers
28
strategically placed to provide a spray
30
of fluid
16
which is ejected onto the object to be cooled such as a radiator
32
, air conditioning condenser coil
34
or transmission cooler
36
. Also shown is a direction arrow
38
indicating the direction of air flow toward the radiation
32
. Also shown is the coolant conduit
40
carrying cooling fluid
16
from the engine to the radiator. A 3-way electrically operated valve
42
is shown connected by an emergency refill conduit
44
to conduit
40
having a check valve
46
therein. A solenoid valve
48
is shown in conduit
18
being electrically connected
52
to thermocouple
20
, thermostat
50
and pump
24
.
Turning to
FIG. 3
, shown therein is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention
10
and the flow of fluid
16
therein with a cooling system using a dual radiator configuration. The elements of this embodiment are similar to those previously disclosed. In this embodiment the atomization conduit terminates into multiple, e.g., eight, atomizers
28
positioned to provide spray
30
onto the pair of radiators
32
,
52
.
Turning to
FIG. 4
, shown therein is a perspective diagrammatic view showing the components of the present invention
10
and the flow of fluid
16
therein during refilling of the radiator
32
. The elements of this embodiment are similar to those previously disclosed. The present invention
10
also provides a means for a vehicle operator to replace radiator fluid with fluid
16
from the independent reservoir
22
simply by activating a switch (not shown, but see
FIG. 5
) in an accessible panel that monitors and controls operation of the emergency system. Fluid
16
flow is redirected by a 3-way valve
42
to refill the radiation as indicated by arrow
18
. A fill sensor
54
located within the radiator
32
will detect when the desired amount of fluid
16
has been introduced to the cooling system and will automatically discontinue operation.
Turning to
FIG. 5
, shown therein is a block diagram depicting the interaction and relationship of the various components of the present invention
10
as applied to a vehicle. Also shown is a 3-position switch
56
having a manual
58
, automatic
60
, and a refill
62
position.
Turning to
FIG. 6
, shown therein is a block diagram depicting the interaction and relationship of the various components of the present invention
10
as applied to a central air conditioning unit
64
or air condensing coil. Elements previously disclosed are shown along with a local water supply
66
which serves as the source of the cooling fluid spray
30
.
Turning to
FIG. 7
, shown therein is a perspective view showing a plurality of atomizers
28
installed in series in a conduit
26
and activated. Direction arrows
68
indicate the rotation direction of atomized spray
30
caused by the unique design of the atomizers
28
.
Turning to
FIG. 8
, shown therein is a perspective view of an atomizer
28
. Shown is the fluid egress recess or outlet aperture
70
along with the housing
90
, filtration screen
74
and inlet recess or aperture
76
.
Turning to
FIG. 9
, shown therein is an exploded perspective view of an atomizer
28
having a rotational nozzle head
78
and check valve assembly. As previously disclosed, the fluid conduit contains a plurality of atomizers
28
strategically placed to provide a means of egress for the pressurized fluid during atomization and the resulting spray is ejected upon the object to be cooled such as a radiator or condensing coil. The emission from the atomizer
28
takes on a rotational effect due to the properties of a free-spinning rotational nozzle head
78
within the atomizer. The atomizer has a threaded two-piece, first
90
and second
92
housing with a central conduit
80
extending longitudinally therethrough wherein the inlet aperture
76
is located toward one end of the housing
92
and an egress recess
70
is located on a distal end of the atomizer housing
90
and in an exterior region of the conduit facing the component to be cooled thereby providing a passageway through which fluid can travel. First housing
90
has a first end
96
and a second end
98
. Second housing
92
has a first end
100
and a second end
102
. Housing
90
also has internal threads
103
(not shown, but see
FIG. 12
) and external threads
104
and a head portion
106
for receiving a wrench for tightening. Housing
92
also has external threads
108
and a head portion
110
for receiving a wrench for tightening The central recess
80
houses the atomization components comprising a spring
82
loaded ball-type
84
check valve assembly and an atomizing rotational nozzle
86
having a cylindrical nozzle head
78
and a shank
88
being of sufficient diameter to nestle inside the spring
82
without restricting the potential for the axial rotation of the nozzle head
78
. When the atomizer is assembled the nozzle head
78
is placed against the egress recess of the housing
90
with the shank
88
residing within a first end of the spring
82
and the ball
84
of the check valve held in place against the inlet conduit by a second end of the spring
82
. The spring
82
exerts an opposing bias to the nozzle
86
and to the check ball
84
. Fluid enters the atomizer through the inlet recess
76
, passes through the inlet conduit where the flow into the central recess
80
is restricted by the ball
84
of the check valve which is of a greater diameter than the inlet conduit until the pressure within the conduit is greater than the bias presented by the spring
82
resulting in the ball
84
moving away from the inlet recess and compressing the spring
82
thereby increasing the bias applied to the nozzle
86
against the egress portion of the housing
90
. Diagonally cut multiple channels
94
extend from the upper side portion of the nozzle head
78
to the top thereof providing the only path for the pressurized fluid to travel from the central recess to the egress recess. The pressure of the fluid passing through the channels
94
causes the propeller-like axial rotation of the nozzle head
78
resulting in a spiraling, atomized spray.
Turning to
FIG. 10
, shown therein is a perspective view of the rotational nozzle
86
of the atomizer. Diagonally cut multiple channels
94
extend from the upper side portion of the nozzle head
78
to the top thereof providing the only path for the pressurized fluid to travel from the central recess to the egress recess. The pressure of the fluid passing through the channels
94
causes the propeller-like axial rotation of the nozzle head
78
resulting in a spiraling, atomized spray. Shank
88
is also shown.
Turning to
FIG. 11
, shown therein is a perspective view of a rotational nozzle atomizer with the housing shown in hidden line to illustrate the internal workings of the atomizer during operation. Pressurized fluid enters the atomizer through inlet recess
76
and passes through the central recess or chamber
80
where the fluid is forced through the channels
94
of the nozzle head
78
so that the head
78
rotates the fluid prior to ejection through the outlet aperture
70
. Spray
30
is also shown along with other elements previously described.
Turning to
FIG. 12
, shown therein is a cross-sectional side view of the atomizer assembly showing the check valve assembly. Shown are the housing members
90
,
92
along with the inlet conduit or central recess
80
, spring
82
and ball
84
of the check valve assembly. The internal threads
103
of housing
90
are shown along with the external threads
108
of housing
92
mating thereto.
What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. An apparatus for a fluid atomizer, the atomizer being disposed on a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit having at least one female threaded opening thereon for receiving the mating threads of the atomizer, comprising:a) a first cylindrical housing through which fluid flows having a first end and a second end, said first end being open, said second end being closed, said housing having a central conduit therein, said central conduit connecting said first end and said second end, said second end having an outlet aperture centrally disposed therein for the fluid to exit; b) a second cylindrical housing through which fluid flows having a first end and a second end, said first end being open, said second end being closed, said housing having a central conduit therein, said central conduit connecting said first end and said second end, said second end having an inlet aperture disposed adjacent thereto for the fluid to enter; c) means for rotating the fluid disposed adjacent said outlet aperture whereby the fluid rotates as the fluid exits said outlet aperture; d) means for controlling the fluid flow as the fluid passes through said central conduit of said first housing and said second housing; e) a first means for connecting said first housing and said second housing to each other; and, f) a second means for connecting said first housing and said second housing to the fluid conduit.
- 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first means for connecting said first housing and said second housing to each other further comprises said first end of said first housing having threads disposed internally thereon.
- 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first means for connecting said first housing and said second housing to each other further comprises said first end of said second housing having threads disposed externally thereon, said external threads of said second housing mating to said internal threads of said first housing.
- 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said second means for connecting said first housing and said second housing to the fluid conduit further comprises said first end of said first housing having threads disposed externally thereon for mating to the female threaded opening of the fluid conduit.
- 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second end of said first housing has a head portion thereon for receiving a wrench whereby said first housing can be tightened into the fluid conduit.
- 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second housing has a head portion thereon intermediately disposed between said first end and said second end, said head portion for receiving a wrench whereby said second housing can be tightened into said first housing.
- 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter screen disposed over said inlet aperture for filtering the entering fluid.
- 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for rotating the fluid further comprises a rotatable nozzle head disposed adjacent said outlet aperture, said nozzle head having an enlarged head end and a shank end, said head end disposed adjacent said outlet aperture, said head having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said central conduit of said first housing.
- 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for multiple fluid channels disposed on the periphery of said nozzle head whereby said head rotates as fluid passes through said central conduit of said first housing.
- 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for multiple channels further comprise multiple channels disposed diagonally along the periphery of said nozzle head, said channels providing a passageway for fluid to flow between said nozzle head and said first housing.
- 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said means for controlling the fluid flow through said central conduit further comprises means for a check valve assembly.
- 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means for a check valve assembly further comprises a spring.
- 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for a check valve assembly further comprises a ball.
- 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said spring is disposed longitudinally internal said central conduit, said spring having a first end and a second end, said spring having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of said shank end of said head, said first end of said spring for receiving the insertion of said shank.
- 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said ball has a slightly greater diameter than said central conduit of said second housing, said ball disposed between said second end of said spring and said first end of said second housing, said ball being thereby biased against said central conduit of said second housing thereby metering the flow of fluid from said second housing to said first housing.
US Referenced Citations (4)