US2508950A - Fluid apparatus - Google Patents

Description

M. KAPLAN FLUID APPARATUS May 23, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 17, 1948 m 2 m vffl K m F. m 8 6 a 0 I 6 F WM 56 ATTORNEY M. KAPLAN FLUID APPARATUS May 23, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 17, 1948 98 98FIG.4.

INV E NTOR Make/4 r Ke /=4 19 "'77 ATTORNEY M. KAPLAN FLUID APPARATUS May 23, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 HEE- INVENTOIR Mame/9r Kama/w FIG. IO.

Filed Aug. 17, 1948 BY M/M ATTORNEY Patented May 23, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT other Murray Kaplan, New York, N. Y.

Application August 17, 1948, SerialNo. 44,651

20 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to fluid apparatus adapted for pumping,agitating, aerating and/or mixing fluids; It comprises a body or nozzle containing a passage converging towards a throat, a fluid conductor communicating with the throat, the body'or nozzle being supported for vibration or oscillation in a liquid'along a path having a component substantially traversing the throat.

The nozzle preferably contains opposed passages converging towards an axis to the throat,

which passages may be substantially aligned, and the nozzle support is preferably of a resilient nature. The operating frequency of the driving means for the body or nozzle is substantially equal to the resonant frequency of the resiliently supported nozzle at a predetermined condition of loading. The convergent passage or passages which are submerged for oscillation in a liquid during operation, constitute the discharge opening or openings where the apparatus is used as a pump, the fluid conductor connected with the nozzle throat defining the inlet passage under such conditions. The fluid conductor thus providing an inlet passage preferably communicates with 'a source of fluid outside of the container for the liquid in which the nozzle is "submerged, and the fluid conductor and nozzle support may be defined by one and 'the same member. The path described'by the nozzle in theiiquid in which it is submerged, will in most cases be arcuate and tangent'to the axial line or plane of the convergent passage when thesystem is at rest. The inlet passage preferably intersects the throat of the nozzle sharply and where the desired performance warrants, this intersection may even approach a linear one. Throat shapes may be circular, annular, elongated,'or otherwise, for various contemplated applications of the invention. Moreover, the passage for the incoming or supply fluid will preferably be perpendicular to the throat axis at its 'juncture with the throat in many of the constructions contemplated.

The driving means for the vibratory "system is preferably electromagnetic, calling for an armature to be provided as a part of the vibratory system for cooperation with an electromagnet,

and in some cases, the armature may be permanently magnetized. The driving electromagnet will preferably be energized by alternating current of known frequency in order that the natural period of the vibratory system can be designed for resonance at that frequency or a .znultiple thereof. However, direct current'can 2 be employed with somewhat less satisfactory results, provided that suitable provisions are made for making and breaking the circuit for the energizing current; a r I The nozzle-support-may-include a torsional spring'whose characteristics will be considered in designing the vibratory system to obtain the desired resonant conditions for the frequency available and the media employed. I I

Having thus outlined some of the objects of this invention'amore complete understanding of its practical embodiments will follow from a detailed description of the accompanyingdrawings wherein: .v r

Fig. l is an elevation, partiallyin section, depicting one form of-the apparatus;

Fig. 2 is an-elevation', partially in section,an d partially broken :away, taken along line 22 of i Fig. 3 is a planview of the operating portion of the apparatus; shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an elevation, partially in section,; .of

a modified form of the apparatus;

'Figx'5 is a'bottom plan view, partially in section and partially broken away, of the apparatus shown in Fig.v 4; v

Fig; 9 is'an e1e'vation,partially in section and partially schematicitaken' along line 9+9 of Fig. 10 depicting a further modification;

FigIIO is a'ii'eleva'tion, partially in section,

taken along linelll-HI of'Fig.'9; and

Fig. "11 is a fragmentary perspective showing a portion of the nozzle depicted inFigs. Q'and 10. The receptacle 20 is adapted to contain'a body 0f liquid '22 and iS provided 'with a delivery nipple 24 threaded into icover' plate 26', which is'in turn secured by" screws "28 to a flange 30 formed on the contamer; 'A'iluidtight join't'is achieved through the use are sealing gasket fl interposed between thecov'er plate and flange. The cover 'pl'ate isal'soperforated-to receive a sleeve '34 which may be soldered or ot erwise attached thereto in fluidtight relationship? tubular arm 36 penetrates the sleeve 'and m'ay be maintained in fluidtight -felationship with-respect thereto by means of r flexible ashing}: of rubber-like 'mater ialj closely embracing "the arm and the depending end of the sleeve 34. The lower end of the arm is provided with threads v lll for introduction into a complementary socket formed radially in a body or nozzle member 42 which may be characterized as a double or symmetrical Venturi member. The body or nozzle member 42 comprises coaxial passages 44 converging from their ends 46 to a throat 4B which communicates with the passage 50 provided by the tubular arm 36. As clearly shown in Fig. 2, the central portion of the throat may be radially enlarged to form an annular groove 52, but in some instances, this groove may be omitted. For many applications of this device, it is desirable that the intersection of the opposed convergent passages 44 with the throat 48 be sharp or substantially linear, which, in the case of the example depicted in these figures, would approach circular edges 54.

The upper portion of the tubular arm 36 is received through a block or sleeve 56 to which it maybe secured by welding, brazing, soldering or the like, which sleeve is in turn secured by a suitable number of screws 58 to an armature 60, with a resilient mounting member 62 interposed between them. The ends ofthe resilient mounting member 62 are secured by means of plates 64 and screws 66 to a pair of outturningflanges 68 provided by abracket 10. The bracket is formed from two parts, the upper vertical walls 12 of which are clamped to an interposed electromagnet 14 by means of a pair of screws 16 in cooperation with spacing sleeves ll. The lower ends of the bracket members are also outturned to form flanges 18 which are seated on the cover plate 26 and secured thereto by means of screws 80. The winding 8| of the electromagnet 14 is connected to a suitable source of current through a pair of leads 82.

The suction side of the apparatus thus far described is defined at the upper end 84 of the tubular arm 36, which may be in communication with atmosphere or with-such other fluids, ineluding liquids, as may be desired for a given use- The vibratory system here involved comprises the body or nozzle member 42, the tubular arm 36, the resilient mounting member 62 and the armature 60. The resonant frequency of this system is calculated and chosen to correspond with the frequency of the supply current, or in some cases, a multiple thereof. For example, where the armature 66 is merely of magnetic material but not permanently magnetized,an'd the source of current is alternating with a frequency of 160 cycles per second,:the resonant frequency of the vibratory system will be chosen as 120 cycles per second for a particular pumping load. Should a permanently magnetized armature be used, then the natural frequency of the vibratory system will be designed to be 60 cycles per second at a particular pumping load. By properly selecting the size, shape and-material of the components of the vibratory system, the resonant frequency can be conformed to suit any conditions that may beencountered in practice. The system can be designed from these standpoints so that changes in load will result in either an increase or a decrease in amplitude of the vibratory system, thus permitting appreciable variation in the pressurezvolume ratio through proper design.

4 break contacts in the circuit for operation in a manner understood to those skilled in the art.

With the apparatus assembled as shown in Fig. 1, and the conductors connected to a source of 60 cycle, alternating current, the vibratory system will achieve resonance almost at once, imparting an oscillating movement to the body or nozzle 42 through an arcuate path substantially tangent to the nozzle axis. The longer the tubular arm 36 might be, the more nearly the path approaches the nozzle axis itself, but in any case, a substantial component of the motion will lie along the axis of the nozzle.

The upper end of the tubular arm 36 is shown in Fig. l as communicating with atmosphere, hence the effect of the increased velocity of the liquid 22 as it passes in both directions through the throat 40 of the nozzle, will be to induce the passage of air down through the passage 50, through the throat 48 and passage 44, into the liquid 22, to be delivered at a desired point through the delivery nipple 24. It will be noted that the liquid 22 will become aerated during this operation, an eifect suggesting many important uses contemplated for the present invention, including the aeration of water and other liquids. Similarly, when the inlet end 84 of the tubular arm is connected with a fluid source other than atmosphere, such fluid will be drawn down through the tubular-arm into the receptacle 20 in a similar fashion. Where such aeration or gasification is intended for an open body of liquid, it will be clear that the container will need no cover plate, in which case 'the vibratory apparatus can be clamped in any suitable manner to assume a position submerging the nozzle in the pumping liquid 22.

Where it is desired to pump liquid with this apparatus, then of course, the inlet end 84-of the tubular arm will be connected by suitable fittings and tubing with the liquid supply. Such liquid will flow down through the tubular arm and nozzle due to the effect of the reduced pressure at the throat of the Venturi member, serving to raise the level of the pumping liquid 22 until it fills the receptacle, whereupon, the liquid willbe discharged through the nipple 24 from whichit will be conveyed under the resulting pressure through suitable flexibleconductors toany desired location. Outstanding uses which suggest themselves in this connection are the circulation of coolants, pumping of fuels and many other laboratory, shop and industrial applications.

The modification depicted in Figsx l and-5 employs principles similar to those described with reference to the preceding figures, but involves somewhat different-arrangements of parts. In this case, the housingafi comprises u pperand lower sections 88 and respectively, secured together by their corresponding flanges 92. between which a gasket as is received and fastened by suitable bolts or rivets 9%. The electromagnet 14, in this case adapted tobesubmerged in the pumping liquid, is suitably secured by brackets 68 to the base I66 of the housing, through which its supply leads 82 are extended in fluid tight relationship by the use of a suitable packing 62 and a-gland'nut lll l'threaded into a socket formed in the base of the housing. The upper section of the housing-provides an integral discharge fitting I66 and also contains an aperture I98 to receive a torsion'tube I lit-whose upper threaded end I I2 projects externally of the-housing. The tubularmember H6 .isrieidlysecured the liquid 22.

.shown as similar to those described in connection with the preceding example. Suitably secured to the lower surface of the T fitting H8, is an armature I22 disposed in the field of the electromagnet 14. As will be clear from the showing of Fig. 5, the normal position of the ,electromagnet with respect to its armature is oilset so that there will be a tendency for the vibratory system to move through an are about the axis of the torsion tube I I6 when current is supplied to the electromagnet. A liquid level has been indicated by the broken line I24 so that when the nozzles receive their arcuate movement, they will serve jointly to draw fluid through the inlet passage 56 and discharge through the fitting I66.

The modification depicted in Fig. 6 is shown as operating in an open tank or receptacle .23 containing a body of liquid 22 intended to be aerated. Such an arrangement is useful in connection with fish tanks, foam generation, and aeration or gasification for other purposes. In this instance,

.the tubular arm 35 is mounted for substantially sage in the tubular arm 38 with the body or nozzle member 62. The lower end of the tubular arm 36 is threaded into the hub I32 of the double or symmetrical Venturi body or nozzle 42, which is in this case provided with an annular throat I34 intersecting the convergent passages. 44 at relatively sharp edges I36 and I353. The hub I32 is centrally located with respect to the outer wall of the nozzle by one or more radial arms or pins I40, similar to those depicted in Fig. 7 in connection with another modification. When the oscillatory system is tuned to resonance in the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, and current of the predetermined frequency is supplied to the electromagnet winding, the system will oscillate through an arc whose radius is determined by the length of the leaf spring I25, the passage of liquid through the throat I34 of the nozzle 42 reducing pressure at this area to cause fluid to be drawn into the inlet fitting i353, down through the tubular arm 36, into the branched passage I42 of the hub, through the throat I34, and into The support I28 may well be defined by the wall of the tank or receptacle 20, or by any suitable relatively fixed member.

The nozzle or body 42 shown in Figs. 7 and 8 comprises a hub I32 centrally positioned in the nozzle by means of the radial pins I43 to define a substantially annular throat I34 having a centrally located enlarged annular groove I44 in communication with the passage 56 provided by the'supporting arm 36. The intersections between the throat I34 on the one hand,- and the convergent passage walls 44 and the conical walls I46 of the hub on the other, are preferably sharp particularly where it is desired that the supply fluid be highly dispersed in the pumping liquid 22.

The modification shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11 contemplates an electromagnet I4 mountedby means of a bracket III to a suitable support I28, the bracket also being secured to a pair of resilient supporting springs 62 for the vibratory system. The vibratory system, in addition to such springs 62, includes an armature 66, vertical supporting arms I48 secured to the armature and supporting springs, and mounted at the .lower ends of these arms, body or nozzle formin ele-.- ments I50, which maybe described as hollow, truncated substantially triangular members having open apices I52 in opposed adjacency to define convergent walls I54 intersecting an elongated throat I55 at substantially linear edges I58. The tubular passages I59 of these. nozzle forming members are connected by means. of a manifold I56 with an inlet tube I62 through which fluid will be drawn from atmosphere or any other source desired.

Upon energization of the electromagnet I4 with current of the predetermined frequency for which the resonance has been computed, the vibratory system will oscillate at resonance through an are such as that diagrammatically depicted by broken lines in Fig. 9 to produce a reduced pressure at the throat I56, resulting in a suction effect in the tube I 62, similar to the efiect described with ref.- erence to the preceding examples.

From these few examples which serve to illustrate only a few embodiments of the invention, it will be clear that no lubrication is required in the absence of mechanical friction between parts; the apparatus will have an extended life; there will be no contamination or the fluids by lubricants; no valves will be required in the simpler forms of the apparatus; starting is almost instantaneous; flow of fluid is substantially continuous; the emciency is high; solid particles in the fluid will cause no damage; no priming or other starting problems are encountered; operating characteristics are readily controlled; and manufacture is relatively inexpensive. Thus, pumps employing the present invention can advantageously replace many pumps of other types already in use. Pumps of this type are eminently suited to medical, dental, pharmaceutical and biological applications, and for these purposes, it will be noted that in pumping air and other fluids, their sterilization can be effected by proper selection of the pumping liquid. Moreover, due to their inherent nature, the parts contacting the fluids can themselves be sterilized readily. For various chemical and industrial uses, it may be desired that the pumping liquid be an absorbent material which will serve to remove particular components of a circulating fluid. Along these lines, it will be clear that one liquid can be intimately admixed with another, since the pump inherently promotes agitation along with its pumpin action. The pump is readily controlled remotely, and in any case, where alternating current is used as the source, it is for all practical purposes explosion proof. 1'

Many additional modifications, variations and uses of the apparatus have been recognized by the present inventor and it is realized that many of these will likewise suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, once they become familiar with 9 with respect to said frame :and communicating with said throat, and alternating current electromagnetic driving means cooperating with said armature for vibrating said nozzle alonog a path substantially tangent to said axis.

16. Fluid apparatus comprising a frame, a nozzle adapted to be immersed in a fluid, said nozzle containing opposed passages converging towards an axis to a throat, a fluid inlet conductor communicating with said throat, a spring resiliently supporting said nozzle with respect to said frame for oscillatory movement, and periodic driving means for substantially resonantly oscillating said nozzle along a path common to said throat.

17. Fluid pumping apparatus comprising a frame, a nozzle adapted to be immersed in a liquid, said nozzle containing a throat intermediate a pair of convergent passages, a resilient support connecting said nozzle with said frame, said resilient support and nozzle constituting a resonant system, a fluid inlet conductor communicating with said throat, and periodic driving means for oscillating said system substantially at resonance with said nozzle immersed in a liquid.

18. Fluid apparatus comprising a frame, a nozzle adapted to be immersed in a fluid, said nozzle containing an elongated passage converging to a throat, a fluid conductor resiliently supporting said nozzle with respect to said frame and communicating with said throat, and driving means operable through said conductor for vibrating said nozzle along a path traversing said throat.

19. Fluid apparatus comprising a frame, a noz- 10 zle adapted to be immersed in a fluid, said nozzle containing a pair of passages converging to a throat, a torsional spring supporting said nozzle with respect to said frame for oscillatory movement, a fluid inlet conductor communicating with said throat, and driving means for oscillating said nozzle along a path substantially traversing said throat.

20. Fluid pumping apparatus comprising a frame, a nozzle adapted to be immersed in a fluid, said nozzle containing a passage converging from opposed surfaces to a throat, a fluid inlet conductor resiliently supporting said nozzle with respect to said frame and communicating with said throat, and conductor driving means for oscillating said nozzle along a path substantially traversing said throat.

MURRAY KAPLAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 892,098 Thornton et a1 June 30, 1908 923,775 Mathis July 20, 1909 2,240,307 List Apr. 29, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 740,179 France Jan. 23, 1933

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