Multi-mode fluid nozzles

A multi-mode fluid nozzle having a discharge pattern, the nozzle comprising:

• a generally-cylindrical mixing chamber having a first side, a second side opposite of the first side, a periphery disposed between the first and second sides and a central portion;
• a stream mode fluid inlet connected to the first side of the mixing chamber at the central portion thereof;
• a plurality of mist mode fluid inlets connected to the periphery of the mixing chamber;
• a fluid outlet connected to the second side of the mixing chamber at the central portion thereof;
• and
• a circumferential ridge disposed within the mixing chamber at an interface between the fluid outlet and the second side of the mixing chamber, the circumferential ridge configured to guide and shape swirling flow in the mixing chamber;
• wherein, the discharge pattern of the multi-mode fluid nozzle is dependent upon the inlets from which fluid enters the mixing chamber such that when all of the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the stream mode fluid inlet, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a stream flow discharge pattern, when all of the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the mist mode fluid inlets, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a mist flow discharge pattern and when some of the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the stream mode fluid inlet and some of the fluid enters the mixing chamber through the mist mode fluid inlets, the fluid exits the fluid outlet in a droplet flow discharge pattern.