Swirl nozzle and method of making same

A swirl disk for a spray nozzle comprising:

• a sheet material substrate defining a first surface formed on one side of the substrate, a second surface formed on an opposite side of the substrate relative to the first surface, a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces and defining a peripheral edge of the swirl disk, a swirl chamber defined by a first aperture extending through a first region of the substrate spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge, and a swirl inlet defined by a second aperture formed through a second region of the substrate extending between the swirl chamber and peripheral edge.

A swirl disk for a spray nozzle comprising:

• a sheet material substrate defining a first surface formed on one side of the substrate, a second surface formed on an opposite side of the substrate relative to the first surface, a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces and defining a peripheral edge of the swirl disk, first means extending through a first region of the substrate spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge for forming a swirling flow of fluid within the swirl disk, and second means extending between the first means and peripheral edge for directing fluid into the first means.

36-38. (canceled)

44-45. (canceled)

A swirl disk for a spray nozzle formed in accordance with a method comprising the steps of:

• providing a sheet of material for forming the swirl disk therefrom;
• forming at least one swirl disk from the sheet of material by (1) removing material about a peripheral portion of the swirl disk and, in turn, forming a peripheral edge of the swirl disk, (2) removing material from at least one first region of the swirl disk spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge of the swirl disk and, in turn, forming a first aperture extending through the first region and defining a swirl chamber, and (3) removing material from at least one second region of the swirl disk extending between the swirl chamber and peripheral edge of the swirl disk and, in turn, forming a second aperture extending through the second region and defining a flow inlet to the swirl chamber.

47-52. (canceled)