Vortex amplifier apparatus

In a vortex amplifier:

• means defining a chamber symmetrical about an axis with a peripheral fluid inlet and a pair of central fluid outlets therein, said chamber adapted to be connected to a fluid source whereby a fluid flows through said inlet and exhausts through said pair of outlet passages;
• and
• readout means including an elongated member having a plurality of vanes thereon, one end of said member cooperating with one of said pair of outlet passages so as to form a first poppet, the other end of said member cooperating with the other of said pair of outlet passages so as to form a second poppet, the flow of fluid around said first poppet and said second poppet being effective to provide fluid support of said member within said chamber and to substantially align said member with said axis, and said readout means further including means for indicating the rotation of said member relative to said means defining said chamber in response to vortical fluid flow within said chamber.

In a vortex amplifier:

• means defining a chamber symmetrical about an axis, said chamber having a fluid inlet and a pair of fluid outlets substantially aligned with said axis, said inlet being adapted to be connected to a fluid source whereby a fluid flows through said chamber and exhausts through said pair of outlet passages;
• and
• readout means including a rotatable member and rotation sensing means, said member having a plurality of vanes thereon, each end of said rotatable member cooperating with one of said pair of fluid outlet passages so as to form a fluid bearing, said member being supported within said chamber and substantially aligned with said axis by the flow of fluid through said chamber and out of said pair of outlet passages, and said rotation sensing means indicating the rotation of said member relative to said means defining said chamber.