Laminar flow digital logic elements with feedback
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorGeorge Mon
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Abstract
Improved fluid logic elements are disclosed employing a laminar proportio fluid amplifier connected in a feedback arrangement. Logic functions such as AND, OR, and NOR as well as the flip-flop can be implemented with a reduced power consumption and signal to noise ratio relative to turbulent wall-attachment devices. In one embodiment, the outputs of a first laminar proportional fluid amplifier are input to a second laminar proportional fluid amplifier so as to decouple the operation of the first amplifier from a utilization circuit.
Claims14
A laminar flow fluidic logic device, comprising:
- a first laminar proportional fluid amplifier having a supply stream input port connected to a fluid pressure supply, a first control stream input port, a second control stream input port, a first output port and a second output port;
- a first fluid pressure feedback means having an input connected to said first output port and an output connected to said second control stream input port, for supplying a feedback pressure having a magnitude sufficient to saturate said amplifier so that the supply stream from said supply stream input port is directed through said first output port;
- said first control stream input port connected to a first fluid pressure signal source for receiving a first fluid pressure signal having a magnitude sufficient to saturate said amplifier so that the supply stream from said supply stream input port is directed through said second output port;
- whereby a fluid digital logic function may be performed in an improved manner.
A laminar flow fluidic device, comprising:
- a first laminar proportional fluid amplifier having a supply stream input connected to a fluid pressure supply, a first control stream input port, a second control stream input port, a first output port and a second output port;
- a first fluid pressure feedback means having an input connected to said first output port and an output connected to said first control stream input port, for supplying a feedback pressure having a magnitude sufficient to saturate said amplifier so that the supply stream from said supply stream input port is directed through said second output port;
- a second fluid pressure feedback means having an input connected to said second output port and an output connected to said second control stream input port, for supplying a feedback pressure having a magnitude sufficient to saturate said amplifier so that the supply stream from said supply stream input port is directed through said first output port;
- whereby each of said ouput ports outputs a fluid pressure which oscillates at a characteristic frequency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.