Fluidic device controlled by remotely located acoustic energy source
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsRobert Kuklinski, Stuart C. Dickinson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluidic device is provided to control the path of a fluid. A control cher has at least one window incorporated therein that permits acoustic waves impinging thereon to pass therethrough. An ultrasonic source is remotely located with respect to the control chamber and a coupling medium, such as water, air or an acoustic waveguide, acoustically couples the acoustic waves to the window(s).
Claims18
A fluidic device for controlling the path of a fluid, comprising:
- a control chamber for transporting said fluid;
- at least one window incorporated in said control chamber that permits acoustic waves impinging on said window to pass therethrough into said chamber;
- a source for producing said acoustic waves, said source being remotely located with respect to said control chamber;
- and
- a coupling medium acoustically coupling said acoustic waves to said at least one window.
A fluidic device for controlling the path of a control fluid, comprising:
- a nozzle for receiving said control fluid and producing a power jet;
- a plurality of output channels downstream of said nozzle;
- a control chamber coupling said nozzle to said plurality of output channels, wherein said control chamber receives said power jet;
- at least one acoustic window forming a portion of said control chamber and having an acoustic impedance that is approximately equal to the acoustic impedance of said control fluid;
- at least one source of acoustic energy remotely located with respect to said control chamber for directing acoustic waves toward said at least one acoustic window;
- and
- fluid medium separating said at least one acoustic window and said at least one source of acoustic energy.
A fluidic device for controlling the path of a control fluid, comprising:
- a nozzle for receiving said control fluid and producing a power jet;
- a plurality of vertically oriented output channels downstream of said nozzle, said nozzle being directed toward a default output channel;
- a control chamber coupling said nozzle to said plurality of output channels, wherein said control chamber receives said power jet;
- at least one acoustic window forming a portion of said control chamber and having an acoustic impedance that is approximately equal to the acoustic impedance of said control fluid;
- at least one source of acoustic energy remotely located with respect to said control chamber for directing acoustic waves toward said at least one acoustic window, said acoustic energy source capable of causing cavitation in said control fluid, said cavitation generating bubbles having buoyancy which induces said power jet to one said output channel positioned vertically above said default output channel;
- and
- a fluid medium separating said at least one acoustic window and said at least one source of acoustic energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.