Abstract
The instant invention includes a multiple-Venturi nozzle and a system, method of manufacture and method of using same. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle has a generally cylindrical body with a generally flat bottom surface and a generally flat distal outer surface and a generally arcuate vertical surface parallel to the bottom and outer surfaces. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle further includes a plurality of chokes generally perpendicular to the bottom and outer surfaces, each of said chokes extending through the body and having a choke inlet and a choke outlet. The instant multiple-Venturi nozzle further includes a manifold extending from the outer surface partially into the body and a plurality of manifold channels connecting the manifold to each choke, each of said manifold channels being generally perpendicular to a corresponding choke, having a manifold outlet and a distal manifold inlet and being offset in a helical distribution from other manifold outlets corresponding to the same choke.
Claims
1. A multiple-Venturi nozzle comprising: (a) a generally cylindrical body having a generally flat bottom surface and a generally flat distal outer surface and a generally arcuate vertical surface parallel to the bottom and outer surfaces; (b) a plurality of chokes generally perpendicular to the bottom and outer surfaces, each of said chokes extending through the body and having a choke inlet and a choke outlet; (c) a manifold extending from the outer surface partially into the body; and (d) a plurality of manifold channels connecting the manifold to each choke, each of said manifold channels: (i) being generally perpendicular to a corresponding choke; (ii) having a manifold outlet and a distal manifold inlet; and (iii) being offset in a helical distribution from other manifold outlets corresponding to the same choke.
2. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 1 further comprising: said multiple-Venturi nozzle being constructed by means of: (i) 3D printing said multiple-Venturi nozzle in layers of a 3D printing material; and (ii) each manifold channel which corresponds to a given choke being offset from one another by the thickness of at least one 3D printed layer of material.
3. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 1 further comprising: said manifold being generally central with respect to the body; and said manifold having a manifold nipple.
4. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 3 further comprising: each of said chokes are evenly distributed radially about an axis defined by the manifold.
5. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 3 further comprising: (e) a first manifold ring; (f) at least one additional, concentric manifold ring; (g) at least one manifold channel connecting the manifold to the first manifold ring; (h) at least one manifold channel connecting the additional manifold ring to the first manifold ring; and (i) additional chokes connected to the manifold rings by additional manifold channels.
6. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 3 further comprising: each of said additional chokes are evenly distributed radially about an axis defined by the manifold in concentric groupings.
7. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 6 further comprising: a fluid being passed through the chokes; and a gas source connected to the manifold.
8. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of manifolds extending from the outer surface partially into the body and being associated with its own respective chokes; and a plurality of manifold channels connecting each such manifold to its own respective chokes, each of said manifold channels: (i) being generally perpendicular to a corresponding choke; (ii) having a manifold outlet and a distal manifold inlet; and (iii) being offset in a helical distribution from other manifold outlets corresponding to the same choke.
9. The multiple-Venturi nozzle of claim 8 further comprising: a fluid being passed through the chokes; a first manifold connected to a first gas source; and a second manifold connected to a second gas source.
10. A method of using a multiple-Venturi nozzle comprising: (a) inserting said multiple-Venturi nozzle into a pipe; (b) connecting a manifold nipple on the multiple-Venturi nozzle to a gas source; (c) allowing a fluid to flow through a plurality of chokes in the multiple-Venturi nozzle.
11. The method of using a multiple-Venturi of claim 10 further comprising: wherein said fluid is water and said gas is chosen from a group comprising air and oxygen.
12. The method of using a multiple-Venturi of claim 10 further comprising: wherein said fluid is water and said gas is Fluorine gas.
13. A method of manufacturing a multiple-Venturi nozzle using 3D printing comprising: (a) printing at least one initial layer of material to form a bottom surface, said bottom surface having a plurality of choke inlets formed therein; (b) printing subsequent layers of material each having: (i) a plurality of choke cross-sectional openings; (c) printing further layers of material each having: (i) a plurality of choke cross-sectional openings; and (ii) at least one manifold cross-sectional opening; (d) printing additional layers of material each having a plurality of (i) choke cross-sectional openings; (ii) at least one manifold cross-sectional opening; and (iii) a plurality of manifold channel openings each of which is offset the manifold channel openings of the next layer by the thickness of at least one 3D printed layer of material; and (e) printing other layers of material having a plurality of (i) a plurality of choke cross-sectional openings; and (ii) at least one manifold cross-sectional opening;
14. The method of manufacturing a multiple-Venturi nozzle using 3D printing of claim 13 further comprising: (f) printing final layers of material having a at least one manifold nipple cross-sectional opening.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an MVN having at least one choke and a manifold.
[0020] FIG. 1B is a perspective cutaway view of an MVN taken along the plane AB shown in FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a stylized side view of a MVN having at least one choke.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a stylized side view of an MVN which has been inserted into an outer pipe.
[0023] FIGS. 3A through 3L depict sequential perspective views of the process of manufacturing a MVN using 3D printing.
[0024] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C depict sequential perspective views of the process of manufacturing an alternative embodiment of an MVN using 3D printing.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a MVN showing enlarged details of a finished choke and manifold.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a MVN having a plurality of manifolds each having a manifold nipple and a plurality of chokes.
[0027] FIG. 7A shows top perspective views of two MVNs having differently sized chokes.
[0028] FIG. 7B shows top perspective views of seven different sizes of MVNs each having a different number/distribution pattern of chokes.
REFERENCE NUMERAL CHART
[0029] For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the number components in the drawings is as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 100 Multiple-Venturi Nozzle (“MVN”) 101 Medium 103 Choke 103a Choke Inlet 103b Choke Outlet 105 Manifold Outlet 107 Manifold Channel 109 Manifold Inlet 111 Manifold 113 Outer Surface 115 Manifold Nipple 116 Bottom Edge 117 Vertical Surface 118 Bottom Surface 119 Manifold Back 121 Pipe 123 Manifold Ring 125 Manifold Passage P.sub.1A Initial Pressure P.sub.1B Choke Pressure P.sub.1C Final Pressure P.sub.2 Second Pressure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an MVN 100 having at least one Choke 103 and a Manifold 111. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there are a plurality of Chokes 103. The MVN 100 is then inserted into the end of a pipe or other conduit (not shown in FIG. 1A). The MVN 100 has a body consisting of an impervious Medium 101. In certain embodiments, the Medium 101 could be plastic (including Polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”)), rubber, or metal. The MVN 100 has: (a) a front end having an Outer Surface 113 and a Manifold Nipple 115 which protrudes from the Outer Surface 113 of the MVN 100; and (b) a back end having a Bottom Edge 116. Thus, the Bottom Edge 116 is distal from the Outer Surface 113. The MVN 100 also has a Vertical Surface 117. The Vertical Surface 117 is smooth and uniform. FIG. 1A further shows a plane AB approximately half-way between the Bottom Edge 116 and the Outer Surface 113.
[0031] Each Choke 103 is a small opening extending through the body of the MVN 100. Thus, because each Choke 103 is both: (a) more narrow that the diameter of the MVN 100 (and of the pipe or other conduit into which the MVN is inserted) at the Bottom Edge 116; and (b) more narrow than the diameter of the MVN 100 at the Outer Surface 113, each Choke 103 creates a Venturi effect (i.e., a reduction in fluid pressure) between: (a) the distal front and back ends of the MVN 100; and (b) the Choke 103. In one embodiment, the Manifold 111 is generally centrally located within the MVN 100 in order to ensure a uniform distribution of gas or liquid to each of the Chokes 103.
[0032] FIG. 1B is a perspective cutaway view of an MVN 100 taken along the plane AB shown in FIG. 1A having a plurality of Chokes 103, a Manifold 111, a body consisting of an impervious Medium 101 and a Bottom Edge 116. The Manifold 111 is a cavity and has a Manifold Nipple 115 (not shown in FIG. 1B) and terminates in a Manifold Back 119 distal from the Manifold Nipple 115. The Manifold 111 has at least one Manifold Inlet 109 connected to a Manifold Channel 107. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the MVN 100 has a plurality of Manifold Inlets 109. The Manifold Channel 107 has a Manifold Outlet 105 distal from the Manifold Inlet 109. The Manifold Inlet 109 is connected to a Choke 103. Thus, gas or liquid is allowed to freely pass from the Manifold 111 through the Manifold Inlet 109 through the Manifold Channel 107 through the Manifold Outlet 105 and into the Choke 103. A hose, tube, pipe or other piping (not shown in FIG. 1A) dimensionally sized to mate with the Manifold Nipple 115 is used to connect the Manifold 111 to a first gas or a liquid. The gas or liquid could be pressurized or could be at standard atmospheric pressure. The first gas or liquid could be any number of substances depending on the application for which the MVN is being used. A second gas or liquid is passed through the pipe or other conduit which then flows through the Chokes 103.
[0033] Common first gasses/liquids and their corresponding applications include:
TABLE-US-00002 Gas(es)/Liquids MVN Application Air or Oxygen Gas Aeration, oxygenation and atomization (e.g., dispersing perfume or spray paint) Ozone Ozonation of a liquid; ozonating water; ozonating blood Carbon Dioxide Gas Carbonating a liquid Fluorine Gas Fluorinating a liquid; water fluoridation Chlorine Gas Chlorinating a liquid; water chlorination Flammable Gas Inspirating air Fuel (e.g., Gasoline or Carburetor Diesel)
[0034] Thus, when a first gas or liquid is connected to the Manifold 111 and a second gas or liquid is connected to the MVN 100 and passes through the Choke 103, the Venturi effect caused within the Choke 103 will cause the first gas or liquid and the second gas or liquid to mix together.
[0035] The MVN 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is made using a three-dimensional (“3D”) printer. Thus, the Medium 101 is shown as consisting of “rows” of material as is common for 3D printed articles. 3D printing the MVN 100 allows for the MVN 100 to be precision constructed; particularly with respect to the various Manifold Inlets 109, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Outlets 105 (depending on the size of which traditional casting/drilling methods could prove cost-prohibitive or impossible).
[0036] FIG. 2A is a stylized side view of a MVN 100 having at least one Choke 103, each Choke 103 having a Choke Inlet 103a and a Choke Outlet 103b. The MVN 100 also has a Manifold 111 having a Manifold Nipple 115 and a distal Manifold Back 119. The Manifold 111 is connected to the Choke 103 by a Manifold Channel 107, each Manifold Channel 107 having a Manifold Inlet 109 and a Manifold Outlet 105. The MVN 100 further has a Bottom Surface 118 with a Bottom Edge 116 distal from the Manifold Nipple 115.
[0037] FIG. 2B is a stylized side view of an MVN 100 which has been inserted into a Pipe 121. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, a fluid (such as water) is passed through the Pipe 121 at an Initial Pressure of P.sub.1A. As this fluid encounters the Choke Inlets 103a, the fluid undergoes a Venturi effect, resulting in a changed static fluid pressure within the Choke 103, i.e., the Choke Pressure of P.sub.1B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, a gas (such as air) is passed through the Manifold 111 at a Second Pressure of P.sub.2. Thus, the gas is drawn through each Manifold Channel 107 and mixes with the fluid in the Chokes 103. The gas/fluid mixture then exits the Chokes 103 through their Choke Outlets 103b at a Final Pressure Pic.
[0038] FIGS. 3A through 3L depict sequential perspective views of the process of manufacturing a MVN 100 using 3D printing. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, a MVN 100 is at an early stage of 3D printing with only the initial “layers” of Medium 101 having been 3D printed. The MVN 100 has the beginnings of a centrally located Manifold 111 with a Manifold Back 119 and a plurality of Manifold Inlets 109, each of which is connected to a Manifold Channel 107 with a Manifold Outlet 105 distal from the Manifold Inlet 109. Each Manifold Outlet 105 is connected to a Choke 103.
[0039] FIG. 3B shows the same MVN 100 from FIG. 3A with several additional “layers” of Medium 101 having been 3D printed. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the central Manifold 111 and each of the Chokes 103 has been further formed in the same positions. However, each of the Manifold Outlets 105, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Inlets 109 from FIG. 3A have been fully formed and “capped off,” while new Manifold Outlets 105, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Inlets 109 have been partially formed which are “rotated” with respect to an axis defined by the Manifold 111. This rotational process is cyclically repeated throughout the 3D layering process as shown in the remaining FIGS. 3C through 3L. In particular, FIG. 3D shows a “capping” layer in which all of the Manifold Outlets 105, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Inlets 109 in a particular layer have been “capped”. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3L, the plurality of Manifold Outlets 105, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Inlets 109 form a generally helical structure.
[0040] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C depict sequential perspective views of the process of manufacturing an alternative embodiment of an MVN 100 using 3D printing. In FIG. 4A, an MVN 100 is shown having a plurality of Chokes 103 which are located in two concentric groupings about a central Manifold 111 (which Manifold 111 has a Manifold Back 119). The Chokes 103 are connected to the Manifold 111 by a system of concentric Manifold Rings 123 and radial Manifold Passages 125. The innermost Manifold Ring 125 is connected to the Manifold 111 by at least one Manifold Passage 125. The outermost Manifold Ring 123 is connected to the innermost Manifold Ring 123 by at least one Manifold Passage 125.
[0041] In FIG. 4B, the same MVN 100 is shown from FIG. 4A after several additional layers of Medium 101 have been 3D printed. In FIG. 4B, the same structure of Manifold Inlets 109, Manifold Channels 107 and Manifold Outlets 105 as previously disclosed herein may be seen connecting each Choke 103 to a nearby Manifold Ring 123. In the design shown in FIG. 4B, however, each Choke 103 has two Manifold Outlets 105 since the Manifold Channels 107 are used to help further connect the Manifold Rings 123 to the Manifold 111.
[0042] FIG. 4C shows the MVN 100 from FIGS. 4A and 4B after the final layers of Medium 101 have been applied thereto. As can be seen in FIG. 4C, the MVN 100 has a plurality of finished Chokes 103 and an Outer Surface 113 with a Manifold Nipple 115 extending outwards from such Outer Surface 113. The Manifold Nipple 115 shown in FIG. 4C is a “male” attachment means. However, “female” attachment means such as an interior hole dimensionally sized to accommodate a pipe or tube could also be used.
[0043] FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a MVN 100 showing enlarged details of a finished Choke 103 and Manifold 111. As can be seen in this enlarged detail, within the Choke 103 there are a plurality of helically distributed Manifold Outlets 105. As can also be seen in this enlarged detail, within the Manifold 111 there are a plurality of helically distributed Manifold Inlets 109. A method of constructing an MVN 100 resulting in such helically distributed Manifold Outlets 105 and Manifold Inlets 109 is described above in FIGS. 3A through 3L.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a MVN 100 having a plurality of Manifolds 111 each having a Manifold Nipple 115 and a plurality of Chokes 103. In essence, this is like having a plurality of MVNs 100 surrounded by Medium 101. As noted above, each of the Manifolds 111 could be connected to a single gas or liquid source or be connected to separate gas or liquid sources—allowing the MVN 100 to effectively “mix” and simultaneously dissolve different compounds into the primary gas or liquid.
[0045] FIG. 7A shows top perspective views of two MVNs 100 having differently sized Chokes 103. The size of the Choke 103 can be adjusted based on the desired flow of fluid or gas through the Chokes 103 and the desired ratio of mixing the two fluids or gases together within the Chokes 103. FIG. 7B shows top perspective views of seven different sizes of MVNs 100 each having a different number/distribution pattern of Chokes 103. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the four leftmost MVNs 100 do not have a Manifold Nipple 115 but instead simply have an opening in the Manifold 111 which is flush with the Outer Surface 113. This creates a “female” opening for inserting a pipe or a hose into the Manifold 111. In certain embodiments, threading could be used in either such a “female” opening or in a Manifold Nipple 115 to further engage the Manifold 111 to a pipe or hose.
[0046] It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It was be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
