Acoustically actuated flow valve assembly including a plurality of reed valves
First Claim
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1. A flow valve assembly for modifying acoustical energy of a fluid, the flow valve assembly comprising:
- a body including—
a base portion configured to receive the fluid into the body;
one or more of tubes disposed therein configured to transport the fluid from the base portion through the body; and
a bore extending therethrough;
a valve actuator disposed in the bore of the body wherein the valve actuator is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position;
a flow valve coupled to the valve actuator, wherein the valve is movable to an open position thereby allowing the fluid to flow therefrom, wherein the valve actuator and the valve are configured concentrically;
a plurality of reed valves adjacent to an outer edge of the flow valve and configured to respond to fluid movement through the flow valve.
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Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to an acoustically actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.
420 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A flow valve assembly for modifying acoustical energy of a fluid, the flow valve assembly comprising:
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a body including— a base portion configured to receive the fluid into the body; one or more of tubes disposed therein configured to transport the fluid from the base portion through the body; and a bore extending therethrough; a valve actuator disposed in the bore of the body wherein the valve actuator is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; a flow valve coupled to the valve actuator, wherein the valve is movable to an open position thereby allowing the fluid to flow therefrom, wherein the valve actuator and the valve are configured concentrically; a plurality of reed valves adjacent to an outer edge of the flow valve and configured to respond to fluid movement through the flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating a flow valve assembly to control a flow of a fluid, comprising:
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introducing a first fluid into a body portion of the flow valve assembly, the body portion including a flow valve, the flow valve being movable between an open position and a closed position; configuring the flow valve to oscillate from the closed position to the open position to introduce at least a portion of the first fluid into a fluid space adjacent to the flow valve; configuring a plurality of reed valves positioned concentrically with the flow valve to vibrate in response to energy imparted by flow of fuel and/or oscillations of the flow valve; imparting acoustical energy to at least one of the first fluid, the flow valve, the plurality of reed valves, or a second fluid in the fluid space adjacent to the flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of operating a flow valve assembly to control a flow of a fluid, the method comprising:
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introducing a first fluid into a body portion of the flow valve assembly, the body portion including a valve actuator, a flow valve, and a plurality of reed valves disposed on the flow valve wherein the flow valve and the plurality of reed valves are configured concentrically; sensing one or more conditions in a fluid space exterior to the flow valve; and generating acoustical energy to control movement of at least one of the first fluid, the valve actuator, the flow valve, or a second fluid in the fluid space exterior to the flow valve. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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Specification