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Fluid distribution components of high-pressure fluid jet systems

  • US 9,272,437 B2
  • Filed: 10/31/2012
  • Issued: 03/01/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A high-pressure fluid jet system comprising:

  • a pump to selectively provide a source of high-pressure fluid at an operating pressure of at least 20,000 psi;

    an end effector assembly configured to receive the high-pressure fluid and generate a high-pressure fluid jet for processing a workpiece or work surface; and

    a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the pump and the end effector assembly to route the high-pressure fluid from the pump to the end effector assembly, andwherein at least one of the pump, the end effector assembly and the fluid distribution system comprises;

    a fluid distribution component in the form of an elbow fitting having a unitary body formed from an additive manufacturing or casting process, the unitary body comprising perpendicular leg portions, an inlet, an outlet and an internal passage between the inlet and the outlet to assist in routing matter through the high-pressure fluid jet system, the internal passage having a path that is at least partially curvilinear and the fluid distribution component being subjected to cyclic or periodic loading during operation of the system arising from recurrent high-pressure conditions corresponding to the operating pressure of at least 20,000 psi,wherein the elbow fitting includes a coupling device at each of the inlet and the outlet to couple to other components of the fluid distribution system and each of the inlet and the outlet includes a frustoconical engagement surface to mate with a respective adjacent component of the fluid distribution system;

    wherein the inlet and the outlet each define a central axis,wherein the internal passage extends through the unitary body along the path, a first end portion of the path being generally collinear with the central axis of the inlet and a second end portion of the path being generally collinear with the central axis of the outlet, andwherein an intermediate portion of the path of the internal passage includes a first portion with a first radius of curvature and a second portion with a second radius of curvature, an origin of the first radius of curvature and an origin of the second radius of curvature being located on opposite sides of the path.

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