Vortex attractor
US6565321B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15D1/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.