초록 ▼

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 cr

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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for creating fluid flow creating a low pressure region between itself and a separate surface, said separate surface being not connected in any way to the apparatus. This apparatus comprising:a plurality of impeller vanes; a containing ring structure to which said impeller vanes are c

1. An apparatus for creating fluid flow creating a low pressure region between itself and a separate surface, said separate surface being not connected in any way to the apparatus. This apparatus comprising:a plurality of impeller vanes; a containing ring structure to which said impeller vanes are coupled; and means for rotating; wherein said apparatus creates said low pressure region without a backplate.2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said impeller vanes are planar.3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of said containing ring structure is constant.4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said containing ring structure is perpendicular to an axis of rotation.5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the periphery of said containing ring structure is circular.6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said containing ring structure is pliable.7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of said containing ring structure is of a similar height to said impeller vanes.8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:a driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft. 9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:a driveshaft, coupled to said impeller vanes, capable of transferring a torque; and motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:a flexible driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said impeller vanes are capable of rotating at variables rates.12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:a driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft; wherein said containing ring structure and impeller vanes are movable along the axis of said driveshaft.13. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by electricity.14. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by combustion.15. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by a mechanical stored energy device.16. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by compressed gas.17. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by an integrated mobile power source.18. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by a mobile power source.19. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluid flow forms a cylindrical vortex.20. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluid flow forms a frustoconical vortex.21. A method for providing fluid flow creating a low pressure region between itself and a separate surface, said separate surface being not connected in any way to the apparatus. This method comprising the steps of:providing an impeller assembly comprising impeller vanes and a containing ring structure to which said impeller vanes are coupled; rotating said impeller vanes; and constraining said low pressure region within a desired region; wherein said low pressure region is created without providing a backplate structure.22. A method according to claim 21 wherein said constraining is performed by a containing ring.23. A method according to claim 21 wherein the height of said containing ring is equal to the height of said impeller vanes.24. A method according to claim 21 wherein said containing ring is pliable.25. A method according to claim 21 wherein the rotating is powered by:a driveshaft capable of transferring torque, and motor means for generating torque, coupled to said driveshaft. 26. A method according to claim 21 wherein the rotating is powered by:a flexible driveshaft capable of transferring torque, and motor means for generating torque, coupled to said driveshaft. 27. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is of variable rates.28. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by electricity.29. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by combustion.30. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by compressed gas.31. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by an integrated mobile power source.