1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to fluid flow devices, particularly of that class of fluid flow nozzles with laminar discharge, and further to the field of illuminated fluid nozzles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 granted on Nov. 3, 1992, a laminar flow fluid nozzle is provided for use in decorative water fountains, and also for industrial applications. Initial fluid flow is provided through a double-walled, bladder like fluid supply hose (32).
The inflated double hose isolates fluid flow from the pump and other vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted by means of a rigid hose. Furthmore, the double hose functions to absorb or accumulate small pressure variations known as "pump noise" which are usually present in the input stream.
The fluid next flows into a fluid chamber over a baffle (22). Inside pockets of air (18) cushion remaining pressure variations of the fluid stream.
Fluid next flows through a diffuser (20) which provides a purality of parallel fluid baths to dampen remaining major currents by lowering the fluid velocity, and thus the Reynolds number to obtain laminar fluid flow.
A knife edged orifice (12) results in a narrow fluid stream (14). However, orifice (12) may be offset with respect to the center of enclosure (11).
A light transmitting means (24) is aligned with orifice (12) by focusing means (28.
A spring system (30) may be provided to absorb ambiant vibrations.