Patent ID: 7600963
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: F03B,F03D,F05B,Y02E,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A tube for a fluid energy converter, the tube comprising: a generally cylindrical and hollow body having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of helical grooves formed into the exterior surface and the interior surface; wherein each helical groove formed into the exterior surface has an exterior tip surface and an exterior root surface and wherein each helical groove formed into the interior surface has an interior tip surface and an interior root surface, wherein a first portion of the body defines the exterior tip surface of a respective one of the grooves formed into the exterior surface and wherein the first portion defines the interior root surface of a respective one of the grooves formed into the interior surface and wherein a second portion of the body defines the exterior root surface of the respective one of the grooves formed into the exterior surface and wherein the second portion defines the interior tip surface of a respective one of the grooves formed into the interior surface; and wherein each helical groove has first and second walls and wherein the helical grooves are adapted to capture fluid on the first wall of a helical groove on the exterior surface, and wherein the helical grooves are adapted to capture fluid on the second wall of the helical groove on the interior surface.