Abstract:
A vortex flow apparatus including a cylindrical housing that contains a fluid that flows in a swirling circular path. The apparatus may be utilized as a muffler for a combustion engine, a particle separator, or an energy conversion device that physically or chemically acts upon the fluid flow and particles contained within the apparatus. The housing defines an inlet opening that opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall. An outlet tube defines an outlet opening through a first end wall. A projection is attached to a second end wall of the housing and extends into the housing. The outlet tube and projection are aligned with and centered relative to a central axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/993,702 filed May 15, 2014, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to apparatus that create a contained vortex by directing fluid flow from at least one inlet into a housing and out of the housing through at least one outlet. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A vortex flow apparatus includes a container for a fluid that flows in a swirling circular path. Particle separators are one example of a known use for vortex flow apparatus. Another proposed use is as a muffler for an external combustion or an internal combustion engine which may be a spark ignition engine or a compression ignition engine. When used as a muffler, the kinetic energy of the flowing gases and thermal energy and the amplitude of acoustic or aerodynamic oscillations is modified including sound, ultrasound and infrasound waves. The apparatus reduces sound entering the container from the inlet and when implemented as a muffler reduces sound or noise emanating from the combustion engine. 
         [0004]    Applicants&#39; assignee is the owner by assignment of U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,704 that issued on Aug. 21, 2012 and is entitled “Contained Vortices Device” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,312 that issued on Apr. 2, 2013 and is entitled “Muffler.” In the course of developing the above inventions many alternative embodiments have been conceived by applicants that may provide additional benefits or may be used in an effort to circumvent the scope of the claims in the above patents. 
         [0005]    This application is directed to protecting alternative embodiments that applicants have conceived and that applicants may develop and test in the future. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The vortex flow apparatus disclosed in this application converts (or partially converts) the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid, thermal energy, and acoustic energy into other forms of energy. Conversion of the energy may result in sound reduction and may also produce other physical and chemical reactions. The vortex flow in the apparatus may undergo an abrupt change in the swirling flow described as vortex breakdown, vortex implosion, vortex bubble or various other descriptions for this abrupt vortex change. Interaction of acoustics and vortex flow may also produce acoustic streaming or steady streaming or pulsed streaming within the device and may result in sound reduction, may improve energy conversion and may affect particle separation and may transport particles to pressure node locations and may provide localized micro-mixing and may provide micro-actuation and may provide micro-manipulation for small particles and may also produce other physical and chemical reactions. 
         [0007]    When used as a muffler with a combustion engine, sound levels are reduced over substantially the entire engine operating range. The dimensions and arrangement of the component parts of the vortex flow apparatus when used as a muffler may be adjusted to tune the sound emanating from the apparatus. The apparatus may be adjusted for a specific application due to engine exhaust flow properties, exhaust system dimensions, the location of the muffler, the orientation (vertical or horizontal), and the size of the muffler. 
         [0008]    The apparatus also produces low pressure within the apparatus that is advantageous when implemented as an engine exhaust muffler and is particularly advantageous for turbocharged engines. The length of the apparatus, relative position of the inlet, outlet and internal projection may be adjusted to reduce pressure to a greater or lesser extent. Sound attenuation and pressure performance may be balanced or tuned for specific applications. The configuration of the apparatus may also be adjusted for particle separation and spark suppression. When used as a muffler on a vehicle it is desirable that no particles accumulate inside the muffler but that particle size is reduced and that the particles flow from the apparatus. 
         [0009]    Depending upon the configuration of the apparatus when used as a muffler, the temperature of the fluid flowing from the muffler may be different than the fluid flowing from a conventional muffler. The low back pressure of the muffler results in changes in engine performance and fuel combustion and may result in higher engine exhaust temperature. High exhaust temperatures may result in improved catalytic conversion and particle combustion. The apparatus when used as a muffler may also reduce NOx and CO and emissions and reduce unburned hydrocarbons and particles carried by the exhaust gas. In addition, combustibles are prevented from exiting the apparatus and no spark ignition occurs at the outlet. 
         [0010]    The vortex flow in the apparatus results in a reflected counter vortex flow that is an abrupt vortex direction change that creates a low pressure region. Energy conversion occurs as a result of the kinetic energy, thermal energy, and acoustic energy interactions that result in sound reduction and other changes in the exhaust gas. 
         [0011]    According to one aspect of this disclosure, the vortex flow is induced at an inlet by the fluid being directed by tangential entry or flow directing vanes to swirl around the inside of the cylindrical or conical housing. Alternatively, entry may parallel or be angled to the apparatus axis with induced vortex by a vane or plurality of vanes. The vortex flow reverses at the opposite end from the inlet and in the vicinity of the tip of a projection that creates a counter-rotating flow. A region of abrupt change vortex flow and low pressure is created proximate the tip of the projection and between the projection and an outlet tube through which the fluid flows out of the apparatus. The flow diverges and energy and particles are converted differently at this low pressure region than at other locations within the device. 
         [0012]    According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or conical housing having a central axis, a first end and a second end. An inlet opening into the first end of the housing is located proximate a first end wall. An outlet tube defining an outlet opening extends from inside the housing and through the first end wall. A projection attached to a second end wall of the housing extends into the housing. The following descriptions represent an inlet circular diameter “d” or an equivalent circular diameter “d” for other inlet geometries. The inlet can have various geometries other than circular, such as oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc. The size of the openings may be equivalent to the cross-sectional area of a circular opening having a diameter “d” for the other shapes used to determine the size of non-circular inlet geometries. The outlet tube and projection are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis, and the inlet opening has a diameter “d” and the spacing between the end of the projection and the outlet tube is between 0.5 d and 2 d. 
         [0013]    According to other aspects of this disclosure the spacing between the projection and the outlet tube may be 1.2 d. The housing may have a diameter of between 2.5 d and 3.5 d. The housing may have a diameter of 3 d. The outlet tube and the projection may have a diameter of between 0.5 d and 1.5 d. The outlet tube and the projection may have a diameter of “d”. The inlet opening may be formed by a tube having a length of at least 1 d extending outwardly from the housing if the inlet tube extends into the housing. The inlet opening may be formed by a tube that may be flush with the housing side wall or may have a length of up to 1.5 d that extends inwardly into the housing. The outlet tube may have a length of at least 1 d extending outwardly from the housing. The projection may have a length of between 1 d to 5 d. The distance between bullet and exit may be from about 0.5 d to 2 d. In addition, the housing may have a length from 6 d to 12 d depending on the exhaust application. Small vehicle exhaust systems may require a shorter length while other applications may require a longer length. In one example, the housing had a length of 10.5 d. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection is attached to a second end wall of the housing and extends into the housing that may take several forms. The projection shape for an exhaust muffler can be adjusted and tuned for pressure, acoustic reduction, and particle separation. For example, the projection may have a sidewall that is shaped as:
       a frustum of a cone with a convex partially spherical end;   a cone;   a cylindrical side wall that has a plurality of protruding circumferential frusto-conical ribs with a convex partially spherical end;   a cylindrical side wall that has a protruding helical rib with a convex partially spherical end;   a cylindrical side wall with a flat end;   a recessed concave partially spherical end;   a cylindrical side wall with a protruding conical end; or   a cylindrical side wall with a protruding pointed end.       
 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached to a second wall of the housing that extends into the housing. An internal housing end may take several forms that may result in vortex reflection and acoustic reflection. For example, the projection and second wall internal housing end can be adjusted and tuned for pressure reduction, acoustic reduction, and particle separation when used as an exhaust muffler. 
         [0024]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached to a second wall of the housing and extends into the housing from an internal housing end that may take several forms. For example, the projection may be attached to a housing inside end shaped as: 
         [0025]    an angular oriented end; 
         [0026]    an inwardly conical end wall; 
         [0027]    an outwardly conical end wall; 
         [0028]    a partially spherical end wall; 
         [0029]    a partially spherical concave end wall; 
         [0030]    a spirally shaped inwardly conical end wall; or 
         [0031]    a spirally shaped inwardly spherical end wall. 
         [0032]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or conical housing that defines an inlet opening. The inlet opening opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall. The housing may further comprise a sidewall in that defines the inlet opening. Alternatively, the first end wall of the housing may define one or more inlet openings. A vane or plurality of vanes may be disposed in the inlet opening that induces a vortex within the housing. 
         [0033]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vortex flow apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical or conical housing having a first end and a second end. A secondary chamber may be provided on the housing at the second end that defines openings through a second end wall to provide fluid flow from inside the housing to the secondary chamber. Openings are provided in the projection inside the secondary chamber to provide fluid flow from the secondary chamber into the projection. 
         [0034]    According to other aspects of the apparatus described in the preceding paragraph, the projection may define a second plurality of openings in the end of the projection and inside the housing that provide fluid flow from inside the projection to the inside of the housing. The projection may also define a secondary outlet to provide fluid flow to a secondary outlet in an end of the projection outside the secondary chamber and the inside of the housing. The projection may define a port that extends from outside the secondary chamber through the secondary chamber and into the inside of the housing through the end of the projection. The port may be an inlet port or an outlet port. The inlet may receive exhaust gases from a combustion engine and the port may function to direct exhaust gases from inside the housing to the combustion engine for exhaust gas recirculation. The apparatus may further comprise a valve in fluid flow communication with the port that controls the flow of exhaust gases to the combustion engine. 
         [0035]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing having a side wall that has a plurality of ribs that extend helically around the housing. An outlet tube defines an outlet opening that extends from inside the housing and through the first end wall. 
         [0036]    According to other aspects of the apparatus described in the preceding paragraph, the side wall may further comprise an inner wall having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside surface of the side wall. In an alternative embodiment, the side wall may further comprise an inner wall having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside of the side wall, and an outer wall having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the outside surface of the side wall. 
         [0037]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a cylindrical housing that has a side wall that includes annular ribs that are spaced along the length of the housing. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the ribs may be in the shape of a sine wave with the length of the sine wave being adjusted and tuned to modify internal flow, acoustic waves, pressure, and particle separation. According to other aspects of this embodiment, the ribs may be tuned and adjusted depending on vortex rotational velocity, vortex axial velocity, and acoustic energy waves contained within the apparatus. 
         [0038]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex catalytic converter is disclosed that may interact with the fluid inertia and abrupt vortex change and thermal energy and acoustic energy to produce reduction catalytic action and oxidation catalytic action with the device. The catalytic materials may be applied to various geometries and surfaces within the device and adjusted or tuned for the vortex flow and abrupt vortex change and temperature and acoustic properties to produce catalytic conversion as an emission control device. The catalytic converter may be disposed within a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The contained vortex apparatus may also be a combined muffler and exhaust gas catalytic converter device. As an exhaust muffler and catalytic converter apparatus, the device may be implemented with a control system that monitors the exhaust and uses this information to control the fuel and air-to-fuel ratio entering the combustion process. The housing defines an inlet opening that opens into the first end of the housing proximate a first end wall. The housing has a side wall that includes a reduction phase coating applied to an inner surface of a side wall of the housing and an oxidation phase coating applied to the inner surface of the side wall spaced from the reduction phase coating. An outlet tube defines an outlet opening that extends from inside the housing and through the first end wall. The catalytic converter embodiment may also include a second reduction phase coating may be applied to an outer surface of the outlet tube and a second oxidation phase coating may be applied to the outer surface of the outlet tube. The reduction phase coating and the second reduction phase coating may be applied adjacent the inlet opening and upstream relative to the oxidation phase coating and the second oxidation phase coating. The oxidation phase coating may be applied to the inner surface outboard of the outlet tube. 
         [0039]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection attached to a second end wall of the housing and extending into the housing that is formed at least partially of a magnetic material to produce a magnetic field that functions to apply a magnetic charge to fluid and gas and particles within the housing. The magnetic charge cooperates with the energy conversion and acoustic streaming phenomenon to magnetically process particles in the apparatus. The contained vortex apparatus may be a combined muffler and magnetic field device. An insulator may be disposed between the projection and the second end wall. The magnetic material may be a permanent magnet inserted inside the projection. 
         [0040]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vortex flow apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing that includes an ultrasonic energy generator that is disposed to create ultrasonic energy within the cylindrical housing. The contained vortex apparatus may be a combined muffler and ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic generator may be disposed within the projection, on the housing, proximate the inlet opening, or proximate one of the ends of the housing. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic energy generator may be an ultrasonic whistle generator. The ultrasonic energy and waves may be utilized to alter vortex flow and turbulent flow, produce very high local pressure for various processing applications, produce very high local temperature, modify and separate agglomerated particles, modify fluids including gases, or act as a catalyst for chemical reactions. The ultrasonic energy cooperates with the energy conversion and acoustic streaming phenomenon to ultrasonically process particles in the apparatus. All of these and other effects of ultrasonic energy may have benefit when combined within the exhaust muffler embodiment. 
         [0041]    According to another aspect of this disclosure, a contained vortex flow apparatus is disclosed that is electrically connected to a voltage source. The contained vortex apparatus may be a combined muffler and electrical charge device. For example, the contained vortex flow apparatus may electrically charge fluid and gas and particles and ions within the device. The voltage source may produce ions within the housing, may electrically charge particulates within the housing, or may ionize particles suspended within the housing. The voltage source may be connected to the housing and the projection within the housing, or may be connected to the outlet pipe. 
         [0042]    The voltage source may be connected to the housing and the projection within the housing. A needle shaped extension may be provided on an end of the projection that extends toward the outlet pipe. The extension may be electrically charged to generate ions within the housing proximate the extension. With regard to either of the electrically charged embodiments, electrical energy cooperates with the energy conversion and acoustic streaming phenomenon to process the electrically charged particles in the apparatus. 
         [0043]    The above aspects of this disclosure and other aspects will be described in greater detail below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus illustrating dimensions of the apparatus. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic end cross-section view of the contained vortex apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic end cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a contained vortex apparatus that extends inwardly into the housing up to the centerline of the housing. 
           [0047]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a convex partially spherical end. 
           [0048]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that is in the shape of a cone. 
           [0049]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall that has three protruding circumferential frusto-conical ribs with a convex partially spherical end. 
           [0050]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall that has a protruding helical rib with a convex partially spherical end. 
           [0051]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall with a flat end. 
           [0052]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall with a concave partially spherical end. 
           [0053]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall with a concave partially spherical end. 
           [0054]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a projection that has a cylindrical side wall with a pointed end. 
           [0055]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a projection that is a planar wall disposed at an angle offset from a transverse plane; 
           [0056]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a projection that is a conical wall that extends into the housing. 
           [0057]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a projection that is a conical wall that protrudes from the housing. 
           [0058]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a projection that is a partially spherical convex wall that extends into the housing. 
           [0059]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary side cross-section view of an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an end wall supporting a projection that is a partially spherical concave wall that protrudes from the housing. 
           [0060]      FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber outside the live end for tuning the sound emanating from the apparatus. 
           [0061]      FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber on one side of the apparatus for tuning the sound emanating from the apparatus. 
           [0062]      FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external to the housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for receiving particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also includes an inlet in the projection for supplying fluid into the housing. 
           [0063]      FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external to the housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for receiving particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also includes openings in the projection to provide a secondary outlet from the housing and chamber. 
           [0064]      FIG. 20  is a fragmentary perspective view of a set of vanes on an inlet end wall of the contained vortex apparatus of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a chamber that is external to the housing of the vortex apparatus that has openings for receiving particulates and fluid flow from the housing and also includes openings in the projection to provide a secondary outlet from the housing and chamber to provide exhaust gas recirculation. 
           [0066]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21  including the wall defining the openings and the exhaust gas recirculation valve. 
           [0067]      FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic side elevation view of a contained vortex apparatus that has a corrugated side wall. 
           [0068]      FIG. 24  is a fragmentary diagrammatic cross-section view taken along the line  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 25  is an alternative embodiment of a corrugated side wall taken from the same perspective as  FIG. 24 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 26  is another alternative embodiment of a corrugated side wall taken from the same perspective as  FIG. 24 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 27  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that has a side wall with a catalyst coating on an inside side wall of the housing that, as illustrated, includes a reduction coating and an oxidation coating for catalytically converting exhaust emissions. 
           [0072]      FIG. 28  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that has a magnetized protrusion attached to the second end of the housing. 
           [0073]      FIG. 29  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes an ultrasonic energy generating device. 
           [0074]      FIG. 30  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a voltage source attached to the apparatus. 
           [0075]      FIG. 31  is a diagrammatic side cross-section view of a contained vortex apparatus that includes a voltage source and an electrically charged needle attached to the projection of the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0076]    The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to practice the disclosed concepts. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , a vortex flow apparatus  10  is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing  12  having a central axis A, a first end  16  and a second end  18 . The housing  12  defines an inlet opening  20  that opens into the first end  16  of the housing  12  proximate a first end wall  19 . The inlet opening  20  may be defined by a tube that opens into the housing  12 . The inlet opening  20  into the housing  12  may be flush with the side wall of the housing  12  or may extend up to half-way through the housing  12 . An outlet tube  22  defining an outlet opening  24  that extends from inside the housing  12  and through the first end wall  19 . A projection  28  attached to a second end wall  26  of the housing  12  extends into the housing  12 . The outlet tube  22  and projection  28  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis A. The inlet opening  20  has a diameter “d” that ranges from the smallest engine exhaust diameter to the largest engine exhaust diameter. The exhaust diameter and the muffler inlet diameter are based on engine displacement, back pressure for a particular engine, how many exhaust pipes (1 or 2), location of the muffler, and other features of the specific vehicle as well as required engine and acoustic performance. Exhaust piping and muffler inlet diameters are adjusted and tuned to the specific engine application. The spacing between the end of the projection  28  and the outlet tube  22  may be between 0.5 d and 2 d. In one embodiment, the spacing between the projection  28  and the outlet tube is 1.2 d. 
         [0078]    The housing  12  may have a diameter of between 2.5 d and 3.5 d. In one embodiment the housing  12  has a diameter of 3 d. The outlet tube  22  and the projection  28  may have a diameter of between 0.5 d and 1.5 d. In one embodiment, the outlet tube  22  and the projection  28  may have a diameter of “d”. 
         [0079]    The inlet opening  20  may be formed by a tube  30  having a length of at least 3 d extending outwardly from the housing  12 . The outlet tube  22  has a length of at least 1 d extending outwardly from the housing  12 . As previously described, the tube  30  may also extend inside the housing  12  so that it is flush with the housing  12  or up to 1.5 d into the housing  12 . 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , the housing  12  has an inlet opening  20 ′ formed by a tube  30 ′ having a length extending inwardly into the housing  12  up to the centerline (axis A) of the housing  12 . 
         [0081]    The housing  12  may have a length of between 6 d and 12 d. In one embodiment, the housing may have a length of 10.5 d. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , one end of a contained vortex apparatus is illustrated that has a projection  32  that has a frusto-conical sidewall  34  that is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a convex partially spherical end  36 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , one end of a contained vortex apparatus is illustrated that has a conical projection  38  that is in the shape of a cone. 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a ribbed projection  40  that has a cylindrical side wall  42  that has one or more protruding circumferential frusto-conical ribs  44  with a convex partially spherical end  46 . 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a helically ribbed projection  48  that has a cylindrical side wall  50  that has a protruding helical rib  52  with a convex partially spherical end  54 . 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a flat end projection  56  that has a cylindrical side wall  58  with a flat end  60 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a concave ended projection  62  that has a cylindrical side wall  64  with a concave partially spherical end  66 . 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a conical end projection  68  that has a cylindrical side wall  70  with a conical end  72 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a pointed projection  74  that has a cylindrical side wall  76  with a pointed end  78 . 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a angularly oriented end wall  80  supporting a projection  28  that is a planar wall disposed at an angle offset from a transverse plane; 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an inwardly conical end wall  82  supporting a projection  28  that is a conical wall that extends into the housing  12 . 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having an outwardly conical end wall  84  supporting a projection  28  that is a conical wall that protrudes from the housing  12 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a partially spherical end wall  86  supporting a projection  28  that is a partially spherical convex wall that extends into the housing  12 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , an end of a contained vortex apparatus having a partially spherical concave end wall  88  supporting a projection  28  that is a partially spherical concave wall that protrudes from the housing  12 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , a vortex flow apparatus  90  is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing  92  having a first end  96  and a second end  98 . The housing  92  defines an inlet opening  100  that opens into the first end  96  of the housing  92  near a first end wall  102 . An outlet tube  104  defines an outlet opening  106  that extends from inside the housing  92  and into a resonance chamber  108 . Projection  110  extends into the housing  92  and is attached to the second end wall  98 . The outlet tube  104  and projection are aligned with each other and are centered relative to each other. The resonance chamber  108  further comprises an outlet tube  112  that allows the exhaust gases to flow from the resonance chamber  108 . The dimensions of the resonance chamber  108  may be adjusted and tuned to obtain the desired acoustic performance. The location, shape and configuration of the inlet  100  and protrusion  110  are adjusted to tune the muffler to obtain the desired acoustic output. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , another alternative embodiment of a muffler including a resonance chamber is generally indicated by reference numeral  113 . Exhaust gases are received from an internal or external combustion engine through the inlet  100 . The gases flow in a circular vortex around the housing initially between the housing and the outlet tube  104  from the first end  96  toward the second end  98 . The vortex flow is interrupted in the area between the projection  110  and the outlet tube  104 . The gases then flow through the opening  106  in the outlet tube  104  and into a chamber  115 . The chamber  115  is provided on a first end  96  and receives the exhaust gases from the outlet opening  106 . Exhaust gases flow from the chamber  115  and into a second resonance chamber  117  that is arranged parallel to the cylindrical housing  92 . A port  116  is provided between the chamber  115  and the reversing chamber  117 . The volume and shape of the chamber  115  is adjustable to facilitate connection of the vortex flow apparatus  113  to the chamber  115 . Chamber  117  includes an outlet  118  that is on the opposite end of the vortex flow apparatus  113  from the inlet  100 . 
         [0097]    The dimensions of the chamber  117  are adjustable to allow for acoustic tuning of the muffler to provide the desired acoustic output. The inlet  100  receives exhaust gases and is on the first end  96  of the housing  92  while the outlet  118  is advantageously located adjacent to the second end  98  of the chamber  92 . In this embodiment, the location of the inlet  100  and outlet  118  are analogous to conventional muffler designs in which the exhaust gases flow from the front end of the conventional muffler to the back end of the muffler that is arranged in a horizontal front to rear flow orientation. 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIGS. 18-22 , a vortex flow apparatus  120  is illustrated that comprises a cylindrical housing  122  having a central axis A, a first end  124  and a second end  126 , wherein the housing  122  defines an inlet opening  128 , that opens into the first end  124  of the housing  122  through a first end wall  130 . Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the inlet opening  128  may be provided with a plurality of vanes  131  that direct the flow of gases in a circular vortex around the inside of the housing  122 . An outlet tube  132  defines an outlet opening  134  that extends from inside the housing  122  and through the first end wall  130 . A projection  136  is attached to a second end wall  138  of the housing  122  and extends into the housing  122 , wherein the outlet tube  132  and projection  136  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. A secondary housing  140  defines a chamber on the housing  122  at the second end  126 . The second end wall  138  defines openings  142  that provide fluid flow from inside the housing  122  to the secondary chamber  140 . The projection  136  defines openings  144  that provide fluid flow from the secondary chamber  140  into the projection  136 . An area of low pressure or reversing vortex flow is indicated by the circular arrow  145  between the projection  136  and the outlet tube  132 . 
         [0099]    According to other aspects of this disclosure relating to the embodiment described in the preceding paragraph, the projection  136  may define a second plurality of openings  146  in the inside end  147  of the projection  136  and inside the housing  122  that provide fluid flow from inside the projection  136  to the inside of the housing  122 . The projection  136  may define a secondary outlet  148  that provides fluid flow to an outer end  150  of the projection. The projection  136  may define a port  152  that extends from outside the secondary chamber  140  through the secondary chamber  140  and into the inside of the housing  122  through the inside end  147  of the projection  136 . The port  152  may function as an inlet or an outlet. The inlet opening  128  to the housing  122  may receive exhaust gases from a combustion engine (not shown) and the port  152  may direct exhaust gases from inside the housing  122  to the combustion engine for exhaust gas recirculation. The apparatus may further comprise a valve  154  that is in fluid flow communication with the port  152  that controls the flow of exhaust gases to the combustion engine. 
         [0100]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , a vortex flow apparatus is disclosed that comprises a cylindrical housing  156  having a central axis A, a first end  158  and a second end  160 . The housing  156  defines an inlet opening  162 . The inlet opening  162  opens into the first end  158  of the housing  156  proximate a first end wall  164 . A side wall  166  is provided that has a plurality of ribs  168  that extend helically around the housing  156 . An outlet tube  170  defines an outlet opening  172  that extends from inside the housing  156  and through the first end wall  164 . Referring to  FIG. 24 , the ribs  168  in the sidewall are shown in cross-section. 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , an alternative embodiment of the side wall  166  is shown to further comprise an inner wall  174  having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside surface of the side wall  166  that is formed with the ribs  168 . 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 26 , another embodiment is shown further comprises an inner wall  174  having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the inside of the side wall  166 , and an outer wall  176  having a smooth cylindrical surface attached to the outside surface of the side wall  166 . 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 27 , a catalytic converter embodiment of a contained vortex apparatus  200  is disclosed that includes a cylindrical housing  202  having a central axis, a first end  204  and a second end  206 , wherein the housing  200  defines an inlet opening  207 , and wherein the inlet opening  207  opens into the first end  204  of the housing  202  proximate a first end wall  208 , and wherein the housing  202  has a side wall  210  that includes a reduction phase coating  212  applied to an inner surface  214  of the side wall  210  of the housing  202  and an oxidation phase coating  216  applied to the inner surface  214  of the side wall  210  spaced from the reduction phase  212  coating. An outlet tube  218  defining an outlet opening  220  that extends from inside the housing  202  and through the first end wall  208 . A projection  222  is attached to a second end wall  224  of the housing  202  and extends into the housing  202 , wherein the outlet tube  218  and projection  222  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. 
         [0104]    A second reduction phase coating  226  may be applied to an outer surface  228  of the outlet tube  218  and a second oxidation phase coating  230  may be applied to the outer surface  228  of the outlet tube  218 . The reduction phase coating  212  and the second reduction phase coating  226  may be applied adjacent to the inlet opening  206  and upstream relative to the oxidation phase coating  216  and the second oxidation phase coating  230 . The oxidation phase coating  216  may be applied to the inner surface  214  outboard of the outlet tube  218 . 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIG. 28 , a contained vortex apparatus  232  is disclosed that includes magnetized projection  234  attached to one end wall  236 . The apparatus  232  comprises a cylindrical housing  238  having a central axis, a first end  240  and a second end  242 . The housing  238  defines an inlet opening  244  that opens into the first end  240  of the housing  238  proximate a first end wall  246 . An outlet tube  248  defines an outlet opening  250  that extends from inside the housing  238  and through the first end wall  246 . A projection  234  is attached to a second end wall  236  of the housing  238  and extends into the housing  238 , wherein the outlet tube  248  and projection  234  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. The projection  234  is formed at least partially of a magnetic material to produce a magnetic field that functions to apply a magnetic charge to particles within the housing  238 . An insulator  254  may be disposed between the projection  234  and the second end wall  236 . The magnetic material may be a permanent magnet  256  inserted inside the projection  234 . 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , a vortex flow apparatus with an ultrasonic generator  260  is illustrated that comprises a cylindrical housing  262  having a central axis, a first end  264  and a second end  266 . The housing  262  defines an inlet opening  268  that opens into the first end  264  of the housing  262  proximate a first end wall  269 . An outlet tube  270  defines an outlet opening  272  that extends from inside the housing  262  and through the first end wall  269 . A projection  274  is attached to a second end wall  266  of the housing  262  and extends into the housing. The outlet tube  270  and projection  274  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. An ultrasonic energy generator  276  is disposed to generate ultrasonic energy within the cylindrical housing  262 . 
         [0107]    According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates to the ultrasonic generator embodiment  260 , the ultrasonic energy generator  276  may be disposed within the projection  274 . Alternatively, an ultrasonic generator  276 ′ may be disposed on the end wall  266  or an ultrasonic generator  276 ″ may be disposed on the housing  262 . Other potential locations that may be provided with an ultrasonic generator that are not illustrated include locations proximate the inlet opening  268  or proximate the other one of the end  264  of the housing  262 . The ultrasonic energy generator  276  may be of the type that may be referred to as an ultrasonic whistle generator. 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 30 , a contained vortex flow apparatus  280  is disclosed that is electrically connected to a voltage source  282 . The electrically charged vortex flow apparatus  280  comprises a cylindrical housing  284  having a central axis, a first end  286  and a second end  288 . The housing  284  defines an inlet opening  290  that opens into the first end  286  of the housing  284  proximate a first end wall  292 . An outlet tube  294  defines an outlet opening  296  that extends from inside the housing  284  and through the first end wall  292 . A projection  298  is attached to a second end wall  300  of the housing  284  and extends into the housing  284 . The outlet tube  294  and projection  298  are aligned with and centered relative to the central axis. The voltage source  282  is electrically connected to the apparatus  280 . 
         [0109]    According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates to the electrically charged apparatus  280 , the voltage source  282  may produce ions within the housing  284 , may electrically charge particulates within the housing  284 , or may ionize particles suspended within the housing  284 . The voltage source  282  is connected to the housing  284  and the projection  298  within the housing  284 , or may be connected to the outlet tube  294 . 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIG. 31 , the voltage source  282  may be connected to the housing  284  and the projection  298  within the housing  284 , and further may comprise a needle shaped extension  302  provided on an end  304  of the projection  298  that extends toward the outlet tube  294 . The extension  302  may be electrically charged to produce electrical ions within the housing  284  proximate the extension  302 . 
         [0111]    The embodiments described above are specific examples that do not describe all possible forms of the disclosure. The features of the illustrated embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation. The scope of the following claims is broader than the specifically disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the illustrated embodiments.