Abstract:
A venturi apparatus comprises: a liquid-receiving section configured to be open to the atmosphere and to receive liquid through an opening at a first end, and having a second end through which the liquid can exit, the second end having a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than a first cross-sectional area of the first end; and a mixing section defining: an intermediate passageway configured to receive the liquid exiting from the liquid-receiving section, the intermediate passageway having a third cross-sectional area that is greater than the second cross-sectional area; and at least one side passageway extending from the intermediate passageway to a perimeter of the venturi apparatus to fluidly connect the intermediate passageway to the atmosphere to allow atmospheric gases to be drawn into the intermediate passageway to mix with the liquid when the liquid flows through the intermediate passageway.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 12/939,952, filed on Nov. 4, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,883,which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 12/571,087, filed on Sep. 30, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,584, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 11/354,490, filed Feb. 15, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,614, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention is directed to an improved venturi device, and more particularly, an improved venturi device that is operative to facilitate the mixture of two or more fluids. 
     Venturi-type devices are well-known in the art. Generally, such devices comprise fittings or tubular structures, and in particular pipe structures, that are constricted in the middle and flared on both ends. When a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, is passed through the venturi, the fluid&#39;s velocity of flow is caused to increase whereas the fluid&#39;s pressure is correspondingly caused to decrease. Such devices are used in a variety of applications, and especially in measuring fluid flow or for creating suction as for driving aircraft instruments or drawing fuel into the flow stream of a carburetor. 
     Along these lines, venturi devices are frequently utilized to mix or combine a second fluid (i.e., a liquid or gas) with a fluid passing through the venturi. In this regard, it is well-known that the constriction point of the venturi creates a vacuum that is operative to draw in a liquid or gas. Exemplary of such devices that rely on this principle include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,509,349 to Anderson, et al., and 6,568,660 to Flanbaum, the teachings of each of which are incorporated by reference. 
     Despite the well-known principals behind venturi devices, as well as the ability of the same to effectively and selectively facilitate the mixture of two or more fluids, drawbacks currently exist in relation to the inability of such devices to introduce (i.e., draw in) a second fluid to a first fluid passing through the venturi device. In this regard, the velocity of the first or primary fluid passing through the venturi is maximized at the point of tapering, which gives rise to the vacuum enabling the second fluid to be drawn into the fluid flow. However, the venturi&#39;s tapered portion, because of its limited size, is operative to reduce the area into which a second fluid can be drawn into the fluid flow. The combined increased speed of the fluid and reduced area can thus preclude the ability of the venturi to draw in a second fluid. 
     While attempts in the art have been made to facilitate the interaction or mixing between two fluids mixed with one another using a vertical flow effect, such as the fluid mixtures disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,856 to Srinath, incorporated herein by reference, these attempts have failed insofar as those types of devices are designed to introduce a second fluid into a first stream of fluid emitted under pressure at high velocity. By virtue of the effects of high pressure and velocity, the ability to interject a second fluid becomes substantially more difficult and often requires that the second fluid itself be forcibly introduced under pressure. 
     Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for an improved venturi apparatus that modifies the desired flow dynamics of the venturi apparatus to consequently improve the ability of a first fluid passing through the venturi to draw in one or more second fluids such that a resultant mixture is produced having substantially greater homogeneity than conventional venturi devices. There is likewise a need in the art for such a venturi apparatus that is of simple construction, low cost to design and capable of being readily deployed in a wide-variety of applications. There is yet further need for such a device that can be readily utilized with a low or high pressurized fluid flow, as well as for facilitating the mixture of any combination of fluid materials, whether liquid with liquid, gas with liquid or gas with gas combinations. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an improved venturi apparatus that is operative to facilitate the assimilation and mixture of two or more fluids in a manner vastly superior to prior art venturi apparatuses. According to a preferred embodiment, the improved venturi apparatus comprises a plurality of sections defining a fluid passageway. The first section comprises a generally funnel-type, frusto-conical void for receiving a first fluid. Per conventional venturi design, the first funnel section possesses a tapered configuration operative to define a progressively narrowing passageway to thus accelerate fluid velocity. The first section channels the fluid to a first cylindrical section, the latter defining a generally straight, cylindrical passageway. Such section is operative to normalize the flow of the first fluid and thus reduce fluid turbulence. Fluidly connected to the first cylindrical section is an expanded intermediate cylindrical passageway that is configured and dimensioned to be larger in diameter than the first cylindrical section. In this regard, the intermediate passageway is operative to cause the fluid received from the first cylindrical section to experience a slight decrease in pressure, contrary to conventional venturi design. 
     At least one sidearm passageway is fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway through which at least one second fluid may be introduced. The improved venturi apparatus may include two diametrically opposed sidearm passageways fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway to thus enable a second fluid to be drawn into and introduced with the first fluid or, alternatively, enable a third fluid to be drawn into and introduced with the first and second fluids. Preferably, such sidearm passageways will be operative to fluidly interconnect with the intermediate passageway at approximately the medial portion of the intermediate passageway. Along these lines, to facilitate optimal flow dynamics requires that the sidearm passageways introducing one or more additional fluids will interconnect with the intermediate passageway at a point where the first fluid experiences a slight reduction in pressure. 
     Extending downwardly from the intermediate passageway is a second cylindrical section that is smaller in diameter relative to the intermediate passageway and operative to receive the first and second fluids and normalize the flow of the same. Descending from the second cylindrical section is a second funnel-type, frusto-conical void defining an exit pathway that enables the fluids to further mix and exit. 
     The aforementioned sections may be integrated in vertical, horizontal, or angled configurations. 
     In further refinements of the present invention, the improved venturi apparatus may be incorporated as part of a housing or otherwise formed of a segment of pipe, tubing and/or fitting to thus enable the same to be integrated for a specific application. The improved venturi apparatus of the present invention may further be utilized to facilitate and enhance mixing between all types of fluids, whether the same comprise either gasses, liquids or combinations thereof. By way of example, it is believed that the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention is efficient and effective to facilitate the aeration of wine, especially red wine. A substantial number of other applications will further be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of a housing incorporating the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view showing a chamfer-type transition between adjoining sections of the improved venturi apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the intermediate passageway and passageways fluidly coupled therewith of the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention for facilitating the mixture between a first fluid and a second fluid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to the figures, and initially to  FIG. 1 , there is perspectively illustrated an improved venturi apparatus  10  that is operative to facilitate the assimilation and mixture of two or more fluids in a manner that is exceptionally more effective and efficient than prior art methods. At the outset, it should be understood that the term “fluid” as used herein can comprise any fluid-type substance and should be deemed to expressly encompass any type of liquid or gas, as well as materials caused to assume either a liquid or gaseous state as may be caused by the application of either heat and/or pressure, and thus may encompass condensates and vaporized or melted materials. Accordingly, fluids as used herein should be construed as broadly as possible. 
     The improved venturi apparatus  10  preferably comprises a plurality of sections, namely, a first funnel section  14 , first cylindrical section  16 , intermediate passageway  18 , at least one and preferably two sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , second cylindrical section  28  and second funnel section  30 , all of which are discussed more fully below, that collectively define a sequential path or passageway through which at lease one first fluid is caused to flow through and by which at least one second fluid, via its introduction through passageways  24 ,  26 , is drawn into intermediate passageway  18  and thereafter combine and exit the apparatus via second cylindrical section  28  and second funnel section  30 , the latter being operative to facilitate mixing and attaining the desired homogeneity. 
     To achieve the desired effects herein described, there is shown in  FIG. 2  the arrangement of the various sections of the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention. As illustrated, first funnel section  14  defines an opening for receiving a first fluid. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first fluid may comprise either a single fluid or a mixture of fluids. In any event, the fluid introduced into first section  14 , per conventional venturi design, creates a narrowing of the fluid flow path, thus creating an increase in the first fluid&#39;s velocity and decrease of the first fluid&#39;s pressure. 
     The first fluid then passes from the first section  14  to a first straight, cylindrical or tubular section  16  as shown. Such first cylindrical section  16  is operative to normalize the flow of the first fluid passing from the first funnel section  14  and consequently reduces fluid turbulence. In order to attain optimal functioning of the improved venturi of the present invention, a chamfer or bevel should be provided at the point interconnecting adjacent sections,  14  and  16  of the improved venturi  10 , shown as  32  in  FIG. 2A . In this regard, it is believed that this smooth rounded transitional surface is operative to facilitate fluid flow and minimize turbulence and disruptions. To fabricate such contoured surfaces will be easily understood by those skilled in the art and that any type of material, whether it be glass, plastic and/or metal can be readily utilized to fabricate the improved venturi devices disclosed herein. 
     The first fluid is then sequentially introduced from first cylindrical section  16  to intermediate passageway  18 . As illustrated, intermediate passageway  18  defines a chamber having a diameter greater than that of the first cylindrical section  16 , and is provided with a floor and ceiling as well as a mid section having a diameter substantially greater than the first cylindrical section  16  and second cylindrical section  28 . As a consequence of having a greater diameter, the first fluid passing from the first cylindrical section  16  to the intermediate passageway  18  experiences a slight decrease in pressure, unlike conventional venturi devices. By virtue of the fluid flow into the intermediate passageway  18 , a vacuum force is created that causes a second fluid to be drawn into the intermediate passageway  18  via one or both sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , as shown. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the improved venturi apparatus  10  of the present invention need only be provided with one sidearm passageway to allow for the introduction of a second fluid or, alternatively, may be provided with three or more channels to enable either a greater volume of a second fluid to be drawn into the intermediate passageway  18  or, alternatively, can serve as inlets to enable a third, fourth, fifth or more fluids to be selectively introduced into the intermediate passageway  18 . Accordingly, although depicted in  FIG. 2  as having two diametrically opposed sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , and dedicated openings  20 ,  22 , through which at least one second fluid may be introduced, various design changes and modifications of the passageway design will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, at least one or all of the sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , will be configured such that the same are fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway  18  at generally the median or mid section thereof. Along these lines, and as more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 3 , sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , interconnect with intermediate passageway  18  at a point below the ceiling of the intermediate passageway  18 , represented by “A” and a distance above the floor of the intermediate passageway  18  represented in  FIG. 2  by “B”. In a most highly preferred embodiment, distances “A” and “B” will be equal. Currently, however, it is known that some distance must exist between the ceiling of the intermediate passageway  18  and the sidearm passageway or passageways  24 ,  26 , utilized to introduce the second fluid in order to achieve optimum intermixing of fluids as discussed more fully herein. To the extent the passageways  24 ,  26 , are aligned with the ceiling of the intermediate passageway  18  (i.e., the distance represented by “A” is 0), it is believed that the ability to optimally draw in a secondary fluid will be suboptimal and hence the ability to attain superior mixing by the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention will be suboptimal. 
     By so arranging the interconnection between sidearm passageways  24 ,  26 , and intermediate passageway  18 , the second fluid is thus drawn into and allowed to mix with the first fluid passing into the intermediate passageway  18  in a manner substantially superior to that of prior art devices. Quite unexpectedly, it is believed that by configuring the intermediate passageway  18  to have a greater diameter relative to both first and second cylindrical sections  16 ,  28  coupled with the introduction of at least one second fluid at substantially the mid portion of the intermediate passageway  18 , a substantially greater volume of at least one second fluid is drawn in to the fluid flow that, as a consequence, produces a substantially more thorough interaction between the fluids to thus create a resultant mixture having a higher degree of homogeneity when the combined fluids pass through the improved venturi relative the mixing of fluids via conventional venturi devices. 
     Following the commingling of the first and second fluids in intermediate passageway  18 , the resultant combination is then caused to pass downwardly via second cylindrical section  28  that, similar to first cylindrical section  16 , is operative to normalize fluid flow. Thereafter, the combination of fluids is caused to thoroughly intermix and exit via second funnel section  30  per conventional venturi devices. Along these lines, such second funnel section  30  facilitates the mixture between the fluids as the same undergo a decrease in velocity and an increase in pressure. 
     As will further be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of dimensions can be utilized in each of the various sections of the improved venturi apparatus of the present invention for use in a given application. In one specific embodiment exceptionally effective in facilitating the aeration of wine, especially red wine, it is believed that the following dimensions are ideal: the first cylindrical section  14  will have a conical shape of any length tapering to 4.9 mm with a sharp reduction in 1.8 mm height to 4.7 mm, known as a chamfer or bevel, shown as  32  in  FIG. 2A ; first cylindrical section  16  will have a constant diameter of 4.7 mm and a height of at least 3.6 mm; intermediate passageway  18  will have a diameter of 6.3 mm and a height of approximately 5 mm; two symmetrical, diametrically opposed sidearm passageways,  24 ,  26  will have lengths of approximately 8.3 mm and diameters of approximately 3.2 mm and fluidly interconnecting with the intermediate passageway  18  at approximately the mid portion thereof; a second cylindrical section  28  will have a constant diameter of 4.7 mm and a height of 6.8 mm; and second exit funnel section  30  will have a height of approximately 64 mm tapering to an exit diameter of approximately 10.5 mm. When so constructed, the improved venturi apparatus is operative to substantially aerate wine, especially red wine, when a flow of liquid wine is merely passed through the venturi apparatus at atmospheric pressure and the consumer need only pour the wine from the bottle through a vertically oriented venturi apparatus and into a wine glass or other receptacle, such as a decanter. Such dimensions, however, are merely one example of how to construct the improved venturi apparatus invention for a specific application and by no means should be construed as any limitation thereof 
     Moreover, the improved venturi apparatus  10 , as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, may be formed as part of a housing  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , or may otherwise be incorporated as part of a fitting or incorporated as part of a tubular pipe structure. The improved venturi apparatus  10  is further preferably configured to assume a vertical orientation, to thus enable gravitational force to cause fluid to flow sequentially through the sections  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  28  and  30 , as shown. As will be readily understood, however, the improved venturi apparatus  10  may be configured to assume horizontal and angled configurations and further, may be operative to receive fluids that are pressurized. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. As should again be reemphasized, the improved venturi apparatus may be operative to be utilized as a stand alone device or otherwise incorporated as part of an integrated process and capable of widespread utilization as would be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill.