Patent Publication Number: US-2006001260-A1

Title: Fluid vortex manifold

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      Not Applicable  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
      Not Applicable  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to the field of fluid manifolds, and more particularly to a vortex-inducing drain manifold for collecting and draining fluid from several sources simultaneously.  
      In plumbing installations aboard boats, drained fluid material must eventually be directed to a receptacle, such as a through-hull fitting for discharge, or a holding tank. Fluid material is defined hereby to include mostly liquids, but can include some gases and solid particles in any combination. Many different appliances are found on a large boat, such as a bait tank, a sink and icebox drain in the galley (kitchen), and a sink and shower in each head (bathroom). Appliances located at different parts of the boat must either be connected together, or be connected to several through-hull fittings. Multiple through-hull fittings pose a problem in potential leakage that at best is annoying, and at worst can sink the vessel. Connecting the appliances together is often the best solution. This poses a problem with multiple plumbing connections, tees, cross fittings, nipples, etc., in a limited and enclosed space. One solution is to fabricate a plumbing fitting having multiple inlets to a hollow shell, which connects to the through-hull fitting. This solves the limited space problem. However, when several appliances are in use simultaneously, fluid material enters the hollow shell from multiple inlets at one point and at one time. This can result in fluid material backing up one or more of the drains, or draining slowly from each one. This problem is solved by the present invention by attaching the inlets tangentially to the shell. Fluid material entering the shell is directed to circulate around the inner periphery of the shell, producing a vortex. The vortex causes suction that induces fluid material to drain from the several appliances, and prevents the fluid material from backing up. Vortex and cyclone chambers are known, and have taken a variety of configurations in the past. Some vortex chambers are seen in the following prior art patents:  
      Hyde, U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,018, and Hartmann, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,969, each show a circular cylindrical vortex chamber with one tangential inlet, and axial outlets on the top and the bottom. Water enters the inlet, creating a vortex. Solid particles exit the bottom, and water exits the top.  
      Jensen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,110, depicts a circular cylindrical vortex chamber with multiple tangential inlets and one axial overflow outlet on the bottom. One gas vent is located transversely near the top. One liquid outlet and one drain are disposed transversely near the bottom.  
      Kistner, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,962, discloses a circular cylindrical vortex chamber with one tangential inlet and one axial outlet that turns and exits transversely. Solids collect on the chamber bottom, and liquid exits the chamber.  
      Armacost, U.S. Pat. No. 1,975,494, shows a circular cylindrical header with a plurality of inlet pipes that enter the header off center, but not tangentially. As a steam superheater, the Armacost device does not, and must not create a vortex.  
      Hyde, Hartmann, and Kistler are intended to separate suspended solids from a liquid. Jensen separates gasses from a liquid. Armacost is a mechanical expedient to clamp a tube removably to a header. None of the prior-art devices disclose several sources of a fluid material entering a cylindrical body tangentially to create a vortex, and exiting the body downward by gravity flow through a single outlet. None of the prior-art devices are adapted to preclude backflow of fluid material through the inlets. None of the above devices are easily connected to the fluid material sources with standard fittings.  
      Accordingly, there is a need to provide a fluid vortex manifold that will collect fluid material at one point from a plurality of sources.  
      There is a further need to provide a fluid vortex manifold of the type described and that will create a vortex so as not to allow fluid material to flow back up one of the sources.  
      There is a yet further need to provide a fluid vortex manifold of the type described and that will fit in a confined space.  
      There is a still further need to provide a fluid vortex manifold of the type described and that will be easily installed with hand tools.  
      There is another need to provide a fluid vortex manifold of the type described and which is easily connected to the fluid sources with standard fittings.  
      There is yet another need to provide a fluid vortex manifold of the type described and that can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities of high quality.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fluid vortex manifold for use in connection with a fluid material drain plumbing system. The drain system has a plurality of fluid sources supplying fluid material including liquids, gases, and solid particles. The fluid vortex manifold comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell extending between top and bottom ends. The shell has a predetermined diameter, a periphery, a shell central axis, a chamber adapted to receive the fluid material, and a single outlet at the bottom end. The outlet is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber.  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets is disposed around the shell periphery. The peripheral inlets have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets are generally tangential to the shell. The peripheral inlets each have an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis. The peripheral inlets communicate with the shell chamber. The peripheral inlets are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber, forming a vortex and suction. This is to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets. The fluid vortex manifold is preferably molded in one piece from a polymeric thermoplastic or thermoset resin. Alternative materials include iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, monel, aluminum and concrete.  
      Inlet connecting means is provided for connecting the peripheral inlets to the fluid sources. Similarly, outlet connecting means is provided for connecting the shell outlet to the fluid receptacle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
      A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a top cross-sectional view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 7 , taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 11  is perspective view of a third embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 ;  
       FIG. 15  is perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 16  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 18  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 15 , taken along lines  18 - 18  of  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 19  is perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 20  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 19 ;  
       FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 19 ;  
       FIG. 22  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 19 , taken along lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 23  is perspective view of the first and fifth embodiments of the fluid vortex manifold, assembled together;  
       FIG. 24  is perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention;  
       FIG. 25  is a top view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 24 ;  
       FIG. 26  is a front elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 24 ; and  
       FIG. 27  is a front cross-sectional elevational view of the fluid vortex manifold of  FIG. 24 , taken along lines  27 - 27  of  FIG. 25 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Referring now to the drawing, and especially to  FIGS. 1 through 6  thereof, a first embodiment of a fluid vortex manifold constructed in accordance with the invention is shown at  20 , and is for use in connection with a fluid drain plumbing system (not shown). In particular, the vortex manifold  20  is intended for use on a boat, wherein the available space for plumbing fittings is, at best, limited. The drain system has a plurality of fluid sources (not shown) such as sinks and showers, supplying fluid material including liquids, gases, and solid particles. The drain system has at least one receptacle (not shown) such as a through-hull fitting, or a holding tank, for receiving the fluid material from the fluid sources. The fluid vortex manifold  20  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  22  extending between top  24  and bottom  26  ends. The shell  22  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  28 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  30  adapted to receive the fluid material. The shell  22  has a top inlet  42  at the top end  24 , and a single outlet  32  at the bottom end  26 . The outlet  32  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber  30 . The prior-art inventions, by contrast, employ multiple outlets adapted to discharge different materials separated from one another.  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  34  is disposed around the shell periphery  28 . The peripheral inlets  34  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  34  are generally tangential to the shell  22 , and communicate with the shell chamber  30 . The peripheral inlets  34  are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber  30 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets  34 . Each peripheral inlet  34  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines, meaning they are not parallel, do not intersect, and do not lie in the same plane. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  34  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis. This means that in the top view,  FIG. 2 , all of the peripheral inlets  34  enter the shell  22  in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, fluid material from each peripheral inlet  34  rotates in the same direction to create the vortex. It is to be understood that the peripheral inlets  34  can enter the shell  22  in a clockwise direction.  
      In the preferred embodiment, the fluid vortex manifold  20  is molded in one piece from a polymeric thermoplastic or thermoset resin. It is to be understood that other materials would also be appropriate, such as iron, carbon steel, copper, and brass. For marine use, stainless steel, bronze, and monel are preferred, along with the resins. For municipal systems, aluminum and concrete are appropriate.  
      Inlet connecting means are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  34  to the fluid sources. Typically, the inlet connecting means are female pipe threads  36  at the peripheral inlets for attaching threaded plumbing fittings (not shown) to the peripheral inlets  34 . Similarly, outlet connecting means are provided for connecting the shell outlet  32  to the fluid receptacle. Preferably, the outlet connecting means are female pipe threads  37  at the shell outlet  32  for attaching threaded plumbing fittings (not shown) to the shell outlet  32 . In operation, fluid material, shown by arrows  38 , will flow from the fluid sources through the peripheral inlets  34  and enter the shell chamber  30  tangentially. Fluid material  38  entering the shell chamber  30  is directed to circulate around the inner periphery  28  of the shell chamber  30 , producing a vortex about the central axis, shown by arrows  40 . The vortex  40  causes suction that induces the fluid material  38  to drain from the several appliances, and prevents the fluid material  38  from flowing backward up to the sources. Fluid material  38  will then flow out of the shell chamber  30  through the outlet  32  into the fluid receptacle.  
      The shell  22  further comprises a top inlet  42  at the top end  24 . Female pipe threads  44  are provided at the top inlet  42  for attaching a threaded plumbing fitting (not shown) to the top inlet  42  so as to connect the top inlet  42  to one of the fluid sources.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  9 , and  10 , a second embodiment of the fluid vortex manifold is shown at  120 , and is similar to the fluid vortex manifold  20  described above in that fluid vortex manifold  120  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  122  extending between top  124  and bottom  126  ends. The shell  122  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  128 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  130  adapted to receive the fluid material. The shell  122  has a single outlet  132  at the bottom end  126 . The outlet  132  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber  130 .  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  134  is disposed around the shell periphery  128 . The peripheral inlets  134  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  134  are generally tangential to the shell  122 , and communicate with the shell chamber  130 . The peripheral inlets  134  are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber  130 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets  134 . Each peripheral inlet  134  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  134  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis.  
      Female pipe threads  136  are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  134  to the fluid sources. Similarly, female pipe threads  137  are provided for connecting the shell outlet  132  to the fluid receptacle. In use, fluid material, shown by arrows  138 , will flow from the fluid sources through the peripheral inlets  134  and enter the shell chamber  130  tangentially, forming a vortex, shown by arrows  140 . The vortex  140  creates suction, thereby precluding a backflow of fluid material  138  through the peripheral inlets. Fluid material  138  will then flow out of the shell chamber  130  into the fluid receptacle.  
      Fluid vortex manifold  120  differs from fluid vortex manifold  20  in that a hollow circular cylindrical nozzle  142  extends between a proximal end  144  adjacent the shell top end  124  and a distal end  146 . The nozzle  142  has a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The nozzle  142  communicates with the shell chamber  130 . An annular shoulder  148  extends between the shell top end  124  and the nozzle proximal end  144 . The nozzle  142  has a nozzle inlet  150  at the distal end  146 . Female threads  152  extend from the nozzle distal end  146  toward the nozzle proximal end  144 , for attaching a threaded plumbing fitting (not shown) to the nozzle inlet  150  so as to connect the nozzle inlet  150  to one of the fluid sources.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 11, 12 ,  13 , and  14 , a third embodiment of the fluid vortex manifold is shown at  220 , and is similar to the fluid vortex manifold  20  described above in that fluid vortex manifold  220  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  222  extending between top  224  and bottom  226  ends. The shell  222  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  228 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  230  adapted to receive the fluid material. The shell  222  has a single outlet  232  at the bottom end  226 . The outlet  232  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber  230 .  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  234  is disposed around the shell periphery  228 . The peripheral inlets  234  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  234  are generally tangential to the shell  222 , and communicate with the shell chamber  230 . The peripheral inlets  234  are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber  230 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets  234 . Each peripheral inlet  234  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  234  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis.  
      Female pipe threads  236  are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  234  to the fluid sources. Similarly, female pipe threads  237  are provided for connecting the shell outlet  232  to the fluid receptacle. In use, fluid material, shown by arrows  238 , will flow from the fluid sources through the peripheral inlets  234  and enter the shell chamber  230  tangentially, forming a vortex, shown by arrows  240 . The vortex  240  creates suction, thereby precluding a backflow of fluid material  238  through the peripheral inlets. Fluid material  238  will then flow out of the shell chamber  230  into the fluid receptacle.  
      Fluid vortex manifold  220  differs from fluid vortex manifold  20  in that a hollow circular cylindrical hose barb  242  extends between a proximal end  244  adjacent the shell top end  224  and a distal end  246 . The hose barb  242  has a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The hose barb  242  communicates with the shell chamber  230 . An annular shoulder  248  extends between the shell top end  224  and the hose barb proximal end  244 . The hose barb  242  has a hose barb inlet  250  at the hose barb distal end  246 . At least one annular ridge  252  is provided on the hose barb  242  at the distal end  246 . Typically, a second annular ridge  252  is disposed intermediate the proximal  244  and distal  246  ends. The ridges  252  are for attaching a hose (not shown) to the hose barb inlet  250  so as to connect the hose barb inlet  250  to one of the fluid sources.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 15, 16 ,  17 , and  18 , a fourth embodiment of the fluid vortex manifold is shown at  320 , and is similar to the fluid vortex manifold  20  described above in that fluid vortex manifold  320  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  322  extending between top  324  and bottom  326  ends. The shell  322  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  328 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  330  adapted to receive the fluid material. The shell  322  has a single outlet  332  at the bottom end  326 . The outlet  332  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber  330 .  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  334  is disposed around the shell periphery  328 . The peripheral inlets  334  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  334  are generally tangential to the shell  322 , and communicate with the shell chamber  330 . The peripheral inlets  334  are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber  330 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets  334 . Each peripheral inlet  334  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  334  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis.  
      Female pipe threads  336  are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  334  to the fluid sources. Similarly, female pipe threads  337  are provided for connecting the shell outlet  332  to the fluid receptacle. In use, fluid material, shown by arrows  338 , will flow from the fluid sources through the peripheral inlets  334  and enter the shell chamber  330  tangentially, forming a vortex, shown by arrows  340 . The vortex  340  creates suction, thereby precluding a backflow of fluid material  338  through the peripheral inlets. Fluid material  338  will then flow out of the shell chamber  330  into the fluid receptacle.  
      Fluid vortex manifold  320  differs from fluid vortex manifold  20  in that a plate  342  is sealingly attached to the shell periphery  328  at the top end  324 , so as to close the chamber  330  at the top end  324 .  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 19, 20 ,  21 , and  22 , a fifth embodiment of the fluid vortex manifold is shown at  420 , and is similar to the fluid vortex manifold  20  described above in that fluid vortex manifold  420  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  422  extending between top  424  and bottom  426  ends. The shell  422  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  428 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  430  adapted to receive the fluid material. The shell  422  has a single outlet  432  at the bottom end  426 . The outlet  432  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material from the chamber  430 .  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  434  is disposed around the shell periphery  428 . The peripheral inlets  434  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  434  are generally tangential to the shell  422 , and communicate with the shell chamber  430 . The peripheral inlets  434  are adapted to receive fluid material from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material tangentially into the shell chamber  430 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material through the peripheral inlets  434 . Each peripheral inlet  434  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  434  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis.  
      Female pipe threads  436  are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  434  to the fluid sources. Similarly, female pipe threads  437  are provided for connecting the shell outlet  432  to the fluid receptacle. In use, fluid material, shown by arrows  438 , will flow from the fluid sources through the peripheral inlets  434  and enter the shell chamber  430  tangentially, forming a vortex, shown by arrows  440 . The vortex  440  creates suction, thereby precluding a backflow of fluid material  438  through the peripheral inlets. Fluid material  438  will then flow out of the shell chamber  430  into the fluid receptacle.  
      Fluid vortex manifold  420  differs from fluid vortex manifold  20  in that a hollow circular cylindrical nozzle  442  extends between a proximal end  444  adjacent the shell top end  424  and a distal end  446 . The nozzle  442  has a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The nozzle  442  communicates with the shell chamber  430 . An annular shoulder  448  extends between the shell top end  424  and the nozzle proximal end  444 . The nozzle  442  has a nozzle inlet  450  at the distal end  446 . Male threads  452  extend from the nozzle distal end  446  toward the nozzle proximal end  444 , for attaching a threaded plumbing fitting (not shown) to the nozzle inlet  450  so as to connect the nozzle inlet  450  to one of the fluid sources.  
      The versatility of the invention is shown in  FIG. 23 , wherein the first and fifth embodiments are assembled together. In this manner, any number of combinations of any of the embodiments of the invention can be connected.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 24, 25 ,  26 , and  27 , a sixth embodiment of the fluid vortex manifold is shown at  520 , and is similar to the fluid vortex manifold  20  described above in that fluid vortex manifold  520  comprises a hollow circular cylindrical shell  522  extending between top  524  and bottom  526  ends. The shell  522  has a predetermined diameter, a periphery  528 , a shell central axis, and a chamber  530  adapted to receive the fluid material  538 . The shell  522  has a top inlet  542  at the top end  524 , and a single outlet  532  at the bottom end  526 . The outlet  532  is adapted to discharge all of the fluid material  538  from the chamber  530 .  
      A plurality of hollow circular cylindrical peripheral inlets  534  is disposed around the shell periphery  528 . The peripheral inlets  534  have a diameter less than the shell predetermined diameter. The peripheral inlets  534  are generally tangential to the shell  522 , and communicate with the shell chamber  530 . The peripheral inlets  534  are adapted to receive fluid material  538  from the fluid sources and direct the fluid material  538  tangentially into the shell chamber  530 , forming a vortex and suction, so as to preclude a backflow of the fluid material  538  through the peripheral inlets  534 . Each peripheral inlet  534  has an inlet central axis. The shell central axis and the inlet central axis define skew lines, meaning they are not parallel, do not intersect, and do not lie in the same plane. The inlet central axis of each peripheral inlet  534  is in the same-handed relation to the shell central axis when viewed along the shell central axis. This means that in the top view,  FIG. 25 , all of the peripheral inlets  534  enter the shell  522  in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, fluid material  538  from each peripheral inlet  534  rotates in the same direction to create the vortex. It is to be understood that the peripheral inlets  534  can enter the shell  522  in a clockwise direction.  
      Female pipe threads  536  are provided for connecting the peripheral inlets  534  to the fluid sources. Similarly, female pipe threads  537  are provided for connecting the shell outlet  532  to the liquid receptacle. Female pipe threads  544  are provided at the top inlet  542  for attaching a threaded plumbing fitting (not shown) to the top inlet  542  so as to connect the top inlet  542  to one of the fluid sources. The female threads  536 ,  537 , and  544  represent the preferred embodiment. It is to be understood for every embodiment of the invention, that male threads, hose barbs, bolted flanges, bell and spigot joints, and soldered, welded, or cemented joints are alternatives which fall within the scope of the appended claims.  
      Fluid vortex manifold  520  differs from fluid vortex manifold  20  in that the projected angle of the skew lines, defined by the shell central axis and the inlet central axis, is not a right angle, but is an acute angle as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . This angled entry enhances the flow characteristics of the fluid material  538  entering the shell chamber  530 .  
      Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that will come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.  
     PARTS LIST  
     Fluid Vortex Manifold  
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PART 
                   
               
               
                 NO. 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                  20 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                  26 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                  34 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                  36 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                  37 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                  38 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                  42 
                 top inlet 
               
               
                   
                  44 
                 top inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                 126 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                 128 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                 132 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                 136 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 137 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                 142 
                 nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 144 
                 nozzle proximal end 
               
               
                   
                 146 
                 nozzle distal end 
               
               
                   
                 148 
                 annular shoulder 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 nozzle inlet 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 nozzle inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 220 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                 222 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                 224 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                 226 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                 228 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                 230 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                 232 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 234 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                 236 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 237 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 238 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                 240 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                 242 
                 hose barb 
               
               
                   
                 244 
                 hose barb proximal end 
               
               
                   
                 246 
                 hose barb distal end 
               
               
                   
                 248 
                 annular shoulder 
               
               
                   
                 250 
                 hose barb inlet 
               
               
                   
                 252 
                 annular ridges 
               
               
                   
                 320 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                 322 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                 324 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                 326 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                 328 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                 330 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                 332 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 334 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                 336 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 337 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 338 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                 340 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                 342 
                 plate 
               
               
                   
                 420 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                 422 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                 424 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                 426 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                 428 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                 430 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                 432 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 434 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                 436 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 437 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 438 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                 440 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                 442 
                 nozzle 
               
               
                   
                 444 
                 nozzle proximal end 
               
               
                   
                 446 
                 nozzle distal end 
               
               
                   
                 448 
                 annular shoulder 
               
               
                   
                 450 
                 nozzle inlet 
               
               
                   
                 452 
                 nozzle inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 520 
                 fluid vortex manifold 
               
               
                   
                 522 
                 cylindrical shell 
               
               
                   
                 524 
                 shell top end 
               
               
                   
                 526 
                 shell bottom end 
               
               
                   
                 528 
                 periphery 
               
               
                   
                 530 
                 chamber 
               
               
                   
                 532 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 534 
                 peripheral inlets 
               
               
                   
                 536 
                 inlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 537 
                 outlet pipe threads 
               
               
                   
                 538 
                 fluid material 
               
               
                   
                 540 
                 vortex 
               
               
                   
                 542 
                 top inlet 
               
               
                   
                 544 
                 top inlet pipe threads