Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A fluid-conduit collector (20, 20.x, 20^a, 20^b) spans across a plurality of collector-inlet interface structures (24, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24′, 24″) and at least one fluidic diode element (26, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26′, 26″). A branch inlet portion (20′″, 20.1′″, 20.2′″, 20.3′″) of at least one collector-inlet interface structure (24, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24′, 24″), in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid-conduit runner portion (14, 14.x), provides for receiving fluid from a source of fluid (12). A main inlet portion (20.x′) of the collector-inlet interface structure in fluid communication with an outlet portion (20.x″) thereof defines a portion of the fluid conduit of the collector (20, 20.x, 20^a, 20^b). The branch inlet portion (20′″, 20.1′″, 20.2′″, 20.3′″) is in fluid communication with the outlet portion (20.x″) via a collector inlet port (56′, 106) that is at least partially bounded by a relatively-sharp-edged junction (60) with the fluid conduit of the collector (20, 20.x, 20^a, 20^b). The fluidic-diode element (26, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26′, 26″) located coincident with, or downstream of, the collector inlet port (56′, 106) provides for a relatively-higher coefficient of discharge for fluid flowing (34, 64) towards (36) an outlet (38) of the collector (20, 20.x, 20^a, 20^b), than for fluid flowing (32) in a reverse direction (40).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim