Intermittant water jet

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for forming and launching a slug of liquid toward a designated target area includes a hollow chamber located on a desired incline having a lower liquid inlet and an upper exit orifice, which is preferably a knife edged orifice, in the upper surface of the chamber. A plug-stopper is located on the inner surface of the chamber which is movable between an engaged position blocking flow of liquid through the orifice and and a disengaged position allowing liquid to exit through the orifice. A pistion located within an operating cylinder has a piston rod which extends through the chamber and engages the plug-stopper and moves the plug-stopper between engaged and disengaged positions with the orifice. The piston is moved back and forth by a fluid moving the piston head in the cylinder back and forth. Preferably a stop is provided in the chamber which the stopper plug engages in the orifice disengaged position. Preferably diffuser material is provided in the chamber to reduce turbulance of the liquid prior to it exiting through the orifice. In one embodiment the stop is located on a plate holding the diffuser material in place. A fluid control is provided to control flow of fluid through the cylinder and is preferably provided with adjustments to control the time sequence and extent of movement of the piston. Preferably a trunion is provided to vary the inclination and direction of the chamber. When the piston moves the plug stopper from the engaged position with the orifice to the disengaged positon, liquid exits from the chamber in the form of a liquid slug in a selected direction based on the inclination and direction of the chamber.