Compact reed valve

Compact reeds maximize flexural length by efficiently utilizing available space surrounding the port. Maximum length arms are disposed at the perimeter of the housing inlet port. Stresses at the ends of the arms are mitigated by utilizing compound radius transitions. The transitions are constructed by two or more arcs of different radii, which produce lower stresses at such junctures than if single radius transitions were used. The arms are disposed close to the reed sealing surface edge to orient the flow streamlines to be aligned with the arm width, thereby minimizing frontal drag area. The reduced frontal area reduces drag forces and related stresses on the arms, and reduces the overall flow related pressure drop across the reed. Replacing a single hole port, a port comprised of multiple passages of varying size control the velocity exiting the passages. The velocity gradient across the port provides further capability to orient the said streamlines to reduce said drag. In the reverse direction, where the reed obstructs flow, the ends of the passage walls provide structural support to the reed sealing surface, enabling the said surface to be thinner than otherwise possible.