Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping liquid includes a pump casing with a vortex generating member which generates a swirling column of liquid which swirls about a central axis and which is directed through the pump inlet to discharge into the ambient body of liquid at which its energy is quickly dissipated. The surrounding ambient liquid is drawn through the pump inlet in a counterflow to the vortex column flow and flows into the pump casing and then out through a pump discharge. The preferred vortex generating member has channels of decreasing size converging toward the axis of the vortex column with the streams of liquid increasing their respective velocities as they flow toward the axis at which the streams join and concentrate their energies to form the vortex column. Preferably, the vortex member is driven by a power source.

Abstract: A safety belt buckle employs a pivoting latch plate for retaining a tongue plate tip within the buckle interior. A locking means for securing the latch mechanism in a latched position includes a sliding member mounted on the pivoting latch plate and urged forward by spring means.