Abstract: This case relates to a variable performance pump wherein the width of the impeller in a centrifugal pump can be regulated while the unit is operating. The impeller's width is regulated by the pump pressure and is controlled by a small external valve. The pump performance may be varied over a wide range to obtain constant head, constant capacity or other desired pumping characteristics.

Abstract: An improved pump system includes a booster turbine unit including a turbine mounted on the same shaft as the booster pump and utilizing a primary pump as the primary fluid power source. Various forms of turbine and booster pump may be used such that either the pressure or rate of flow from the primary pump may be increased substantially by a relatively simple and reliable system. The output of the primary pump may be flowed through the booster turbine including the booster pump or one fluid may be used as the same source and another as the pump system output. Various forms and designs are described.

Abstract: A hoist cooling system in which a motor-driven pump forces oil under pressure through the hoist load brake and overload clutch. An end cover of the hoist gear case is employed as a heat exchange member, and includes fins to further enhance cooling. Oil is conducted through the load brake and overload clutch by means of interconnecting bores formed in the countershaft supporting the clutch and brake and in the brake and clutch operating disks.

Abstract: This invention relates to controlled inlet valves for metering pumps. The metering pumps for which the valve of the invention is applicable are of the kind comprising a cylinder in which moves a piston to which a reciprocating movement is imparted. In the valve of the invention a member is mounted to slide in the pump cylinder and one of the ends of this member has an obturator which co-operates with a sealing gland arranged at the inlet opening to the cylinder. The sliding member is selectively coupled at its other end to the piston and is subject to the urging of an elastic member which is capable of thrusting the obturator back to the closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-adjusting spacer mechanism for being interposed in a centrifugal pump between a volute and a barrel end surface for regulating the spacing therebetween. The spacer includes a first inclined surface and an outer surface coupled with an inside surface of the barrel cover. A second sliding plate has an outer surface coupled with an end surface of the volute and a second inclined surface generally parallel to and in sliding communication with the first inclined surface of the first sliding plate. A bias spring is coupled between the first and second sliding plate for advancing the sliding communication therebetween in a preferred direction for increasing the separation between the outside surfaces responsive to a separation between the volute and the barrel end surface.

Abstract: A fluid lifting apparatus operable by air pressure applied alternately to first and second pairs of cylinders each of said cylinders having a main body part, a barrel and a bottom chamber in communications with a bottom inlet. Pressuring of the main body part of the chamber, closes a check valve at the inlet and forces fluid from the main body part, through a fluid flow valve, through the chamber and up the barrel to a production tubing segment and hence to the next higher cylinder. Emptying of the main chamber closes the fluid flow valve to prevent air from the production tubing. However, the valve is positively opened once fluid flow in the bottom chamber from the inlet is reinstituted. Air vent means to the surface and/or to the well annulus rapidly depressurizes the cylinders and hence speeds cycling between the alternate cylinder pairs.

Abstract: The pump comprises a measuring enclosure, a plunger mounted within the enclosure, a second enclosure which is contiguous with the first, a pneumatic jack rigidly fixed to the plunger for sliding motion within the second enclosure and defining therein a first and a second chamber, a stop rod which establishes the range of travel of the jack and a linear distributor which communicates at each end with a source of driving fluid. The distributor has three grooves such that in one end position, the measuring chamber is connected to a storage tank and one face of the jack is put into communication with one of the two sources of driving fluid and in the other end position, the measuring enclosure is connected to a collecting tank and the other face of the jack is put into communication with the other source of driving fluid.

Abstract: A gas compressor or blower comprising a cylinder having air intake and exhaust ports; a piston which is rotatably and reciprocably movable in the cylinder; valve means for admitting air into and exhausting air from at least one chamber lying to one side of the piston; a piston shaft to which the piston is secured, the piston shaft passing through seals at the axial ends of the cylinder; means for applying a rotary drive to the piston rod; and a cam arrangement for causing reciprocation of the piston rod as this rotates; the arrangement of ports and valve means being such that as the piston rotates and reciprocates air is induced into the chamber, is compressed in the chamber and then exhausted from the chamber.