Abstract: An impeller assembly for reducing blockage at the inlet of a centrifugal pump includes an impeller having an inlet side and a bearing hub, wherein the bearing hub extends axially outwardly from the inlet side of the impeller. A conical floating sleeve is mounted on the bearing hub and held in place by a detachable retainer. The mating surfaces of either the bearing or the conical floating sleeve may be coated with a polymer to reduce surface friction. The bearing hub of the impeller may also be bored to receive a drive shaft.

Abstract: An impeller assembly for reducing blockage at the inlet of a centrifugal pump includes an impeller having an inlet side and a bearing hub, wherein the bearing hub extends axially outwardly from the inlet side of the impeller. A conical floating sleeve is mounted on the bearing hub and held in place by a detachable retainer. The mating surfaces of either the bearing or the conical floating sleeve may be coated with a polymer to reduce surface friction. The bearing hub of the impeller may also be bored to receive a drive shaft.

Abstract: Strips of polytetrafluoroethylene (i.e., Teflon) are interposed, equally spaced apart, between the journal and sleeve, and journal and collar of a bearing assembly to provide lubrication thereat. The Teflon strips are fibrous and porous, and compressibly collapsible therefor, to insure that thermal expansion of any one thereof will not unduly load the bearing assembly. The bearing material has surface voids in which to trap and retain the Teflon which is wiped onto the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A pump for Whirlpool and Spa applications has a series wound universal motor which is directly coupled to a centrifugal impeller for operation in the range of 4000 to 9000 RPM. Variable speed of the pump is easily accomplished with a universal motor by varying the voltage to the motor.

Abstract: Multi-purpose end casing for ring type multi-stage centrifugal pumps adaptable respectively for the side suction end casings and side discharge end casings of horizontal, vertical and dry pit side suction multi-stage ring type centrifugal pumps, are disclosed as having a generally cylindrical body portion having at least four tie rod lugs extending therefrom at generally 90.degree. intervals. Each of the tie rod lugs has an ample adapter bearing surface, and a rabbet fitted surface formed thereon to render the same utilizable with a variety of adapters as may be required in different types of pumps on which the end casings are used. Machined, foot mounting surfaces are provided on at least three sides of the respective side suction end casings and side discharge end casings to enable the ready attachment and detachment of pump casing mounting feet.

Abstract: Multi-Stage ring type centrifugal pumps for pumping fluids are adapted to receive an inducer shaped and sized generally but not necessarily to replace the impeller and diffuser of the first pumping stage of the given centrifugal pump. The preferred type of inducer for this use has an enlarged inlet diameter, at least two inducer vanes; an outlet diameter less than the inlet diameter to provide generally convergent flow passages, and the selected inlet vane angle for the inducer vanes will provide a positive incidence angle to increase the pressure at the suction inlet of the associated stage impeller into which the fluid being pumped is delivered.The inductor is shown in various forms. One embodiment includes an integral hub, inducer vanes and outer shroud. A second male type embodiment includes an integral hub and inducer vanes, and an operatively associated fixed outer shroud matched to the outer periphery of the inducer vanes.