Abstract: A gas bearing system for use in a turbocompressor or similar device that embodies a uniquely configured thrust washer or disk that exhibits superior strength characteristics when the disk is rotated at high speed. The thrust washer is a generally circular-shaped disk, has a predetermined diameter and comprises a body portion having spaced apart faces and a generally “V” shaped groove formed intermediate the spaced-apart faces to define a pair of radially outwardly extending segments.

Abstract: A gas bearing system for use in a turbocompressor or similar device that embodies a uniquely configured thrust washer or disk that exhibits superior strength characteristics when the disk is rotated at high speed. The thrust washer is a generally circular-shaped disk, has a predetermined diameter and comprises a body portion having spaced apart faces and a generally “V” shaped groove formed intermediate the spaced-apart faces to define a pair of radially outwardly extending segments.

Abstract: A thrust control system for use with a turbocompressor having gas bearings. More specifically, the system concerns an arrangement of gas bearings for use in a turbocompressor or other device where a large temperature difference between the turbine and the compressor housing could cause unacceptable performance of the turbocompressor thrust bearings if located in proximity of the turbine and compressor wheels. This danger is obviated in the system by relocating the gas thrust bearings so as to minimize the axial distance between them. This configuration affords the additional advantage that gasses of different composition may be separately used as a seal gas in cases where the process gas in the turbine and compressor are incompatible.

Abstract: A diffuser apparatus for use in connection with gas turbines which will markedly increase the fuel efficiency of the turbine. The apparatus is specially designed for use with a gas turbine having both inner and outer walls on which a boundary layer develops and can become detached. The apparatus includes a strategically located capture scoop for capturing a portion of the high velocity gas stream of the gas turbine in the area of maximum velocity and redirecting it through a plurality of spaced-apart injector slots provided in both the inner and outer walls of a shroud which is positioned relative to the turbine in a manner to capture the high velocity gas stream generated by the blades of the turbine.

Abstract: A thrust control system for use with a turbocompressor having gas bearings in which the average static pressure in the compressor housing differs substantially from the average static pressure in the expander housing which, during operation of the turbocompressor, will reduce the net resulting thrust to nearly zero without compromising the performance of the turbocompressor. In one embodiment of the invention, the thrust control system includes a pair of gas-dynamic thrust bearings and one compensation chamber with prescribed area and pressure ratios such that under static conditions the equilibrium position of the rotating assembly portion of the turbocompressor is in the center of the axial clearance range and under dynamic conditions the maximum displacement from center does not exceed the existing clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric current which includes an integrated system comprising a fuel cell which is interconnected with two or more turbocompressors in a manner so as to increase the pressure of atmospheric oxygen fed to a fuel cell by utilizing the potential energy of the exhaust of the fuel cell as well as the potential energy of a source of fuel under pressure.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for transporting a utilitarian object such as a weapon, camera, or the like in a concealed manner which includes a deployment mechanism that can be easily activated to instantly deploy the object for use. The apparatus includes an enclosure which in its normal transport mode has the appearance of an attache case. The utilitarian object is concealed within the attache case until the deployment mechanism is actuated causing the attache case to fall away from the utilitarian object readying it for use. A novel safing mechanism is provided within the handle of the attache case to positively prevent accidental actuation of the deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A gas bearing including a support having a longitudinally extending cylindrical bore, of a predetermined diameter and an elongated generally cylindrical shaft rotatable within the bore of the shaft being of a predetermined diameter less than the diameter of the bore in the support. The outer surface of the shaft is uniquely provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses of a predetermined depth, each of which defines an elongated, generally radially outwardly extending step of a predetermined height. The outer surface of the shaft is also provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves of a predetermined depth disposed proximate the steps.