Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for varying the high flow and low pressure operating range of a centrifugal blower. Centrifugal blowers are designed and rated for a certain capacity at a certain speed. The present invention provides an apparatus for varying, regulating, or adjusting an inlet capacity of a centrifugal blower. Without the need to redesign or change any blower components, the blower operating range may be changed without affecting blower efficiency. No aerodynamic performance is lost at low flow conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing the pressure across a front bearing in a compressor housing. The present invention may protect the bearing from lubricant migration by eliminating pressure differentials across the bearing. When a blower or fan is running, the bearing experiences the same pressure differential that is across the blower. Unless this pressure is balanced, lubricant may migrate from the bearing very quickly. The present invention may provide a pressure balance and sealing across the front bearing of a blower or fan. A plurality of grooves on the face of a compressor impeller and a plurality of grooves on a compressor shaft surface restrict the gas flow to balance pressure across a bearing. Alternatively, a labyrinth seal may cooperate with a plurality of grooves on the face of a compressor impeller to balance pressure across the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently cooling a motor. Three components may be used to provide forced air through a motor and a motor bearing. An air guide plate may direct air in and out of a motor and move air through a bearing seal, a shaft, and the motor. The air guide plate also may shield the bearing from heat. A series of holes, with every other hole an inlet hole or an outlet hole, within the motor housing may be arranged in a common radial plane. The incoming air does not mix with the outgoing air. A series of fins on a rotor may move air in and out of the holes within the motor housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for varying the high flow and low pressure operating range of a centrifugal blower. Centrifugal blowers are designed and rated for a certain capacity at a certain speed. The present invention provides an apparatus for varying, regulating, or adjusting an inlet capacity of a centrifugal blower. Without the need to redesign or change any blower components, the blower operating range may be changed without affecting blower efficiency. No aerodynamic performance is lost at low flow conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing the pressure across a front bearing in a compressor housing. The present invention may protect the bearing from lubricant migration by eliminating pressure differentials across the bearing. When a blower or fan is running, the bearing experiences the same pressure differential that is across the blower. Unless this pressure is balanced, lubricant may migrate from the bearing very quickly. The present invention may provide a pressure balance and sealing across the front bearing of a blower or fan. A plurality of grooves on the face of a compressor impeller and a plurality of grooves on a compressor shaft surface restrict the gas flow to balance pressure across a bearing. Alternatively, a labyrinth seal may cooperate with a plurality of grooves on the face of a compressor impeller to balance pressure across the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently cooling a motor. Three components may be used to provide forced air through a motor and a motor bearing. An air guide plate may direct air in and out of a motor and move air through a bearing seal, a shaft, and the motor. The air guide plate also may shield the bearing from heat. A series of holes, with every other hole an inlet hole or an outlet hole, within the motor housing may be arranged in a common radial plane. The incoming air does not mix with the outgoing air. A series of fins on a rotor may move air in and out of the holes within the motor housing.

Abstract: An axial fan includes a hub within a housing. A cavity is formed between the hub and housing. A plurality of blades is on the hub, with an air separator ring disposed operatively adjacent to the blades. The ring supports a plurality of vanes that are longitudinally aligned with the blades. A diverter is disposed operatively adjacent to the vanes so that the diverter directs a skip-stall air flow about the ring.

Abstract: An environmental control system for an aircraft including a variable bleed air flow control valve, an air cycle air conditioning device, and a variable recirculation air flow fan. The system is configured to maintain a desired minimum volumetric air circulation flow rate through the aircraft with variable passenger fresh air requirements met by bleed air flow.

Abstract: A fan operator lever vibration dampener for a variable pitch fan whose blade pitch is varied by movement of an elongated operating lever extending through a slot in a wall of the fan. The dampener comprises a pressure plate located between the projecting extremity of the operating lever and one of the slot side margins. The plate is movable toward and away from the lever extremity. Bias means interposed between the lever extremity and the pressure plate tend to urge the lever extremity and pressure plate against the slot margins to prevent vibration.

Abstract: An axial fan operative to control the developed air volume and pressure by varying the pitch of the fan blades. The fan housing is adapted to be connected to the main air conduit as an axial continuation thereof and centrally mounts a fan motor which directly drives the fan. The blade pitch control mechanism adjacent the fan utilizes an axially reciprocable actuator coupled through linkages to each of the fan blades whereby the pitch of all of the blades is simultaneously changed upon movement of the actuator. The control mechanism is contained within the fan hub and within a cylindrical central fairing located adjacent the fan and radially inwardly of the blades. This protects the control mechanism and reduces drag. The actuator is moved axially by means located externally of the main air conduit and connected to the actuator by a single lever arm extending through the central fairing and main air conduit.