Abstract: This invention discloses a particle separator adapted for use in a pressurized lubrication system for mechanical drives to separate debris particles from the fluid. Fluid tangentially injected into the housing impinges on the inner cylindrical wall in a manner which develops a downwardly directed spiral flow pattern, which generates a centrifugal force which firstly causes the entrapped gases to coalesce substantially in the center of the flow pattern and secondly selectively propels debris particles to the outer reaches of the pattern where the debris particles are segregated and trapped in a debris channel for subsequent removal from the system. A debris exit extends tangentially through the cylindrical wall. Apparatus for detecting and indicating the presence of debris particles, e.g. a magnetic particle detector, eddy current sensor, or optical particle detector, is preferably connected to the debris outlet. Outlets for the injected fluid and separated gases are also provided.

Abstract: A cooling device of the kind used in transportation vehicles, designed to maintain the transportation space of such vehicles cool over prolonged periods, includes an elongate housing of generally rectangular cross-section, having side walls and first and second end walls. The cooling device further includes a cooling pipe of elongate "U"-shape, having a curved portion and parallel arms. The ends of the cooling pipe are secured within one end wall, and the central portion of the pipe is supported in relation to the opposed wall by a supporting means.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic turbine ring rigid with an annular metallic carrier, which includes the steps of (a) moulding a ceramic member in a predetermined shape, (b) locating the ceramic member produced in step (a) and an annular cavity of a channel which defines a mould; (c) rotating the mould and moulding under centrifugal action a metallic material around the ceramic member, the rotation continuing until the metallic member has solidified; (d) demoulding the ceramic turbine ring part and its carrier produced in step (c) by disassembling the mould; and (e) machining the part produced by step (d) to produce the turbine ring.

Abstract: A connecting rod for a radial piston motor including a spherical surface portion, a rod portion and a pad portion having a sliding surface. The spherical surface portion, rod portion and pad portion are formed integrally, and the sliding surface has a bearing alloy attached to its surface by centrifugal casting. An overlay may be provided on the bearing alloy. The connecting rod is produced in a mass production basis by a method including the steps of integrally forming a star-shape cylindrical monolithic blank (18) having a single cylindrical centrally located axial opening and bearing six equally spaced outwardly radiating rod portions (2), each rod portion bearing an integral, substantially spherical surface portion (1) on its distal end; attaching a bearing alloy by centrifugal casting, to the centrally located axial opening in said blank (18); machining the surface of the bearing alloy; and dividing the blank into six pieces constituting six connecting rods.

Abstract: A method of potting the ends of a bundle of hollow fibers positioned in a casing is provided, for example, in the manufacture of hollow fiber artificial kidneys. The bundle is inserted into the casing through an open end thereof and the casing ends are enclosed with sealed casing closure member means. The casing ends are spun, while curable liquid sealant is inserted through side apertures in the casing. Accordingly, the liquid sealant migrates by the centrifugal force of the spinning to the interior sealed ends of the casing. After the liquid sealant has cured, the closure member means, sealant, and hollow fibers are cut through at each casing end to expose the bores of the hollow fibers. Alternatively, the closure means can be removed prior to the cutting step.

Abstract: A lined bearing is made by tinning at least the radially inner surface of a bearing ring, providing an atmosphere of water vapour adjacent the tinned surface to which a flux is also supplied, and centrifugally casting on the lining material. Tinning can be achieved by applying a slurry of tin powder in a flux solution, e.g. an aqueous zinc chloride solution, followed by heating at least to a tinning temperature. Further flux solution can be sprayed onto the hot tinned surface in the centrifugal casting machine to form the desired atmosphere and to disperse the flux as fine particles. Quenching by spraying on cold water preferably commences immediately after casting of the white metal or other lining material begins.