Pump Having Rotating Inlet End Or Scoop Immersed In Liquid Patents (Class 415/88)
  • Patent number: 11644039
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pump has a tubular pump housing containing centrifugal pump stages and a rotatable shaft. A bearing mounts in the housing and has a shaft passage through which the shaft extends. A sensor hole extends through the housing and into the bearing. A temperature sensor is located within the sensor hole. The sensor hole has a closed end radially outward from the shaft passage. A sensor line leads from the temperature sensor to a sensing unit mounted at an upper or a lower end of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zheng Ye, Ignacio Martinez, Brett Taylor Williams
  • Patent number: 11578732
    Abstract: A controllable Pitot device uses a Pitot nozzle supported by a Pitot nozzle holder for pumping fluid flowing in a first direction or in a second direction flowing opposite the first direction. The Pitot nozzle has one ingestion inlet pivotable to ingest fluid from either direction. Ingested fluid impinges on an obstacle interior to the Pitot nozzle which is disposed opposite the ingestion inlet to create a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure. Stagnation pressure pumps fluid via the interior of the Pitot nozzle through one of two openings for discharging pumped fluid out of a discharge outlet supported by the nozzle holder, to the exterior of the Pitot device. The nozzle holder can be a support structure or an embedded support operative with a rotating fluid machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ETTEM ENGINEERING S.A. LTD.
    Inventor: Rammy A. Shellef
  • Patent number: 11103920
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 10675679
    Abstract: A transfer pump has a pump base with a pump chamber and an output port in the top surface of the pump base. A riser tube extends from the outlet and terminates at a launder having a first end juxtaposed the riser tube, an open top, and a bottom having a launder opening. This structure enables the movement of molten metal out of a vessel with relatively little turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10641283
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump that is used for conveying water and other fluids. The pump is constructed such that the movement of water is provided without undue pressures being needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Donald Wendland
  • Patent number: 10060290
    Abstract: The pump includes a first rotatable member including a radially inward facing groove having an edge. The first rotatable member configured to receive a plurality of flows of fluid over the edge. The first rotatable member configured to rotate at a first angular velocity. The pump also includes a second rotatable member including a collector configured to rotate at a second angular velocity. The second rotatable member also includes a plurality of scoop tubes extending radially outwardly from the collector. Each scoop tube of the plurality of scoop tubes includes a first end coupled in flow communication to the collector and a second end including an inlet opening extending into the groove. The second end curved such that the inlet opening is open in a direction of rotation of the second rotatable member. The inlet opening configured to scoop a fluid collected in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Ory Moniz, Thomas Lee Becker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9719516
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a centrifugal pump includes a rotor and a rotor cover, defining a fluid chamber therebetween, and having openings or channels that are provided in either the rotor cover or the rotor, or both, to direct fluid from the fluid chamber into the rotor or rotor cover of the rotor assembly to provide reduction of increased pressure that is experienced within the fluid chamber, especially at or near the center of the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Envirotech Pumpsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryce Neilson
  • Patent number: 9205490
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Publication number: 20140271126
    Abstract: A wastewater sump assembly for receiving and disposing of undesired fluid and, in some cases, solid waste is disclosed. A sump basin formed from a base, an upstanding wall and a top which are all defined from a single, integral, monolithic material may be employed. The top of the monolithic basin includes a pump access aperture sized to allow passage of a submersible pump. Pipe stubs are provided in a recessed area of the top to allow for easy connection to outlet and vent piping. Interchangeable switches of differing types, e.g. a diaphragm switch and a float switch can be utilized with the sump basin. Certain switch subassemblies include a handle to facilitate easy removal. The handle may also be utilized to hold a cord seal in place atop the sump. A diaphragm switch in accordance with the present disclosure may be positioned externally of the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: FRANKLIN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130115047
    Abstract: A centrifugal pumping system having a stack of impellers and diffusers for pressurizing fluid. The impellers are rotated by a motor for pressurizing and lifting fluid from within a wellbore. Undulating profiles are provided on leading edges of the impellers for inducing turbulence in the fluid being pumped. Increasing turbulence better homogenizes the fluid, so that choked flow is avoided when different density components are present in the fluid. Reducing the possibility of choked flow increases pump efficiency and lift capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Baker Hughes Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8435016
    Abstract: A vertical shaft pumping system includes a hollow shaft with an inner bore, an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end with at least one liquid distribution hole. It further includes an impeller positioned at the lower inlet end of the shaft, with a cylindrical base portion with a lower end, a central hole for drawing fluid into the shaft, and a plurality of teeth extending upwards from the cylindrical base portion and extending radially from the central hole to the outer cylindrical circumference for increasing tractive force of liquid in the shaft when the impeller and shaft are rotating; and a motor for rotating the shaft with the impeller to centrifugally pump a liquid vertically in the shaft from the lower inlet end to the upper outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Telakowski, Lino S. Italia, James R. Morin
  • Patent number: 8403625
    Abstract: A pitot tube pump having a hydraulic chamber, a fluid supply line, a fluid discharge line, and a drive, in which the supply line, the discharge line and the drive are all arranged on the same side of the hydraulic chamber. A pitot tube preferably is mounted in the hydraulic chamber on a shoulder of a fixed shaft in communication with the discharge line. The drive is preferably an electric motor with a stator which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the fixed shaft, and a rotor which forms a part of the hydraulic chamber or which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Axel Binder, Christoph Emde, Christoph Keller, Christoph Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7686573
    Abstract: An apparatus for elevating a fluid includes: a pumping member rotatable about a vertical axis, the pumping member having at least one ramped path, the ramped path having a lowermost portion insertable below the surface of a fluid to be elevated, and an uppermost portion that is more distant from the vertical axis than the lowermost portion thereof; a catch chamber surrounding a circular trajectory of the uppermost portion as it rotates about the vertical axis and positioned to receive fluid expelled from the uppermost portion; and a motor coupled to the pumping member for imparting rotational motion to the pumping member about the vertical axis, the motor having sufficient power to generate a centrifugal force that will drive the fluid from the lowermost portion of the ramped path to the uppermost portion and into the catch chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Roger B. Clement
  • Patent number: 7326028
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a pump base with inlet inducer openings that receive molten metal into an impeller chamber. An impeller structure in the impeller chamber passes the metal in a radial direction through an outlet inducer opening into a volute passage for discharge into the pool of metal in which the pump is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 7244096
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotating radial scoop used to move fluid from a larger radius to a smaller radius, comprising a blade at least partially circumscribing a central axis from an outer radius of the scoop to an capture radius of the scoop, wherein the inner surface of the blade is curved. A scoop having a blade with a curved inner surface extending from the scoop outer radius to a capture radius is disclosed. A turbine engine comprising the scoop, along with a method of providing a fluid to a bearing utilizing the scoop is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Dins, John Hogan, Arun Kumar
  • Patent number: 7210561
    Abstract: A lubricating device of a reciprocating compressor includes a pumping unit for pumping lubrication oil contained in a lower portion of a case and a front frame having a supply hole which supplies the lubrication oil pumped from the pumping unit to a sliding part within the case and a discharge hole which discharges the lubrication oil upon completion of a lubrication operation. A lubrication oil storage is arranged at a front of the discharge hole for storing the lubrication oil discharged to the discharge hole for a predetermined time and then discharging the lubrication oil. A lubrication oil guide is provided for guiding the lubrication oil discharged from the discharge hole to a lower portion of the case in order to prevent the lubrication oil discharged through the discharge hole from flowing to an air hole formed at a front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Tae Heo, Jin-Young Jung, Jong-Koo Lee, Jin-Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 7189052
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor is disclosed as including a case, a compressor chamber, and an impeller in the compressor chamber for compressing fluid from an inlet opening and forcing compressed fluid through an outlet opening. Moreover, the compressor includes an insert rotatably supported on the case. The insert is adjacent the impeller and serves to minimize catastrophic compressor failure that might otherwise occur as a result of contact between the impeller and compressor chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Jones
  • Patent number: 7100743
    Abstract: A crankshaft in a dual capacity compressor is disclosed, which causes oil contained in a lower portion of the compressor to flow up to an upper portion thereof with respect to all the rotational directions of a motor. A crank shaft (100) includes a driving shaft (110) inserted into a reversible motor (21, 22) for rotating along with the motor (21, 22), a balance weight (120) formed in a top portion of the driving shaft (110) for preventing vibration during rotation from occurring, a crank pin (130) formed on an upper surface of the balance weight (120) to be eccentric from the center of the driving shaft (110), and a regular/reverse oil path (140) formed along the balance weight (120) and the crank pin (130) for moving oil for forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor respectively. The crankshaft serves to stably lubricate each driving part of the dual capacity compressor regardless of rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyoung Jun Park, Kee Joo Kim, Hee Hyun Kim, Jong Bong Kim, Young Joo Bae, Cheol Ki No, Jai Seong Sim, Min Young Seo, Hyeon Kim, Dal Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 6709227
    Abstract: A pitot tube inlet for the pitot tube of a centrifugal pump is configured to improve pump efficiencies when processing fluids that have a solids content the type or character of which causes the solids to accumulate along the inner peripheral surface of the rotor of the pump. The pitot tube inlet is configured to contact and remove the accumulated solids from the rotor to lessen the drag on the rotor, to lessen degradation of the pitot tube and to improve pump efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: EnviroTech Pumpsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Quinn
  • Patent number: 6702067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston compressor, particularly a hermetically enclosed refrigerant compressor, with a crankshaft, which is axially supported in an axial bearing in relation to a bearing housing, and with an oil pump arrangement. In a piston compressor of this kind, it is endeavored to improve the lubricating properties. For this purpose, an oil distribution channel extending in the circumferential direction is arranged in the axial bearing between the crankshaft and the bearing housing, a control arrangement being arranged between the oil pump arrangement and the oil distribution channel, which control arrangement connects the oil pump arrangement with the oil distribution channel for a predetermined, short period, at least once during each rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Holm Iversen, Preben Bjerre
  • Publication number: 20040033129
    Abstract: I designed this turbine to be used with pressure (thrust) from water that emits from water pumps or air that emits from air compressors. This pressure (thrust) is directed at point of turbine which creates the most efficient rotation (RPM's) of turbine which is attached to a generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert William Jackson
  • Patent number: 6684979
    Abstract: A hermetic motor-driven compressor is capable of decreasing both the resonance sound due to an oil feed pipe and the resonance sound due to a crankshaft generated when the oil feed pipe is rotated while being dipped in the refrigerating machine oil. Within a hermetically sealed enclosure, a compression component and a motor drive component are supported through an elastic support arrangement, and the compression component comprises a crankshaft adapted to be rotatively driven by the motor drive component through an eccentric portion and provided with a journal, a balance weight disposed at the eccentric portion and a coaxial oil feed pipe disposed in the balance weight so as to revolve coaxially with the journal, so that the stirring of the refrigerating machine oil can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration Company
    Inventors: Maiko Nakazato, Akihiko Kubota, Manabu Motegi, Masahiko Osaka
  • Patent number: 6666301
    Abstract: An oil supply apparatus for a hermetic compressor includes: a crankshaft coupled with a rotor of a motor so as to revolve together and having an oil flow path inside, a sleeve connected to a lower part of the crankshaft so as to revolve together with the crankshaft 107 in one body, a sucking member arranged to maintain a uniform interval with an inner circumference face of the sleeve so as to revolve in a direction opposite to that of the sleeve to carry out a suction of an oil, and a rotating force transferring means for supporting the sucking member so that the sucking member revolves together with the sleeve and receiving a rotating force of the sleeve so as to revolve the sucking member in a direction opposite to a revolving direction of the sleeve. The relative revolution speed between the sleeve and sucking member increases so as to increase the oil supply to the sliding and frictional parts, thereby enabling to improve a lubrication performance of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong-Hyuk Kim
  • Patent number: 6561754
    Abstract: An open or covered inlet structure having pumps arranged therein. To be able to reduce excavation and concreting works, the foundations of the inlet structure are positioned at a substantially higher level. Only at the point at which the pumps (2) and their inlet nozzles are mounted does the foundation plate have one or more recesses or depressions (7) into which the first impellers (2.1) of the pumps (2) are lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20030077165
    Abstract: A pitot tube inlet for the pitot tube of a centrifugal pump is configured to improve pump efficiencies when processing fluids that have a solids content the type or character of which causes the solids to accumulate along the inner peripheral surface of the rotor of the pump. The pitot tube inlet is configured to contact and remove the accumulated solids from the rotor to lessen the drag on the rotor, to lessen degradation of the pitot tube and to improve pump efficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Joel Quinn
  • Patent number: 6527086
    Abstract: A closed reciprocating compressor includes a closed container forming an oil storage portion at a lower end thereof. A power generating device disposed in the container reciprocates a piston to compress air. An eccentric shaft is fixed to a lower end of the axle. A hollow oil supply device fixed to the eccentric shaft and extends downwardly therefrom at an oblique angle and into the oil for conducting oil upwardly due to centrifugal force generated in response to rotation of the axle. The oil supply device includes a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion, the radially outer portion being spaced farther from the axis than the radially inner portion. A lower first section of the radially outer portion forms a first acute angle with a horizontal plane and merges at its upper end with a second section of the radially outer portion which forms a second acute angle with the horizontal plane, wherein the second angle is larger than the first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: IL-Kyo Oh
  • Patent number: 6364059
    Abstract: A lubricating system, preferably for smaller refrigerating machinery of piston compressor type (1, 2, 3) having a substantially vertically extending drive shaft (4). A disc-shaped member (11) is arranged adjacent to the lower part of the drive shaft (4) to be rotated by the rotary movement of the drive shaft (4), arranged having oil transferring means (12; 20, 20′, 20″) communicating with oil in an underlying oil reservoir (10). Said oil transferring means (12; 20, 20′, 20″) will during a rotary movement transfer oil from the oil reservoir (10) to the upper plane of the disc-shaped member (11), and a tubular pipe (14), having its lower open part (15) open against the rotary direction at the peripheral part of the disc-shaped member (11), moves in the manner of a Pitot pipe pump oil via the tubular pipe (14) from the disc-shaped member (11) for lubrication of the piston compressor (1, 2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Claes Lorentz Uno Wellton Persson
  • Patent number: 6168376
    Abstract: Centrifugal pump with a pump chamber (18) housing a radial impeller (20) and aspiration port arranged coaxially with the radial impeller, and at least one ventilating conduit (26) that leads from the inner radial area of the pump chamber to the outside, wherein the outer circumferential edge of the pump chamber (18) is fitted with interference contours (32) that are essentially directed tangentially to swirl the liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Brinkmann Pumpen, K.H. Brinkmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Wagner
  • Patent number: 6149384
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a casing, an overhung-mounted rotor in the casing having a feed chamber, which centrifugally accelerates the liquid flowing centrally to it, and a discharge chamber positioned axially behind it and connected to the feed chamber in the vicinity of the inner circumference of the rotor, as well as a scoop pipe guided centrally into the discharge chamber close to the inner circumference thereof and by means of which the liquid is discharged. For the discharge of liquids from a vacuum chamber, the discharge chamber is connected by means of a line centrally introduced into it to the gas phase of the vacuum chamber, so that the liquid flowing in via the feed chamber forms on its inner circumference a liquid ring, into which is immersed the feed end of the scoop pipe, and that on the drain side the scoop pipe is closed by an automatically closing valve, which opens under the operating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Vaclav Feres
  • Patent number: 6090299
    Abstract: The method of operating rotating separator apparatus, to which fluid, including gas and liquids is supplied in a fluid jet via a nozzle, which includes separating the liquids from the gas in the stream, at a first zone within the rotating apparatus, and separating the liquids into liquids of differing density at a second zone within the apparatus. The separated liquids are removed via two open weirs which isolate the liquids in the separating zones from the shear forces from scoops within the weir passages. Longitudinal ribs may be provided for structural support, coalescence promotion and fluid recirculation inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventors: Lance G. Hays, Simon Roger Henderson Davies, Bjoern Christiansen
  • Patent number: 5997243
    Abstract: An insert is provided for attachment to the inlet or nose of a pitot tube to withstand the wear and damage imposed on the inlet of the pitot tube by high velocity and high pressure fluid moving through the rotary casing and into the pitot tube. The insert reduces the amount of damage normally done to the pitot tube under normal operating conditions thereby extending the life of the pitot tube. When worn or damaged, only the insert needs to be replaced rather than the entire pitot tube as is done in conventional systems. The insert permits the machining of the insert to meet the specifications of a particular application, thereby providing the ability to control pump performance over a wider range of operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: EnviroTech Pumpsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5975840
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the pitot tube type is structured with axially stabilizing elements which assist in stabilizing the pitot tube assembly of the pump during high pressure operating conditions. The axially stabilizing elements include at least one seat member positionable to register against the discharge tube of the pitot tube assembly to keep the discharge tube in axial alignment and in a selected tension. The pitot pump may also include a pressure relief channel positioned to accommodate increased pressures which may arise from an o-ring failure in the sealing mechanism of the discharge assembly. The axially stabilizing elements reduce the occurrence of fretting and galling resulting from axial forces exerted on the pitot tube assembly and facilitate simplified construction and assembly of the inlet manifold to a discharge assembly or manifold. The cost of constructing and maintaining the centrifugal pump is thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: EnviroTech Pumpsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Angle, James G. Shaw, James V. Mangano, Joel Quinn, Steven D. Osborn, Gary M. Staff
  • Patent number: 5951242
    Abstract: A paper machine has a high pressure liquid pump for use with a liquid slitter for slitting a fiber material web. The high pressure liquid pump includes a pump shell having an axis of rotation and an annular smooth inwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing surface is configured for carrying a film of liquid thereon. A hydraulic shoe having an outer convexly curved working face is in close running engagement with the inwardly facing surface. A pivotal arm is connected with the shoe and positions the shoe relative to the inwardly facing surface. The arm is movable toward and away from the inwardly facing surface. A hydraulic pressure member is engaged with the arm for urging the shoe toward the inwardly facing surface dependent upon a hydraulic pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North Amercia, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5755961
    Abstract: An aquarium system includes an inlet reservoir, an aquarium tank defining a container for water in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir to receive water displaced from the inlet reservoir, an outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the tank for receiving water displaced from the tank, and a water treatment unit in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir and the outlet reservoir. The water treatment unit includes a rotatably supported media wheel which has a first hollow portion and a second portion carrying a water displacement media. The media is alternately submersible into and raisable out of water contained in the water treatment unit as the media wheel is rotated to displace water from the unit to the inlet reservoir, to thereby cycle water through the system. In one embodiment, the displacement media is a biological media. In another embodiment, the media wheel carries an algae screen on its perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher A. Limcaco
  • Patent number: 5750040
    Abstract: The method of operating rotating separator apparatus, to which fluid, including gas and liquids is supplied in a fluid jet at via a nozzle, which includes separating the liquids from the gas in the stream, at a first zone within the rotating apparatus, and separating the liquids into liquids of differing density at a second zone within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5685691
    Abstract: A rotary turbine apparatus which includes a separator having a rotating cylindrical wall receiving a stream of liquid and gas for separating gas from liquid, the liquid collecting in a rotating ring on the wall, and comprising a scoop having an inlet immersed in the rotating liquid ring to receive liquid from the ring; and barrier structure located proximate the scoop inlet to block gas entry to the scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5525034
    Abstract: In a rotary turbine having inlets for mixtures of gas and liquid, and a rotary shaft, the combination comprising a separator to receive the mixture of gas and liquid, and to separate the mixture into a stream of gas and a stream of liquid; first structure to receive the stream of gas for generating torque exerted on the shaft; the separator including a rotating surface to receive the stream of liquid to form a liquid layer, and for generating torque exerted on the shaft; there being generally radial outflow passages for the separated liquid stream, and liquid nozzles terminating liquid outflow passages to pass the liquid stream and to convert the induced pressures of the radial outflow of the liquid to velocity of liquid jets, and to convert the reaction forces of the liquid jets to shaft power. Gas nozzles may be provided to receive the separated gas stream which is centrifugally pressurized and expanded through the gas nozzles to produce gas jets directed to produce torque acting on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5509791
    Abstract: A pump for use in a bath of reactive molten metal such as zinc has a graphite rotor, driven at constant speed, and capable of pumping molten metal at selective rates from the bath. The pump includes an internal delivery flow path and protected drive shaft, so that the liquid metal of the bath is not turbulated by the rotating shaft, and the temperature of the metal within the pump, during semi-quiescent periods is maintained substantially constant. The pump has a robust structure and yet can handle rates as low as 10 to 15 pounds per minute, in contrast to usual types of pumps that require pumping about 80 pounds per minute, and being speed controlled, are less accurate in their delivery rates. An adjustable control for regulating flow rate during operation also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Ogden L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5385446
    Abstract: A rotary separator turbine having inlet structure for mixtures of gas and liquid, rotary shaft structure comprising separator structure to receive the mixture of gas and liquid and to separate the mixture into a stream of gas and at a stream of liquid; first structure to receive the stream of gas for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure, and; second structure to receive the stream of liquid for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure; whereby the first and second structure separately operate to generate shaft power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5338115
    Abstract: An auger-tube pump mixing device for mixing materials with large density differences while maintaining low stirring RPM and low power consumption. The mixing device minimizes the formation of vortexes and minimizes the incorporation of small bubbles in the liquid during mixing. By avoiding the creation of a vortex the device provides efficient stirring of full containers without spillage over the edge. Also, the device solves the problem of effective mixing in vessels where the liquid height is large compared to the diameter. Because of the gentle stirring or mixing by the device, it has application for biomedical uses where cell damage is to be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: David W. Gregg
  • Patent number: 5261784
    Abstract: A pump (P) including a stationary pump housing (1) and a rotating pump housing (10, 10a) mounted on the stationary pump housing (1) and defining a fluid receiving chamber (11). A pitot probe (5) freely rotatably mounted in the stationary pump housing (1) and terminating in a tip portion (5a) disposed in the fluid receiving chamber (11). A brake arrangement (20, 21) is provided for braking a rotational speed of the probe (5) so as to enable a controlling of the rotational speed of the probe (5) independent of the rotational speed of the rotating pump housing (10, 10a) thereby producing variable pump pressures and fluid flow rates for the pump (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kent Weber
  • Patent number: 5234320
    Abstract: A centrifugal suction pump includes a vertically disposed support tube having upper and lower ends, a liquid check valve on the lower end of the support tube, and a hollow rotatable hub mounted on the upper end of the support tube. A number of horizontally expeller tubes are connected to the hub and extend radially therefrom. A check valve is associated with the hub for venting the hub to ambient atmosphere and a priming conduit is connected to the support tube for filing the latter and the expeller tubes with liquid. A stopper is associated with each expeller tube and has an operative position that seals the expeller tube. Rotation of the expeller tubes causes radial displacement of liquid therein which effects movement of the stoppers to an inoperative position at which the tubes are unsealed and liquid is pumped up the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Alberto G. Domenge
  • Patent number: 5145314
    Abstract: A method of operating a pitot pump that pressurizes a first fluid of a first viscosity and first density wherein the pump includes a rotatable housing and a stationary probe disposed within the housing includes the steps of providing a source of a second fluid having a second viscosity and second density less than the first viscosity and first density, detecting a physical condition in the housing indicative of the presence of the first fluid at a second radial position inside the first radial position and connecting the source of the second fluid to an inner annular chamber of the housing when the detected physical condition indicates that the first fluid is present at the second radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Westhoff, Jr., Kent Weber
  • Patent number: 5135353
    Abstract: A variable pressure and variable flow rate pump in accordance with the invention includes a stationary pump housing (1), a rotating pump housing (10), rotatably mounted with respect to the stationary pump housing including a fluid receiving chamber (12) for receiving fluid to be pumped which is driven by a drive (11); a pitot probe (5) rotatably mounted in the stationary pump housing having a tip (5a) disposed in the fluid receiving chamber radially offset from an axis of rotation of the probe for receiving fluid from the fluid receiving chamber; a brake (15) for selectively braking a rotational speed of the probe to control the rotational speed of the probe independently of a rotational speed of the rotating pump housing to provide a fluid output from the output with a variable pressure and flow rate; a thermal insulator (44) mounted between the brake and the fluid receiving chamber for thermally insulating the fluid receiving chamber from heat generated by the brake; and a control (C) coupled to the brake f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Westhoff, Kent I. M. Weber
  • Patent number: 5098255
    Abstract: Prior centrifugal pitot pumps have suffered from reduced efficiency and inability to control flow parameters during operation. In order to overcome these problems, a pitot pump for pressurizing a fluid includes a rotatable housing having a housing inlet through which fluid may be passed wherein a rotating flow of fluid is induced in a volume of space within the housing, a probe disposed in the housing and having a movable probe inlet disposed in the volume of space and a probe outlet at which outlet fluid flow is established and means for moving the probe inlet within the range of positions within the rotating flow of fluid whereby a parameter of the outlet fluid flow can be controlled. The pitot pump has improved controllability and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kent Weber
  • Patent number: 5007798
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump for accommodating entrained gas and vapor at low absolute suction pressures includes an impeller with a central inlet chamber. The impeller has a peripheral wall which is concentric with the impeller's axis; and, at least one passage extends outwardly from an inlet port in the peripheral wall to an exit port radially spaced from the chamber. Preferably, the pump includes a stationary inlet port device located within the central inlet chamber for separating the spinning impeller from incoming fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Vaqua Limited
    Inventor: Brian Keane
  • Patent number: 4820134
    Abstract: A loop pump (1) for pumping liquid, i.e. a pump comprising a pipe (3) or the like embodied in a plurality of turns/loops. The pipe is rotated by a drive source to introduce alternately air and liquid into an inlet (4) and to pump the liquid to a drawing place by way of a conduit (6) or the like rotatably connected with the pipe. The drive source, which may be a propeller (8), absorbs the flow energy of the liquid. A floating body (10) gives the pump the desired floatability on the liquid and the pump includes an anchor (11) for anchoring it relative to the surroundings of the flowing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Per-Olof Karlsson
  • Patent number: 4818177
    Abstract: An improved centrifugal pump is provided wherein a suction valve is integrally mounted within the impeller housing. The valve is shifted to the open position by hydraulic action and is preloaded by a spring to the closed position. Mechanical linkage is also provided to manually shift the valve between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Grohmann
  • Patent number: 4792275
    Abstract: A pump is provided within a vortex generator having a plurality of equally spaced blades which rotate in a pump casing to form a nucleus of fluid in the shape of an ellipsoid having an upper tapered end and a lower tapered end with a thicker central section at the blades. Fluid flows in a synchronized flow from the lowered tapered end of the nucleus in a rotating vortex column of fluid which initially flows out of the pump inlet to swirl the ambient fluid about the inlet and causes a low pressure area and a swirling of the ambient fluid to flow inwardly through the pump inlet in a direction counter to the vortex column flow. A belt of fluid rotates between the nucleus and the pump casing. The blades are curved to retain fluid in the nucleus and momentum energy is cumulatively applied to keep the swirling column of fluid swirling through the pump outlet. A tapered section on the pump between the pump inlet and pump outlet assists in flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Eddy Pump Corporation
    Inventor: Harry P. Weinrib
  • Patent number: 4786230
    Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in molten metal pumps for the transfer of principally molten aluminum and zinc from specialized molten and holding furnaces through fluidics control means downstream of the pump to control the direction of flow of molten metals at 1200.degree.-1600.degree. temperatures. The molten metal pump is characterized by both upper and lower dual volute pumps driven by the same shaft, each having separated intake filtering adjacent the top and bottom of the pump unit. Separated and extended molten metal intake permit molten metal flow from a submerged environment through restricted peripheral ingress slots both about the top and bottom and into both top and bottom independent voluted pump impellers. The invention permits direct use of the novel pump with aluminum metal, whose oxide impurities settle and/or zinc metal whose oxide particles float, in the molten state without pump modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Bruno H. Thut