Abstract: Centrifugal Pumps are known to exhibit unstable operating region(s) in flow as evidenced by unstable operating region(s) in flow as evidenced by the pump's flow-head curve that has either a flat or a positive slope. The unstable flow has been determined to be due to the generating of a vortex and appears in the cross-over pass located downstream of the pump impeller in the area where the flow direction changes or bends for entry into the diffuser, specifically an axial diffuser with blades. Once the flow-head curve for a selected centrifugal pump is plotted, the unstable area is manipulated by the use of tandem vane devices to eliminate the unstable regions of the flow head curve. These vane devices may be the full height or partial height vanes sized on the basis of the cross-over path for guiding the fluid stream from the pump impeller into the diffuser smoothly including a change in direction. A small axial gap is defined between the tandem vane and the downstream axial diffuser vanes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for supporting and adapting high pressure pumping apparatus for use on or in a marine vessel subject to direct dynamic motions imparted to the marine vessel without damaging the pumping apparatus to thereby extend the useful life of the pumping apparatus. For this purpose the method and apparatus is designed to prevent the deflection of the bearings by providing an axial support and radial damping to vibrations resulting from the motions imparted to the marine vessel. In addition, the pumping shaft is protected when inoperative by preventing the pumping shaft from rotation. Specifically the method and apparatus provide the suction vessel housing the high pressure pumping apparatus to be secured to the marine vessel's deck at all times along with the provision for absorbing the vibrations and stresses due to the marine vessel's movements imparted thereto by being subjected to the direct dynamic motions.

Abstract: A frame for a two wheeled hand cart comprising a single frame useful for a two wheel or four wheel hand cart that is constructed and designed of a molded plastic in a single unitary piece comprising a pair of side frames joined by spaced apart cross rails integrally molded with each of the side rails at pre-selected spaced apart locations to form a molded plastic, rigid frame for receiving handles and wheel assemblies in a frame of improved strength and life.

Abstract: A mechanical lifting mechanism for lifting bodies and/or objects for transport. The lifting mechanism has a pair of spaced vertical arms and a horizontal arm connecting the vertical arms and arranged in an inverted U. The vertical arms are adjustable in length in accordance with the size of the object to be lifted and carry lifting means at the free ends thereof. The lifting mechanism includes a pair of cross arms connected at one end in common at a supporting arm arranged between the vertical arms. The cross arms each have an end pivotably connected to an individual vertical arm for moving the vertical arms outwardly of their vertical positions. The supporting arm extends through the horizontal arm and includes a swivel for coupling to a source for imparting vertical movements to the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A shaft position transducer constructed and defined with a pair of rotary scales for measuring increments of rotation in the English or metric systems. The rotary scale movements are sensed by means of solid state light sensing packages for producing output signals in phase quadrature. The light sensing packages are mounted in the correct relationship without the need for adjustments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar coded data for entry into portable data collection systems. The data is read by an optical wand wherein the light source is automatically and periodically energized for saving the energy of the system. The D.C. offset voltages are determined and stored in an up/down counter during reading or sampling intervals while the analog signal processing circuits are periodically de-energized. The light source is also calibrated to maximize the power savings and minimize reading errors.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing waste particles from grain and similar agricultural products. The cleaner comprises a pair of concentric drums adapted to be rotated in unison and having perforated outer surfaces for separating out waste particles. The inner drum has a plurality of sections of decreasing diameter for deterring the flow of the grain therethrough while separating out the waste particles.