Abstract: A flexible damped bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft within a machine including at least one helper spring mounted below the shaft and being arranged to act against the bearing to support the weight of the shaft and thus eliminate the effect of static preloading on the bearing system.

Abstract: A seal for use in a fluid-to-fluid shaft seal assembly as conventionally employed in a rotary machine. The seal includes a first and second ring encompassing the shaft and having a bushing seal interposed therebetween. A biasing member is arranged to act against one of the rings and the bushing seal to exert a predetermined force upon the bushing seal whereby the bushing seal is allowed to move radially in compliance with the shaft between the two rings. Radial ports are also provided within the bushing seal to bring fluid into contact with the shaft beneath the bushing, each port having a contoured entrance region to facilitate movement of fluid therethrough and thus insure that a positive seal is formed between the bushing and the shaft.

Abstract: An alcohol circuit for use in an absorption refrigeration system for circulating alcohol through the system along an independent path of travel which prevents the alcohol from stagnating within the evaporator section of the system. Further means are provided to precondition the alcohol prior to its introduction into the absorber section to enhance the effective use of this additive within this section.

Abstract: An alcohol reclaiming apparatus for use in an absorption refrigeration system having a separator operatively connected to the system condenser for removing alcohol from liquid refrigerant prior to passing the refrigerant from the condenser section to the evaporator section of the system. The separated alcohol is delivered directly into the system absorber, thereby bypassing the evaporator, to promote continuous circulation of alcohol through the system whereby the performance of the system is maintained at a relatively high level.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide gas is bled into an absorption refrigeration system to reduce the alkaline normality of an aqueous lithium bromide solution. The carbon dioxide reacts with lithium hydroxide contained in the solution to form a carbonate thereby reducing the alkaline normality of the solution.

Abstract: A seal suitable for use in a barrel-type rotary machine having an inner casing mounted within an outer casing to provide a chamber therebetween which is pressurized by exposing the chamber to high pressure fluids processed in the machine. One end of the chamber is substantially enclosed by a pressure responsive resilient member. One end of the member is secured to the inner casing and the opposite end thereof arranged to support a sealing element in non-contiguous relation adjacent to the inner wall of the outer casing. As the chamber is pressurized, the resilient member is forced outwardly toward the outer casing to securely seat the sealing element in positive fluid-tight engagement thereagainst.

Abstract: A fluid-to-fluid shaft seal assembly including at least one pressure breakdown bushing within the sealing region encompassing the shaft of a rotary machine and being loosely housed within the machine frame. The bushing includes an inwardly extended arm passing downwardly into an undercut formed within the shaft. A balancing ring extends between the arm and one wall of the stator opening. The ring is strategically located in respect to the bushing whereby the forces exerted upon the bushing by the sealing fluid are pressure balanced to permit the bushing to move freely in a radial direction to comply with the shaft as the shaft deflects and thus prevent the bushing from locking against the machine frame.

Abstract: An impeller and shaft assembly suitable for use in an overhung compressor for facilitating mounting and rearranging impellers upon a shaft. A stud is threaded into the end of the shaft and the impeller slidably mounted thereon. An elongated key is inserted between the stud, the shaft, and the impeller to cojoin the three elements. In another embodiment, a second impeller is mounted upon the stud adjacent the first impeller with the two impellers being locked to the stud by a common key.

Abstract: A tilt shoe bearing assembly wherein each shoe in the assembly is provided with complete freedom to automatically adjust its position under various running conditions to offset critical running speeds by maintaining a fluid wedge between the shoe and the shaft.

Abstract: An end wall closure device for supporting the end wall of a pressure vessel against axial movement when subjected to load conditions. A retaining member made up of a segmented shear key and a segmented compression key is inserted within an internal groove provided within the vessel casing. The shear key is seated in a recessed shoulder formed in the end wall and is provided with a pair of raised moment control pads which, in assembly, act upon the compression key and the casing wall. The pads are strategically positioned to negate the bending moments acting on the retaining member thus minimizing the deflection of the retaining member when placed under load.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for preventing axial movement of side entry buckets mounted upon a rotor disc. The locking mechanism includes a pin loosely supported within a disc tang, the pin having a recessed shoulder arranged to abut against the platform of a first bucket and an extended section arranged to be received in a complementary slot formed in the platform of the next adjacent bucket. A further mechanism is provided for preloading the pin against the buckets whereby the dampening characteristics of the system are enhanced and balancing of the buckets is facilitated.