Abstract: A full-circumferential flow pump has a circumferential fluid passage between a pump casing and a motor provided in the pump casing. The full-circumferential flow pump comprises a suction-side casing having a suction nozzle, and an outer cylinder connected to the suction-side casing and accommodating the canned motor therein. The suction-side casing and the outer cylinder have flanges, respectively extending radially outwardly from an open ends thereof. The adjacent flanges of the suction-side casing and the outer cylinder are clamped by clamping flanges to connect the suction-side casing and the outer cylinder.

Abstract: An electrically driven air pump having a housing, a pump mechanism in the housing and an electric motor in the housing connected in driving relation to the pump mechanism. Two spaced elastic supports support the electric motor from the housing at opposite ends of the motor. An air passage in the housing provides a flow of air past the electric motor to the pump mechanism. The air passage includes a suction nozzle supported by one of the elastic supports for supplying air to an inlet collar of a pump impeller of the pump mechanism. The suction nozzle projects into the collar for supply of the air from the electric motor to the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A two-stage positive displacement pump (1) is used in particular to operate in conjunction with a turbomolecular pump (2) that can be placed ahead of it in series. The two-stage positive displacement pump (1) is configured as a hybrid pump (3) that has on the medium-entry side a reciprocating pump (5) with a comparatively large displacement area (6), whereby its piston-cylinder space (7) is sealed off with respect to the crank area (8) by means of a sealing membrane (9). Also as a part of this two-stage positive displacement pump (1) which forms the hybrid pump (3), there is placed in series behind the reciprocating pump (5) a diaphragm pump (10), whose displacement area (11) is noticeably smaller compared to that of the reciprocating pump (5).

Abstract: An electronic variable orifice flow control valve includes a valve body mounted on a hydraulic pump housing in a valve bore of the housing, a valve seat on the valve body, a metering rod cooperating with the vale seat in defining a variable orifice, and a solenoid having an armature connected to the metering rod and mounted on a body of the solenoid for bodily shiftable movement between retracted and extended positions. The solenoid body has a concentric discharge type discharge port therein, i.e. a discharge port through which fluid flows concentric with a longitudinal centerline of the valve bore, and the solenoid armature is tubular so that a fluid flow path is defined from the variable orifice to the concentric discharge type discharge port through the armature.

Abstract: A swash-plate type compressor comprising a cylinder block, front and rear valve plates, and front and rear housings attached to either end of the cylinder block over the valve plates. A swash-plate is accommodated in the cylinder block to reciprocally move a plurality of double headed pistons which form compression chambers on either side thereof. A drive shaft carries the swash-plate and is supported by a pair of tapered roller bearings. Each of the tapered roller bearings is secured in the central hole of each valve plate. Also, each valve plate is coupled to the cylinder block in a locating projection-locating hole fitting relationship to effect centering the drive shaft relative to the cylinder block. In addition, a suction passage is arranged to introduce the refrigerating gas from the swash-plate chamber to each of the compression chambers in such a manner as to reduce the radius of the cylinder block.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus has a transparent or semitransparent optical medium in the form of an acrylic plate, two fluorescent tubes for emitting light into the acrylic plate through opposite end surfaces thereof, and a reflecting plate disposed under a lower surface of the acrylic plate for upwardly reflecting the light. The lower surface of the acrylic plate defines a diffusing plane including a plurality of irregular reflector regions distributed thereon. The irregular reflector regions comprise ship-shape patterns arranged in juxtaposition longitudinally of the fluorescent tubes. The diffusing plane further includes modified irregular reflector regions formed where the irregular reflector regions are absent. The modified irregular reflector regions irregularly reflect a less quantity of light than the irregular reflector regions.

Abstract: A multi-purpose lamp (10) for outdoor use provides, as desired, a function of a pagoda lamp or of a projections lamp, or of a combined pagoda-projecting lamp.It includes a pole (101) for insertion into the ground, a support 102 mounted on the pole (101) in desired angular position, a bulb (107) within the support (102), a lens (104) mounted on the support (102) above the bulb (107), a convex-concave reflector (113) mounted within the support (102) and disposed below the bulb (107), and two shades (105, 106) mounted on the support (102). The shades (105) is a pagoda-type shade which comprises another convex-concave reflector (117), so as, when the pagoda-type shade (105) is mounted on the support (102) to provide a pagoda lamp performance, the reflectors (113, 117) form a pair of spaced-apart convex-concave parabolic reflectors substantially parallel to each other.The shade (106) is a ring-type shade. When the ring-type shade (106) is mounted on the support (102), the lamp (10) performs as a projecting lamp.

Abstract: A thrust reverser safety system for a turbofan engine is disclosed which is integrated into the hydraulic control system of the thrust reverser door so as to prevent the hydraulic actuator from permitting the thrust reverser door to be forced into its deployed, thrust reversing position. The hydraulic actuator defines a closing chamber which, when acted upon by pressurized hydraulic fluid, urges the thrust reverser door to its closed, forward thrust position. The safety system according to this invention provides a valve associated with the hydraulic control circuit and the closing chamber which prevents the hydraulic fluid from being forced out of the closing chamber. This positively prevents the thrust reverser door from moving to its deployed, thrust reversing position.

Abstract: A multiple stage airlift pump apparatus for elevating water or other liquids using only a single air pressure source. The functioning portion of the airlift mechanism is enclosed within a casing which is submerged into a body of water. The casing is connected to a pump via an air line and fitting so that air is forced into the casing and the working portion of the invention. The lift is comprised of a plurality tubular stage members being connected at their upper ends to a nozzle-type member. Each tubular stage member other than the initial one has an inner tubular separating member therein which functions to separate air and water and store the same at the next stage. The inner tubular separating member for each stage member is positioned within the same and is securely connected thereto. The separating members are opened at a lower end which encompasses the nose of the nozzle member and are closed at the upper end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved light devices, such as illumination or signal devices used on vehicles for managing the light reflections from reflective surfaces of such devices. In one exemplary embodiment thereof, a light device includes an array of tubular elements partially embedded in a reflective surface, such as a surface of a lens of said device, which lens focuses, directs or disperses light from the device. The use of such an embedded array of tubular elements causes the light source to appear as a substantially opaque surface when the light device is not operative and permits an effective amount of light to be projected from the light device when the device is operative.

Abstract: An improved power plant employing a combination of compressed air storage and saturation (simultaneous heating and humidification) of compressed air is disclosed. The power plant includes a combustor which provides hot gas for driving a turbine. The turbine is used in conjunction with a generator to generate electrical power. The power from the turbine is accessible by a compressor system during low power demand periods. The compressor system is used to compress air which is stored in an air storage chamber. The compressed air from the air storage chamber is used by the combustor during high power demand periods, while the compressor system is shut down, to provide compressed combustion gas to the turbine. To enhance the efficiency of the plant, while further lowering the capital cost of the plant, a saturator is positioned between the storage chamber and the combustor. The saturator receives compressed air from the storage chamber and simultaneously heats and humidifies it.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump constructed of a relatively small number of components so that performance and reliability criteria can be satisfied in a relatively economical and compact pump. In a preferred embodiment, the occlusion bed pivots about a pair of hinge pins integrally molded with the occlusion bed which are received in lugs integrally molded with the base of the pump. The occlusion bed also preferably includes an integral resiliently-biased latch member which cooperates with a latch plate integrally molded in the base of the pump. The pump preferably includes a rotor in which each of the roller support pins is molded integrally with one of the end plates. To secure tubing in place on the pump, a pair of cantilevered leaf springs urge tubing into slots on tubing retainer plates disposed adjacent the rotor. The roller pins and rollers may be made of a low friction composite material which eliminates the need for bearings therebetween.

Abstract: A swash plate type automotive air conditioning compressor that minimizes part count while providing a more robust and improved operation. A large diameter, single slotted ball located in a matching socket in each piston overlies the outer edge of the swash plate. As the plate turns, the sides of the plate rub along the sides of the ball slot, and the ball twists within the socket, reciprocating the piston. The larger diameter surfaces of ball and socket are easier to machine accurately, and part count is reduced to a minimum. The larger contacting surface areas provide for better lubrication and lower pressure loading.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having cylinders and a head assembly adapted for compressing gas, wherein one or more cylinders of an inline-cylinder engine are modified to compress flammable gas, such as natural gas. The engine cylinders and head assembly are adapted to compress gas by: modifying existing engine valves to secure compressor intake and discharge valves within the head assembly; converting engine pistons into compressor pistons; inserting filler plates into the head assembly; and replacing the engine manifold, which is in communication with the adapted cylinders, with gas intake and discharge manifolds.

Abstract: A swash plate type compressor comprises a cylinder block cooperating to form therein a compartment accommodating therein a swash plate and also serving as a suction chamber of the compressor, and a drive shaft rotatably supported in the cylinder block and having formed therein an axial discharge passage connecting front and rear discharge chambers. The compressor further includes a pair of front and rear rotary type suction valves mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith and fitted in bores formed centrally in the cylinder block such that one axial end thereof is exposed to suction pressure and the other end to discharge pressure of the refrigerant gas. Each suction valve has formed therein a passage which is in constant communication with the swash plate compartment and is operable to bring its passage in communication successively with fluid working chambers in synchronism with the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A pump including a submersible motor sealed within a motor chamber, an impeller rotatably mounted in an impeller chamber, and motor and impeller shafts coupled to one another to interconnect the motor and impeller. The impeller pumps fluid from the impeller chamber into the motor chamber where the fluid flows around the motor to cool the motor and muffle the motor noise before being discharged from the pump. The impeller shaft is rotatably mounted in a bearing fixed to the impeller housing and having grooves facing the shaft and providing fluid communication between the impeller and motor chambers. Fluid flows into the grooves from the impeller or motor chamber depending on the pressure gradient across the bearing, which varies according to downstream pump conditions (e.g., pressure). As the impeller shaft continues to rotate, fluid from the grooves forms a thin lubricating film in the clearance space provided between the impeller shaft and bearing.

Abstract: A cylindrical gas compressor has inlet valves confined therewithin, at opposite ends thereof, and discharge valves, shaft-mounted therebetween, for reciprocation to ingest and compress admitted gas. Outboard of the inlet valves are circular plates from which extend a plurality of fingers. The plates are confined within chambers in the compressor, and radial ports are provided for admitting pressured fluid to the plates to cause them to move inboard, whereby the fingers penetrate the inlet valves and remove the inlet valve valving elements off the valve seat, effecting unloading of the inlet valves. Springs hold the plates outboard of the inlet valves, to allow the valves to function normally-loaded, in the absence of the plate-displacing, ports-admitted, pressured fluid.

Abstract: A recessed wall lighting fixture is disclosed comprising a recessed enclosure, a tray connected to and extending out from the recessed enclosure, and means for mounting the recessed enclosure in a predetermined orientation. The recessed enclosure has a back wall and an opened face with a flange portion. The tray extends out from the flange portion and provides a platform adapted for supporting a light diffuser. The tray also has an upright partition. The platform extends from the upright partition to the flange portion of the enclosure. The tray also includes an adjustable connecting means extendable between the upright partition to the flange portion for engaging the light diffuser. The tray can be attached to either of adjacent side walls of the enclosure, thereby allowing the light diffuser associated therewith to be oriented in either a horizontal or vertical position.

Abstract: The ultrasonic hydraulic booster pump (10, 150) comprises a backing plate housing (11) defining a cavity (14) closed at one end (13) by an end cap (18), the end cap (18) having an inlet port (20) and the backing plate housing (11) having an outlet port (16). A diaphragm (35). (30) having a plurality of openings (33) is mounted between the end cap (18) and a spacer member (35) located within the cavity. A plurality of annular shaped piezoelectric rings or discs (60) are located within a ring housing (40) disposed within the spacer member A plug member (50) with a through opening (52) extends through a central through opening (44) in the ring housing (40) and includes a valve seat (58) disposed closely adjacent a solid central portion (34) of the diaphragm (30) , and the end cap (18) includes a valve seat (22) disposed closely adjacent the opposite side of the diaphragm (30).

Abstract: Inlet valves, in a fluid-pressuring cylinder, are biasingly held in given operative positions where they occlude passageways, formed in the cylinder, which open at opposite ends onto the cylinder interior and the cylinder exterior. When an incompressible slug of liquid enters the cylinder, the relevant valve retracts against the bias thereof to expose the passageway, whereby the risk of over-pressuring is avoided, and the excess pressure is simply vented through the passageway(s), directly to the exterior of the cylinder.