Abstract: A spacer member for positioning and retaining steel reinforcing bars in a concrete structural member such as a round-column. The spacer member is defined by a circular, ring-like main body section having a plurality of outer extensions and a plurality of interior projections. Each of the outer extensions has a remote edge adapted to abut the inner surface of a form for the structural member. Each of the interior projections is separated from next adjacent interior projections by a space, into which a reinforcing bar is intended to be inserted. The spaces are provided at least at every 45 degree and 60 degree intervals along the circle formed by the body member. The reinforcing bars are adapted to be securely tied in their respective spaces by means of securing means that is adapted to be wrapped around the bar and around a hook-like formation formed on the interior projection.

Abstract: A beam chair for supporting, positioning and retaining a reinforcement bar is a concrete structural member and, in particular, in a concrete structural member such as a beam or slab. The beam chair is defined by a horizontal support surface which, together with first and second vertical support members, define an open cavity for receiving a longitudinally oriented reinforcing bar and wherein the bar is adapted to be supported by the horizontal support surface. The second vertical support member is provided with an upper side extension having a remote edge. The first and second vertical support members are provided, respectively, with first and second depending members which terminate in lower edges. A lower side extension projects from the second depending member parallel to the upper side extension.

Abstract: A steel placement member adapted for supporting and locating a reinforcing steel bar in a concrete structural member formed by placing concrete in an area defined by a horizontal bottom surface and a vertical perimetrical surface. The steel placement member is defined by a tubular body having a channel formed in one end for receiving the end of a reinforcing bar. The opposite end of the tubular body is provided with a plate member lying perpendicular thereto and being adapted to abut the vertical perimetrical surface. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate member is provided with a vertically depending arrow member which is adapted to rest against the horizontal bottom surface. The steel placement member, with the plate member abutting the vertical surface and the arrow member resting against the bottom surface, supports the reinforcing bar within the channel and locates the reinforcing bar a desired distance inside the vertical surface and above the bottom surface.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly for a submersible pump has a base and an end ring which together directly, flatly engage opposite ends of a lamination stack so that the stack is thus aligned with the base and the end ring. A shell is pressed over the lamination stack and the ends of the shell are roll-formed to grippingly engage shoulders on the base and the end ring while the stack is held in compression. The shell directly engages the outer cylindrical periphery of the laminations to establish a continuous ground path and also to preclude shifting of individual laminations. The base is molded of a synthetic resinous material and directly supports a sleeve bearing, and a plurality of fluid conduits in the base enable passage of coolant to the bearing during operation of the motor. In preferred forms, the base is provided with an edge for directly engaging one end of a series of pump stagings, and the base also has a shoulder for gripping engagement with a complementally formed edge of a pump casing.

Abstract: A resilient support member for reinforcing steel having first and second legs separated by an open cavity and being normally axially aligned in the inoperative position of the support member. The support member is adapted to assume an operative position by deforming the legs inwardly toward each other around a reinforcing steel bar such that one of said legs is perpendicular to the other and with the reinforcing bar being disposed within the cavity which, in the operative position, is substantially closed around the bar. The support member may be secured in this operative position with the outer ends of the legs abutting the inner surface of the walls of a concrete form.

Abstract: A submersible pump has a cartridge of pump stages that are compressed between an inlet base and a discharge head as a pump casing surrounding the cartridge is roll-formed to complementally engage shoulders on the base and the head. The inner diameter of the casing presents a slight interference fit with each of the pump stages so that a diffuser on each stage is held in a stationary position during operation of the pump. The casing also provides a plurality of radially inwardly directed forces to maintain the stages in alignment with each other. Complete circumferential contact of the diffuser walls with the interior surface of the casing reduces interstage leaking such that pump efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A connector for an immersible electric device such as a pump motor substantially precludes water leakage in an area where the wires enter a motor housing. The connector is comprised of a elastomeric body portion having a relatively non-resilient plate secured thereto, and passageways extending through the body portion and the plate complementally receive the electrical wires. The body portion and the plate are installed in a mating bore of the motor base such that the plate is seated against an inwardly extending shoulder within the bore.

Abstract: A slinger for a submersible electric pump protects a motor shaft bearing as well as a shaft seal. The slinger is provided with four, inclined, curved projections or vanes which are operable to propel sand or other potentially abrasive, grit-like contaminants away from an area adjacent the shaft seal. A pair of outlet slots disposed horizontally adjacent a lowermost portion of the slinger cooperates with the vanes to enable passage of the contaminants to an area external of the pump, such that the contaminants do not accumulate within the pump itself and the likelihood that the contaminants will enter the first pump stage is significantly reduced. Each of the vanes has a face inclined slightly relative to the frustoconical outer surface of the slinger, and each face terminates in a curved leading edge and a curved trailing edge. The vanes direct the contaminants toward the lowermost portion of the slinger where maximum outward thrust is developed.

Abstract: A steel placement assembly comprising a plurality of steel placement lock members which mate to form circular cavities for supporting and retaining steel reinforcing bars along their transverse length and intermediate their ends in a concrete structural member. Mated pairs of vertically and horizontally oriented steel placement lock members cooperate with vertically and horizontally oriented adjacent mated pairs and with spacer members to form structural members of diverse size. The steel placement lock members are provided with extensions which positively maintain the reinforcing steel a sufficient distance inside the face of the concrete. Steel end lock members provided over the ends of the reinforcing bars prevent lateral movement of the bars toward the concrete face.