Abstract: In a centrifugal pump, a sealing ring is affixed to the rotating shaft through which pumpate flows, and a non-rotating, axially slidable sealing member is biased against the sealing ring. In preferred embodiments the slidable sealing member sealingly additionally engages a second sealing member which is stationary with respect to the motor housing. In particularly preferred embodiments slidable sealing members are positioned near each end of the motor housing, with the sealing ring interposed between a rolling bearing and a slidable sealing member.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane based purification system expresses permeate through a membrane, and uses an air lift pump to raise the permeate. In particularly preferred embodiments, a plurality of membranes are positioned at least several hundred feet below the surface of the each, and are used to desalinate salty or brackish water. Ozone may be used to further purify the water and help maintain the integrity of the membranes.

Abstract: The weight of a fluid is used to drive a plurality of semi-permeable membranes or other filter material to produce a permeate, and in at least some level of the apparatus more than 30% of the permeate produced is collected within a single filter casing. In other aspects, the filter material is at least partially contained within series production modules, which may contain transport zones for transporting feed or flushing fluid. In other aspects the ends of adjacent production modules may be designed to mate with one another using a slip fit, and the production modules may be maintained in mating relationship through connections to supporting cables or rods. In still other aspects of the inventive subject matter a submerged pump may be used to raise permeate towards the surface, and the pump may advantageously operate at least partially using centrifugal and/or air lift principles.

Abstract: A plurality of reverse osmosis units each having a cavity and a membrane are placed within a deep channel. The channel contains an unpurified liquid, and the membranes communicate directly with the unpurified liquid in the channel. The level of unpurified liquid is such that the differential pressure across the membranes is sufficient to cause purified liquid to accumulate in the cavities, from which it is emptied and pumped to the surface. The high pressure sides of the membranes are flushed by unpurified liquid being pumped through the channel. In this manner, a relatively large percentage of the channel diameter can be utilized, and the mechanisms can be implied over prior systems in which unpurified and purified liquids are piped from one reverse osmosis unit to another.

Abstract: This invention discloses a roller or ball bearing assembly, a bearing finger cage and a mechanically interlocked double faced speed regulated mechanical seal arrangement. The selection of the radius of the rolling bearing diameters determines the rotational speed of the driven bearing finger cage and the rotational speed of the bearing finger cage assures the mechanical and rotational speed of the speed regulated mechanical seal wherein the relative speeds of the plurality of sealing faces are reduced proportionally by the division of applied shaft speed revolutions among the plurality of seal finished face members. The reduced relative surface speeds of sealing face members will increase the overall service life of the unique speed regulated mechanical seal and bearing assembly. The reduced relative surface speeds of sealing face members will allow greater applied shaft rotational speed than present art mechanical seals.

Abstract: A new integral motor/pump design utilizing a combination centrifugal enclosed impeller, shaft and feeder conduit. Whereby the impeller drive shaft serves a dual purpose of providing applied power from the hollow motor driveshaft directly to the impeller blade or blades and also is a fluid entrance conduit for the impeller media feed. The present invention hollow motor drive shaft, hollow impeller shaft and enclosed impeller also incorporates optional changeable impeller leading edge blades. These blades help facilitate the most efficient flow of various fluids and pumped media. The present invention utilizes simplicity of design whereby inspection and service accessibility is optimized. Design configuration renders radial thrust bearing curves more applicable to a broad range of applications and extended motor/pump service life.

Abstract: A new integral motor/pump design utilizing a combination centrifugal enclosed impeller, shaft and feeder conduit. Whereby the impeller drive shaft serves a dual purpose of providing applied power from the hollow motor driveshaft directly to the impeller blade or blades and also is a fluid entrance conduit for the impeller media feed. The present invention hollow motor drive shaft, hollow impeller shaft and enclosed impeller also incorporates optional changeable impeller leading edge blades. These blades help facilitate the most efficient flow of various fluids and pumped media. The present invention utilizes simplicity of design whereby inspection and service accessibility is optimized. Design configuration renders radial thrust bearing curves more applicable to a broad range of applications and extended motor/pump service life.