Abstract: In a single stage, single suction, high speed centrifugal pump utilizing a closed Francis-vane impeller including a radially extending vane support portion having an outer discharge diameter at least approximately twice the inlet diameter of the inlet eye of the impeller, operating noise is reduced by encasing a single-step helical gear drive arrangement in a common bearing housing with the impeller's shaft. The operating noise is further reduced by forming the driven helical gear directly on the impeller's shaft to improve dynamic balance, by tensioning the shaft to reduce its vibration, and by mounting a plurality of fins on the bearing housing of the pump to absorb some of the high frequency sound wave energy of the pump and to translate a further portion of the high frequency sound wave energy into low frequency mechanical vibrations of the fins.

Abstract: In a single stage, single suction, high speed centrifugal pump utilizing a closed Francis-vane impeller, operating noise is reduced by encasing a single-step helical gear drive arrangement in a common bearing housing with the impeller's shaft. The operating noise is further reduced by forming the driven helical gear directly on the impeller's shaft to improve dynamic balance, and by mounting a plurality of fins on the bearing housing of the pump to absorb some of the high frequency sound wave energy of the pump, and to translate a further portion of the high frequency sound wave energy into low frequency mechanical vibrations of the fins. Operating noise is further reduced by encasing the fins within a shroud and by providing a fan to blow ambient air by the fins to further disrupt the sound wave patterns emanating from the bearing housing. Operating noise is still further reduced by maintaining the impeller's shaft under tension whereby vibration of the shaft is reduced, as is the noise produced thereby.

Abstract: A double suction, double volute pump for propelling a boat having each volute exhaust through a separate jet nozzle. The pump housing defines two intake passageways leading upward to either side of a double suction impeller. The housing further provides double volutes which receive water from each side of the double suction impeller and deliver it to dual nozzles thereby creating twin jets which may be employed to propel and control the boat. The double volutes each extend substantially full circle about the housing and terminate in elbows which lead to the nozzles. The nozzles are placed horizontally equidistant from the centerline of the impeller shaft and are controlled by steering linkages to operate in unison. Reversing control gates may be operated either together for reversing or independently for slow speed steering.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for a boat which is used to propel the boat by means of a jet of water created by the pump. The pump includes a housing which is mounted exterior to the hull. A drive shaft and an impeller are mounted to rotate within the housing. The drive shaft extends through the transom of the boat and may be coupled directly to a gas turbine engine or other power generating device. The impeller is of the double suction type and includes ports for equalizing pressures on either side of the impeller at the suction positions thereof. The housing provides a double volute to receive the effluent from the impeller and direct it aft to a nozzle. Nozzle mechanisms are disclosed which provide easy steering and boat trim control under high thrust loads. A thrust reversal system is employed which directs the jet of water forward for stopping and reversing.

Abstract: A down hole pump and, more particularly, a turbine driven geothermal down hole pump has a housing insertable in a well casing to a depth wherein geothermal liquid is exposed to the inlet of the pump contained in the housing and with a turbine in the housing for driving the pump and which is supplied with a part of the pumped liquid which is filtered and returned under pressure as a power liquid for driving the turbine. The pump has a suction ejector supplied with spent power liquid received from the turbine for imposing a net positive suction head on liquid at the pump inlet and with this spent power liquid also being directed to an expansible seal surrounding a lower part of the housing to engage the seal with the well casing. The drive shaft between the turbine and the pump is rotatably mounted by journal bearings with power liquid returned from ground level being supplied by passages to the journal bearings in a manner to avoid packing and mechanical seals for the shaft.

Abstract: A high speed, high capacity impeller assembly for a double suction, double volute centrifugal pump. The impeller assembly includes an impeller and two inducers rotatably mounted on a shaft. The inducers feed influent into the eye of the impeller on either side thereof. The impeller includes a plurality of vanes having a low lead angle at the leading edge of each vane. Partial vanes are also provided between each main vane to reduce vortex motion and pump vibration.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for a boat which is used to propel the boat by a jet of water created by the pump. The pump includes a housing which is mounted exterior to the hull. A drive shaft and an impeller are mounted to rotate within the housing. The drive shaft extends through the hull of the boat and may be coupled directly to a gas turbine engine or other power generating device. The impeller is of the double suction type and includes ports for equalizing pressures on either side of the impeller at the suction positions thereof. The housing provides a double volute to receive the effluent from the impeller and direct it aft to a nozzle. Nozzle mechanisms are disclosed which provide easy steering and boat trim control under high thrust loads. A thrust reversal system is employed which directs the jet of water forward for stopping and reversing. A new scoop design is also included which reduces drag and yet provides proper flow to the pump.