Abstract: A machine that includes a centrifugal impeller and a diffuser. The impeller has two rows of impeller blades. A first row accelerates the flow away from the axis of rotation, and discharges the flow in an outward radial direction to a second row of impeller blades. The second row first accelerates the flow toward the axis of rotation in an inward radial direction, and then accelerates the flow in the first axial direction. The diffuser has two rows of diffuser blades. A first row of diffuser blades first accelerates the flow in the first axial direction, and then accelerates the flow toward the axis of rotation. The second row of diffuser blades first accelerates the flow away from the axis of rotation, then accelerates the flow in the first axial direction, and then discharges the flow from the diffuser in the first axial direction.

Abstract: The present inventions include a rotating electromagnetic machine such as a motor or generator wherein changes of flux direction adjacent the air gap are avoided. The disclosed improvements apply to permanent magnet alternators, induction motors and generators, doubly fed induction generators, and the like. Adaptation of coils to and fixation within the required slot geometries are disclosed. Excitation systems co-located within the primary rotor core and primary stator core are also disclosed. The use of rubber vulcanized to the rotor in conjunction with a stainless steel rotor sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid connection for a hydromotive machine or fluid-control valve having a first duct and a second duct. The first duct includes a mid-portion between a first end of the first duct and a second end of the first duct that has a non-circular cross-section. A second end of the first duct is wholly within the second end of the second duct. A first end of the second duct is wholly outside of the first duct.

Abstract: The present invention is a fish passage system for use at dams. It may incorporate one or more reversible pump-turbines for controlling and generating power from downstream flow of water and fish and for pumping water and fish upstream. For low head embodiments the system may use water stored at above headwater elevation in lieu of a reversible pump turbine for moving fish and water from tailwater to headwater.

Abstract: A synchronous-reluctance, rotary motor-generator having a rotor, a stator, a radial air gap positioned radially between the stator and the rotor, and a conductor winding assembly. The rotor has an even number of crescent rotor poles with a gap between adjacent crescent rotor poles. Each crescent rotor pole is non-symmetric about a radially-oriented centerline of the rotor ferromagnetic flux path. Each low-reluctance direct axis of the rotor passes through at least one of the gaps between the crescent rotor poles. Each crescent rotor pole is positioned tangentially to the radial air gap. The stator is on a common center with the rotor. The stator has a stator salient pole between each coil winding slot and positioned tangentially to the radial air gap. Each stator salient pole is non-symmetric about a radially-oriented centerline of the stator-salient-pole.

Abstract: The present invention is a fish passage system for use at dams. It may incorporate one or more reversible pump-turbines for controlling and generating power from downstream flow of water and fish and for pumping water and fish upstream. For low head embodiments the system may use water stored at above headwater elevation in lieu of a reversible pump turbine for moving fish and water from tailwater to headwater.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in particular embodiments thereof, may be described as an apparatus (e.g., a pump) that imparts work to and redirects a fluid, and that features an impeller configured to contact and redirect an impeller inflow along a toroidal flowpath to generate an impeller discharge that has both axial and tangential velocity components, where the axial velocity component is substantially 180 degrees relative to a direction of an impeller inflow, in a meridional plane, the apparatus also featuring a diffuser having a diffuser axis that is aligned with an impeller axis of rotation, the diffuser featuring a diffuser outlet annular radial size that is greater than a diffuser inlet annular radial size; and/or curved diffuser vanes established as part of the diffuser, that redirect the impeller discharge so as to reduce the tangential velocity components.

Abstract: A submersible, high-voltage electrical connector that includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has an interior chamber and a conduit configured to connect the interior chamber to an evacuation pump. The male connector is configured to fit within the chamber of the female connector. The conduit of the female connector is further configured to, when the male connector and the female connector are mated, substantially evacuate any liquid from the chamber of the female connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable bladder actuated water control gates for control of open channels such as rivers and canals and for control of dam spillways without the need for intermediate piers. The air bladder and hinge flap wedge clamping system includes hinged engagement of the upstream edge of the clamps to the foundation so as to prevent the application of bending and shear loads to the anchor bolts. The resulting configuration facilitates the use of high strength alloy steel anchor bolts in a corrosion protected environment and also prevents tensile loading of the concrete foundation and associated cracking of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved ultraviolet air sterilizers. In accordance with this invention the mean reflected light path of each photon is maximized while turbulence is suppressed in order to uniformly UVC expose all conveyed pathogen particles. This invention discloses novel means of maximizing the utilization of blower power and UVC lamp power toward the destruction of pathogens. The resulting efficiencies facilitate the construction of high flow rate air sterilization systems for large buildings while also facilitating the miniaturization of UVC air sterilization systems for incorporation into personal protective equipment (PPE).

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved means of venting bottom hinged water control gates through the abutments over a wide range of tailwater elevations while minimizing the hazard of trapping water born debris in the abutment vents. A single pipe, or a plurality of pipes, may be provided. Check valves may be provided to exclude water borne trash.

Abstract: The present invention is a fish passage system for use at dams. It may incorporate one or more reversible pump-turbines for controlling and generating power from downstream flow of water and fish and for pumping water and fish upstream. For low head embodiments the system may use water stored at above headwater elevation in lieu of a reversible pump turbine for moving fish and water from tailwater to headwater.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in particular embodiments thereof, may be described as an apparatus (e.g., a pump) that imparts work to and redirects a fluid, and that features an impeller configured to contact and redirect an impeller inflow along a toroidal flowpath to generate an impeller discharge that has both axial and tangential velocity components, where the axial velocity component is substantially 180 degrees relative to a direction of an impeller inflow, in a meridional plane, the apparatus also featuring a diffuser having a diffuser axis that is aligned with an impeller axis of rotation, the diffuser featuring a diffuser outlet annular radial size that is greater than a diffuser inlet annular radial size; and/or curved diffuser vanes established as part of the diffuser, that redirect the impeller discharge so as to reduce the tangential velocity components.

Abstract: The present inventions include a rotating electromagnetic machine such as a motor or generator wherein changes of flux direction adjacent the air gap are avoided. The disclosed improvements apply to permanent magnet alternators, induction motors and generators, doubly fed induction generators, and the like. Adaptation of coils to and fixation within the required slot geometries are disclosed. Excitation systems co-located within the primary rotor core and primary stator core are also disclosed. The use of rubber vulcanized to the rotor in conjunction with a stainless steel rotor sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible pump-turbine installation positioned in a vertical borehole instead of in a conventional underground powerhouse or deep concrete powerhouse. The required plant cavitation coefficient may be achieved by simply boring a vertical borehole to the required depth rather than routing the water flow to and from a deeply buried powerhouse. A pneumatically controlled pressure relief valve may be incorporated into this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable bladder actuated water control gates for control of open channels such as rivers and canals and for control of dam spillways without the need for intermediate piers. The air bladder and hinge flap wedge clamping system includes hinged engagement of the upstream edge of the clamps to the foundation so as to prevent the application of bending and shear loads to the anchor bolts. The resulting configuration facilitates the use of high strength alloy steel anchor bolts in a corrosion protected environment and also prevents tensile loading of the concrete foundation and associated cracking of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable bladder actuated water control gates for control of open channels such as rivers and canals and for control of dam spillways without the need for intermediate piers. The air bladder and hinge flap wedge clamping system includes hinged engagement of the upstream edge of the clamps to the foundation so as to prevent the application of bending and shear loads to the anchor bolts. The resulting configuration facilitates the use of high strength alloy steel anchor bolts in a corrosion protected environment and also prevents tensile loading of the concrete foundation and associated cracking of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A water control gate pivotable about a horizontal axis. Control may be by a combination of inflatable actuators and ballast chambers in combination with means for preventing over-rotation. Sealing between gate panels and between gate panels and abutments may be by means of seals inflated hydrostatically. The present invention is bottom hinged water control gate actuated by a combination of ballast chambers and inflatable actuators. The invention further includes an inflatable sealing means. The invention is particularly suited for use as a navigation lock gate system or as a flood control gate in a watercourse such as a navigation canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction reduced and ice resistant water control gate abutment plates that permit, without damage to the concrete, large relative thermal movement between the abutment plate assembly and the concrete abutment or pier to which the assembly is attached. Features that provide ease of maintenance, tight sealing and debris damage resistance are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.