Abstract: A submersible pump, and method of making the submersible pump, is disclosed. The pump comprises a housing, a plurality of impeller stages serially disposed in the housing from a bottom impeller stage to a top impeller stage, an impeller bypass hole extending through one of the impeller stages and a housing bypass hole extending through the housing radially outwardly from one of the impeller stages.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes plural pump stages, each comprising an impeller assembly, a stationary disc assembly and a diffuser assembly, all disposed about an impeller shaft. A floating impeller hub seal is supported by a diffuser assembly to minimize fluid recirculation. A thrust washer is disposed around the impeller shaft and is engageable with an impeller hub and the hub seal. A wear ring is secured to a disc assembly and engageable with a wear surface on the impeller.

Abstract: Within a check valve, a spring urges a poppet into the closed position. If the fluid flow through the valve attempts to reverse, the poppet will seal against the valve seat by a combination of spring resistance and fluid pressure, thereby preventing all or a significant portion of fluid flow back through the valve body. The poppet is retained in the valve body by a retainer or other suitable part or combination of parts that can be removed for service of the check valve assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryocooler which provides opportunity for timely intervention prior to failure thus enhancing the reliability of the provision of the refrigeration wherein contaminant concentration downstream of a compressor but upstream of the cryocooler is monitored and the time rate of change of the contaminant concentration is used to calculate a service time.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryocooler which provides opportunity for timely intervention prior to failure thus enhancing the reliability of the provision of the refrigeration wherein temperature trending of at least one cryocooler component or the refrigeration load is monitored and used to calculate a service time.

Abstract: A pulse tube system for generating refrigeration for uses such as in magnetic resonance imaging systems wherein an oil-free compressor operating at a higher frequency generates pulsing gas which undergoes a frequency reduction and drives the pulse tube system at a more efficient lower frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a product includes a conveyor assembly and a slitter assembly. The conveyor assembly conveys the product in a feed direction and defines a conveyance surface, on which the product is conveyed. The slitter assembly slits the product into strips as the product is conveyed in the feed direction. The slitter assembly comprises a plurality of cutting elements arranged in a V shape and overlapping one another in the feed direction, as viewed in a direction substantially normal to the conveyance surface. A chopping assembly is positioned downstream of the slitter assembly. The chopping assembly comprises an elongated blade, which moves in an elliptical cutting motion, such that it has a component in the downward direction to sever the strips of product, and a component in the feed direction to toss the severed pieces of product in the feed direction.

Abstract: Within a check valve, a spring urges a poppet into the closed position. If the fluid flow through the valve attempts to reverse, the poppet will seal against the valve seat by a combination of spring resistance and fluid pressure, thereby preventing all or a significant portion of fluid flow back through the valve body. The poppet is retained in the valve body by a retainer or other suitable part or combination of parts that can be removed for service of the check valve assembly.