Abstract: A coolant pump system features a pump impeller supported on a pump shaft without bearings, and an axially in-line drive shaft with bearings coupled to the pump drive shaft. The system minimally includes a pump body having a bore therein, a coolant pump impeller, a pump shaft passing through the bore and having the impeller mounted on one end thereof, and a bearingless seal shaft assembly disposed in the bore which prevents coolant from leaking out of the body around the rotating pump shaft. The outer end of the pump shaft and the drive shaft are designed to be quickly disconnected to allow simpler, easier, less expensive interconnection of or replacement of the coolant pump, should that ever be necessary.

Abstract: A coolant pump system driven by an electric motor mounted in-line with the pump shaft to the pump housing. The system minimally includes a pump body having a bore therein, a coolant pump impeller, a pump shaft passing through the bore and having the impeller mounted on one end thereof, and a bearingless seal shaft assembly disposed in the bore which prevents coolant from leaking out of the body around the rotating pump shaft. The outer end of the pump shaft and the drive shaft of the electric motor preferably include a quick-disconnect coupler which allows the two shafts to be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled without damage and without tools. This coupling mechanism may take the form of a socket with bayonet slot on one shaft and mating pin on the other shaft that fits in the slot. A face-mounted electric motor is rigidly but removably bolted to the pump housing, and its drive shaft provides complete support for the pump shaft which rotates therewith.

Abstract: An automated lapping system employing a rotating table with a horizontal lapping surface and one or more parts tracks with escapement mechanisms for regulating the rate at which parts cross the lapping table. Each parts track is suspended above the rotating surface of the table, and confines the parts to move in single file across the surface of the rotating table. Multiple stations are provided along each track to cause each part passing through the track to stop for a predetermined amount of time at each station. The escapement mechanisms control the stopping and releasing of the parts along each track at the stations. Selected stations, called powered lapping stations, are provided on each track for applying positive downwardly-directed pressure to the part stopped at the station. These powered lapping stations and the escapement mechanisms preferably employ hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders for actuators.

Abstract: The rotating parts of a vehicle engine water pump are assembled directly upon the engine block so that the block forms the pump housing. The pump parts include a drive wheel, such as a pulley or sprocket wheel, mounted upon one end of a drive shaft, with a pump impeller mounted upon the opposite end of the shaft. An open cavity is formed in the block to receive the impeller. A cover, having a central opening through which the shaft extends, covers the impeller and cavity and is sealed against the block, around the cavity, so that the cover and block together form a complete, sealed housing. The shaft is rotatably connected to the block, within the cavity, and the drive wheel is located on the outside of the cover, adjacent the block, for connection to a belt or chain from the power supply.

Abstract: An engine water pump assembly is formed of a rotatable shaft divided along its length into a bearing portion terminating in a drive connection and a sealing portion terminating in an impeller end upon which a water impeller is mounted. A tubular, journal-type bearing surrounds the shaft bearing portion. A pump housing surrounds the shaft and bearing and has an integral, enlarged chamber formed on one end within which the impeller is located. The opposite end of the housing has an opening through which the shaft drive connection extends. The bearing has an integral, annular flange which surrounds a part of the shaft sealing portion. A seal mounted upon the shaft sealing portion seals against the flange to prevent the flow of water from the impeller chamber to the bearing part of the housing and its opening. The housing is molded around the bearing to form an integral subassembly.