Abstract: A compact collapsible wheelchair comprises first and second side frames, wherein each side frame includes a seat support rod and wheel support member. A collapsible support framework is operatively attached to the first and second side frames and includes a first auxiliary seat support member and a second auxiliary seat support member positioned relative to a flexible seat connected between each seat support. The flexible seat is urged into engagement with the first and second auxiliary seat support members in response to the bodyweight of the user. At least one hinged cross brace extends between the first and second side frames for maintaining the side frames in spaced relationship when the wheelchair is in the open position. A first and second main wheel are attached to the wheel support members on the first and second side frames respectively. First and second smaller swivel wheels are attached to the wheel support member on the first side frame and on opposite sides of the first main wheel.

Abstract: A turboexpander-generator system employing a housing with a rotatably mounted shaft oriented vertically with a turboexpander associated with the upper end of the housing and shaft, a generator associated with the housing and shaft below the turboexpander and a lubricant pump located at the lower end of the housing and shaft. The lubricant pump controls an actuator valve which controls the variable inlet nozzles to the turboexpander. Thus, a speed control system is achieved through use of the lubricant pump pressure. A seal gas separator is provided with two ports located in the turboexpander exducer at positions of different pressure. High pressure is used to provide a seal between the bearings and the turboexpander. Low pressure is directed to the area of the sump of the pump to enhance continuous lubricant return. A self-priming mechanism causes a reservoir to be charged during pump operation with return of the lubricant to the sump when the pump is off.

Abstract: A surge control system for a compressor comprising a bypass passage controlled by a bypass valve to return flow to the compressor inlet for avoiding surge in the compressor. The bypass valve is controlled through a sensing of a compressor speed and flow. The compressor speed and the square root of the flow signal, which is proportional to the actual flow, are presented as a ratio for comparison with an empirically established constant. When the conditions of the compressor system are such that the ratio approaches the constant, the bypass valve is opened and the compressor experiences increased flow therethrough.

Abstract: A radial inflow turbine having an axial discharge divided into concentric passages. The inner concentric passage or passages may be selectively blocked by means of a valve to accommodate a first range of flow rate. At higher flow rates, the valve is open to increase the effective nozzle area of the secondary nozzles at the discharge of the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A seal-off mechanism for preventing migration of working fluid along a turbine shaft which includes a floating seal ring and a shaft shoulder. The seal ring is spring biased against the shaft shoulder. During turbine operation, a pressurized fluid moves the ring away from the shoulder. The pressurized fluid then flows toward the turbine to contain the working fluid. A chamber collects the pressurized fluid and the working fluid for subsequent separation and reuse.

Abstract: A control system for bypassing critical speeds in a high speed rotating turbine shaft supported by multiple journal bearings which includes pairs of apertures disposed in each bearing seat. The pairs of apertures are linked by fluid vent lines having valves disposed therein. The valves are responsive to vibration in the shaft and serve to vent lubricant between opposing apertures in order to vary the stiffness and hence the spring rate of the bearing as the shaft approaches critical speed.

Abstract: A turbine shutdown control system for controlling a turbine powering two load groups. Upon loss of one load group, a first control valve will close to interrupt the fluid flow to the turbine. A second modulating valve in parallel with the first valve remains open to provide sufficient fluid flow to the turbine to power the second load group.

Abstract: A cryogenic turboexpander employing a rotor and a shaft fixed thereto including bearings rotatably supporting the shaft having a pressurized lubricating system. A labyrinth seal is positioned between the bearings and the rotor. A control valve is employed to sense differential pressure across a portion of the seal and regulate the pressure within a cavity between the seal and a near bearing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power recovery from thermal input. A turbine is disclosed as employing two rotors for two gas cycles, one using a high boiling point fluid and the other using a low boiling point fluid such as steam and butane, respectively. Separation of the fluids is accomplished through mutual collection and selective withdrawal from accumulator tanks. Seals are also disclosed which employ both air and the higher boiling point fluid as a means for preventing the contamination of bearing lubricants by the low boiling point fluids.

Abstract: This process separates less volatile contaminates from thermal power recovery systems utilizing a volatile working fluid in a cyclic closed system; such a system may comprise a reservoir, a pump, a heater, a separator, a throttle device, a turbine and a condenser. The purification can be accomplished during start-up, shut-down or periods of low power generation. The contaminant is separated from the working fluid in the separator in which the temperature and pressure correspond to a dew-point substantially above that of a sample of uncontaminated working fluid. To achieve this condition, the normal flow of liquid from the reservoir to the heater is reduced and the heater and throttle device are correspondingly adjusted. The condensed contaminant is removed from the separator while substantially all of the working fluid which has been vaporized is passed on through the throttle device to the turbine.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing cavities arranged laterally of pivotal vanes of a variable primary nozzle system in a radial turbine. The cavities are supplied with fluid of increased or reduced pressure to resist the clamping forces of the mounting rings. The fluid may conveniently be influent pressure or nozzle discharge pressure as may be appropriate. Pressure to the cavities is controlled as responsive to the pressure in the actuator system for adjusting the nozzles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in a fluid handling system in which a working fluid passes through a rotor while undergoing a pressure change. A shaft extends longitudinally from and rotates with the rotor. A first seal surrounds the shaft in axially spaced relation to the rotor, and a lubricant having a minimum boiling point is injected into the first seal adjacent the shaft at a pressure sufficient to cause the lubricant to flow axially toward the rotor. A housing surrounds the rotor and shaft and defines a contact zone between the rotor and the first seal for receiving both lubricant and a contact fluid such as the working fluid or a seal buffer gas used to isolate the working fluid from the lubricant. The contact fluid has a maximum boiling point substantially less than the minimum boiling point of the lubricant.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided by which a motor vehicle window can be raised and lowered remotely by the use of a unique circuit which interfaces with the motor provided in the vehicle for such purposes. A hand-held transducer, utilizing either radio frequency energy or ultrasonic energy, is used to provide a momentary signal which activates the circuitry, configured to respond to a first signal by causing the window to be completely lowered. Transmission of a second identical signal will begin to raise the window and will continue to do so only as long as the signal remains activated.

Abstract: A meter for continuously monitoring the viscosity of lubricating fluids. A fluid conduit extends across the element or bearing being lubricated to employ the differential pressure of the lubricant across that element. The fluid conduit includes an orifice in series with a capillary. The pressure differential across the capillary is then measured to provide an indication of viscosity. A shunt capillary controlled by a differential pressure relief valve is positioned parallel to the main capillary to reduce the sensitivity of the meter in areas of high viscosity. Protection against significantly heating or cooling the viscosity of the fluid provided to the meter is accomplished by placing the shunt capillary or a jacket of lubricating fluid about the main capillary.

Abstract: A system for supplying lubricant under pressure to a rotary mounting system having bearings when the main pressurized lubricant supply system fails. The system includes a bladder or other expansible chamber in association with a lubricant reservoir. The bladder has a source of pressurized gas which is either inherently or through regulation maintained at a pressure below that of the main system and above that of the lubricant discharge from the bearings. The source of pressure for the reserve system may be pressure from a gas seal or from the rotor chamber of a pump or turbine. If regulated, the regulation may be by the main lubricant pressure or the pressure of the lubricant discharge. The system also contemplates accommodation for leaks and over pressures.

Abstract: A device for accommodating and measuring thrust loads on a rotatably mounted shaft wherein the thrust loading is in either axial direction. The rotatably mounted shaft has two shoulders facing in opposite axial directions which cooperate with a pair of thrust bearings to constrain the shaft to a limited range of axial movement. Thrust rings associated with the shoulders are positioned between the shoulders and the bearings and are biased toward the bearings by resilient members to resist the axial movement of the shaft between the bearings. Sensing systems are arranged to measure the axial displacement of the shaft and provide input to thrust monitoring and control systems. A method for preventing damage to labyrinth seals on the shaft during start up of the equipment is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for controlling fluid flow including a circumferential plurality of blades mounted between a parallel pair of axially spaced annular elements. The interstitial passages between the blades may be varied by the relative rotation of one annular element functioning as a ring actuator with respect to the stationary second annular element. The orientation of the circumferential blades is adjusted in unison by cam type engagements between one of the annular elements and the blades. An appropriate axial clamping force is applied to the assembly to frictionally secure the blades between the annular rings and to prevent end leakage of the fluid between the annular rings and the blade faces adjacent to the rings. Variation in the clamping forces acting on the blades as the blades are pivotally rotated to vary the passage cross sections therebetween may be controlled by providing pressurizable pockets in the blade faces adjacent to one or both of the annular elements.

Abstract: A device for accommodating and measuring thrust loads on a rotatably mounted shaft wherein the thrust loading is in either axial direction. The rotatably mounted shaft has two shoulders facing in opposite axial directions which cooperate with a pair of thrust bearings to constrain the shaft to a limited range of axial movement. Thrust rings associated with the shoulders are positioned between the shoulders and the bearings and are biased toward the bearings by resilient members to resist the axial movement of the shaft between the bearings. Sensing systems are arranged to measure the axial displacement of the shaft and provide input to thrust monitoring and control systems. A method for preventing damage to labyrinth seals on the shaft during start up of the equipment is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thrust bearing system including a thrust bearing structure having at least one pair of opposed bearing faces defining a bearing space therebetween, and a sub-system for delivering lubricant to the bearing space. A load sensor is provided in association with the bearing structure for determining the loads on the bearing faces. A thrust compensation sub-system is operably associated with the load sensor. This thrust compensation sub-system is operative, upon sensing by the load sensor of a thrust load on the bearing faces in excess of a predetermined limit, to increase the pressure of lubricant being delivered to the bearing space.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rotary fluid handling apparatus having first and second coaxial bodies mounted for relative axial movement therebetween and having respective opposed radially facing annular surfaces. The bodies may be, for example, the stator of a turboexpander or compressor and a relatively rotatable clamping ring for a plurality of adjustable blades. A first seal including a sealing ring is disposed between and seals between the annular surfaces, and the apparatus defines a first pressure zone which communicates with one axial side of the seal. The first body has a first stop engageable with the sealing ring to permit the force exerted on the sealing ring by the pressure of the first zone to be transmitted to the first body.