Abstract: A proportioning pumping system that injects an injection fluid into a pressurized conduit flowing with a working fluid at a constant proportion of injection fluid to working fluid regardless of changes in flow rate or pressure within the working fluid conduit. Injection fluid is pumped continuously, by the working fluid, from a non-pressurized tank. The system includes two or more vessels, each divided into two chambers by a diaphragm or bladder. Valving and passages simultaneously fill one vessel with working fluid and pump injection fluid while filling the other vessel with injection fluid and draining working fluid. A first pressure differential creating device in the working fluid conduit draws injection fluid into the working fluid conduit. A second pressure differential creating device determines the proportion of working fluid and injection fluid to be combined.

Abstract: Potatoes are conveyed one at a time along a predetermined path ending at a cutter that cuts the potatoes into helical strips. A series of four rings surrounds the path. Each ring has a plurality of nozzles that produce jets of water intersecting at a point in the path. At the outlet of the series of four rings is an orienter through which the potatoes pass. The rings and the orienter align and guide the potatoes as they move along the path and through the cutter.

Abstract: The system comprises a tank containing water and potatoes entrained therein. A food pump transports the mixture through a relatively long accelerator conduit of tapering cross-section. Some of the water from the output of this conduit is bypassed in accordance with the setting of a valve. A second conduit also has a tapering cross-section to align the potatoes. A water-operated turbine carries a disc-like cutter which is arranged in close proximity to the output of the second conduit. The cutter cuts the potato into helical lengths. Slitter blades on the cutter further cut the potato into helical strips. The turbine has a rotor which, in turn, carries a flywheel portion, the two parts being integral. Bearings press-fit on the rotor are journalled onto upstream and downstream stators in the turbine. Lubricating water is delivered to the bearing surfaces between the rotor and the stators.

Abstract: The system comprises a tank containing water and potatoes entrained therein. A food pump transports the mixture through a relatively long accelerator conduit of tapering cross section. Some of the water from the output of this conduit is bypassed in accordance with the setting of a valve. A second conduit also has a tapering cross-section to align the potatoes. A water-operated turbine carries a disc-like cutter which is arranged in close proximity to the output of the second conduit. The cutter cuts the potato into helical lengths. Slitter blades on the cutter further cut the potato into helical strips. The turbine has a rotor which, in turn, carries a flywheel portion, the two parts being integral. Bearings press-fit on the rotor are journalled onto upstream and downstream stators in the turbine. Lubricating water is delivered to the bearing surfaces between the rotor and the stators.

Abstract: The combination of a motor-driven impeller pump assembly and a self-priming column attachment. The column attachment is detachably secured to the pump assembly and includes an elongate shaft exterior which is attached to an impeller in the pump assembly with a detachable connection. An axial flow inducer is located at the bottom end of the column attachment and serves to lift a fluid in the column towards the impeller. A balance line conduit extends from a balance chamber located behind the impeller downwards on the extension of the column to the level of the axial flow inducer, thereby serving to lessen axially imbalanced forces acting on the impeller pump assembly. The column also includes a set of straightener vanes to reduce rotational flow through the length of the column. A double-volute chamber surrounding the impeller serves to radially balance forces acting on the impeller, the motor and their associated bearings.

Abstract: A labyrinth seal for sealing an impeller shaft within a pump housing. The seal includes inner and outer coaxial, relatively rotatable members secured to the shaft and the housing, respectively. Defined between the two members is a succession of axially extending sleeve-shaped passages of decreasing diameters progressing toward the pump interior, these passages being connected by radially extending disc-shaped passages. Fluid moving through the sleeve-shaped and disc-shaped passages flows into annular grooves formed at the ends of these passages, setting up currents which resist fluid flow through the seal.

Abstract: A pair of claws is held together in retracted position on top of the ski by a detachable spring clip on a safety strap connected to the ski boot. In an uncontrolled fall, the ski bindings release the ski which then exerts a strong pull on the safety strap, detaching the clip from the claws. The claws then swing apart laterally over the edges of the ski and into braking positions underneath the ski to prevent sliding of the release ski on the snow. Upon release of the ski bindings in a mild fall, or accidentally while riding up the ski slope on a chair lift, the released ski exerts a lesser pull on the safety strap which is insufficient to detach the spring clip, causing the ski to remain tethered to the skier's leg.