Abstract: The present invention provides a two-stage centrifugal compressor. The compressor of this invention has a simplified refrigerant passage structure and effectively cools its electric motor in addition to bearing parts using an existing refrigeration cycle without having another external cooling unit. This compressor thus reduces a consumption of electric power, and improves the operational performance and operational efficiency of a refrigeration system. In the two-stage centrifugal compressor of this invention, a plurality of internal fluid passages is regularly formed on the internal surface of the upper and lower end portions of an external housing so as to allow first and second compression parts to communicate with each other through the interior space of the external housing.

Abstract: A rotating impeller pump having an axial face seal carried on a shaft of the impeller positioned inboard of the impeller has a drive mechanism for the shaft carried seal face commonly driven through a keyway in the shaft which drives the impeller such that both the impeller and shaft seal can be easily removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A vacuum pump has an inner cylinder having a hollow portion in fluid communication with atmospheric air, an inner flange disposed on an upper side of the inner cylinder, and an inner sealing groove disposed on an upper end surface of the inner flange. An outer cylinder is disposed over the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder has an outer flange disposed on an upper side of the outer cylinder and an outer sealing groove disposed on an upper end surface of the outer flange. An intake port is disposed at the upper side of the inner and outer cylinders. An exhaust port is disposed at lower sides of the inner and outer cylinders. A pump mechanism pumps gaseous molecules from the intake port to the exhaust port to discharge the gaseous molecules from the exhaust port.

Abstract: In turbocharger, particularly an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine with a turbine wheel and an impeller disposed on a common shaft which is rotatably supported by friction bearings to which lubricating oil is supplied by an oil supply, a turbine speed detection device is provided comprising a pressure modulating structure disposed on the shaft for modulating the oil pressure in the oil supply in accordance with the speed of the shaft and an oil pressure sensor is arranged in the oil supply for sensing the oil pressure modulations for determining the speed of the turbocharger

Abstract: To provide a water pump capable of preventing coolant leaked from a shaft sealing member from invading a bearing by a simple construction, a water pump has an outer ring of a bearing attached to an inner peripheral face of a pulley, an inner ring of the bearing attached to an outer peripheral face of a cylindrical portion of a housing and a shaft sealing member attached to an inner peripheral face of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A seal gas pressure booster system for use with a gas compressor, particularly of the type used for boosting pressure in gas transmission, process or utility industries and which contains pressure about the shaft/casing interface with the use of dry gas seals. Seal supply gas is supplied from the discharge side of the compressor. During normal operation, sufficient head across the compressor exists to supply the necessary flow of seal supply gas against the restrictions provided by the filters, interconnections and components in the seal gas supply system. During startup, or during modes of operation where sufficient head across the compressor does not exist, the pressure booster system increases the pressure of a stream of compressor discharge gas to provide the necessary pressure differential to supply the dry gas seal with a continuous flow of clean, filtered gas.

Abstract: A water pump with a plurality of elastomeric blades on a rigid impeller is disclosed. The impeller has a tubular extension with a pair of flats on the outer diameter of the extension. The seal seat has a corresponding pair of flats on its inner diameter to engage the flats on the tubular extension for positive rotation. The impeller also has a retaining lip formed on its inner diameter and a sealing shoulder to form a retaining cavity along the tubular extension. The retaining lip receives the seal seat in the cavity by stretching the lip radially into a gap to accommodate the outer diameter of the seal seat. This stretch to fit feature eliminates the need to control the outer diameter of the seal ring to precise dimensions. The lip forms a static seal with the outer diameter of the seal seat. The elastomeric shoulder provides a static seal against the seal seat.

Abstract: An air turbine starter with an improved seal assembly disposed between the turbine and the housing is provided. The seal assembly comprises a face seal, a non-contacting seal axially spaced therefrom to define an air filled annular chamber therebetween and a flow passage having an exit fluidly communicating with said chamber and an inlet fluidly communicating with a source of air.

Abstract: A foil bearing assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes an annular bearing carrier mounted to the housing of the engine. An annular foil carrier disposed within the bearing carrier and carrying a plurality of overlapping foils that engage an outer surface of a journal. The journal is mounted to the rotating assembly of the engine to define a cavity. Disposed in the cavity is a showerhead having an inlet for receiving a flow of cooling air and a plurality of orifices for providing impingement cooling of the inner surface of the journal. The use of a showerhead in a thrust foil bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a centrifugal pump, a sealing ring is affixed to the rotating shaft through which pumpate flows, and a non-rotating, axially slidable sealing member is biased against the sealing ring. In preferred embodiments the slidable sealing member sealingly additionally engages a second sealing member which is stationary with respect to the motor housing. In particularly preferred embodiments slidable sealing members are positioned near each end of the motor housing, with the sealing ring interposed between a rolling bearing and a slidable sealing member.

Abstract: A spindle device can prevent a drive fluid for a turbine rotor from being leaked to a gap between a fixed housing and a spindle which is rotatably supported on the housing as much as possible and hence, the spindle device can efficiently make use of the supplied drive fluid and can increase the rotational torque of the spindle. The spindle device rotatably drives the spindle using the turbine rotor. The rotation of the spindle to the housing is supported using a radial dynamic pressure bearing. Further, supply holes and receiving holes for the drive fluid for the turbine rotor are formed such that these holes penetrate the radial dynamic pressure bearing in the radial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling water pump for an internal combustion engine with a housing provided with a bearing designed to support a pump shaft and with a sealing element devised to seal the bearing against a working area containing the cooling agent as well as with a leakage chamber receiving the cooling agent that oozes through the sealing element, wherein the leakage chamber is arranged in a recess of the housing and is provided with an opening to the outside, said opening being partially closed by a locking device. A particularly simple way of production is achieved by having the opening closed by a foil, preferably by a metal foil, deposited on a flange facing which is flush with a front surface of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a bearing on a shaft. An intermediate member is mounted on the shaft. The inner race of the bearing is mounted onto the intermediate member. Two separable compression members are mounted on the outer diameter of the inner race. The compression members are mounted with an interference fit, thus inducing a state of compression in the inner race. The intermediate member is radially compliant and compensates for thermal growth of the shaft in excess of the thermal growth of the inner race. The state of compression in the inner race persists to about 1000° F. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an inner race fabricated from a material with low fracture toughness or for which a state of compression is desirable, such as a ceramic material.

Abstract: A structure for preventing deformation of a gland portion of a low pressure steam turbine by preventing wet steam from entering the gland portion. The gland portion includes a gland casing (3) that surrounds a gland portion periphery (2) of a rotor (1). A portion of steam (20), in the form of wet steam (21a), flows into a cavity (10) through a gap (11). Accordingly, a ridge (15) is provided on and around the entire periphery of the rotor (1), and thereby the wet steam (21a) is caused to flow in a swirling manner, and is prevented from flowing toward the gland portion periphery (2). Also, water in the wet steam (21a) scatters therearound so that the gland casing (3) and the seal portion (4, 5) are prevented from being partially cooled. Thus, contact with the rotor (1) is avoided and vibration caused thereby is prevented.

Abstract: A thrust control system for use with a turbocompressor having gas bearings. More specifically, the system concerns an arrangement of gas bearings for use in a turbocompressor or other device where a large temperature difference between the turbine and the compressor housing could cause unacceptable performance of the turbocompressor thrust bearings if located in proximity of the turbine and compressor wheels. This danger is obviated in the system by relocating the gas thrust bearings so as to minimize the axial distance between them. This configuration affords the additional advantage that gasses of different composition may be separately used as a seal gas in cases where the process gas in the turbine and compressor are incompatible.

Abstract: In a centrifugal pump, a barrier ring in the form of a dynamic seal member is interposed between relatively rotating, generally circular wall portions which undergo relative axial movement to vary the width of a gap between the wall portions, the seal member having an outer jacket of flexible material and an annular spring member of frustoconical configuration inserted into offset grooves in the jacket, and when the seal member is mounted under compression between the confronting surfaces will follow the relative axial movement between the wall portions to maintain liquid-tight sealing engagement with the wall portions. In a modified form of invention, the seal member includes a pair of helical spring members inserted into grooves in an outer flexible jacket and, when the seal is mounted under compression between confronting surfaces of the wall portions as described will maintain liquid-tight sealing engagement notwithstanding variations in the width of the gap between members.

Abstract: For an impeller pump, the seal/bearing unit has two rotor-stator pairs of tapered sleeves arranged back-to-back. The sleeves have a spiral groove, and convey barrier-liquid from an entry-mouth in an entry-chamber to an exit-mouth in an exit-chamber. Having two sleeves gives the units mechanical stability, thrust support capability, and resistence to vibrations and other abuses. The tapered sleeves may be arranged wide-narrow-wide, or narrow-wide-narrow. The sleeves may be mounted for sliding in the housing and on the shaft, or may be fixed to the housing or shaft.

Abstract: A blower assembly for circulating gases in a laser chamber. The blower assembly includes a driving assembly operatively engaged to a drive side shaft for rotating a fan assembly. A first bearing assembly supports the drive side shaft. The blower assembly may further include an idle side shaft for supporting the fan assembly and a second bearing assembly circumscribing the idle side shaft. The driving assembly includes a motor disposed over a rotor. The fan assembly includes a pair of hubs supporting a plurality of blades. The first and second bearing assemblies comprise a ceramic compound, such as silicon nitride (Si3N4), and are lubricated with a synthetic oil, such as perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPE).

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly is adapted for use with a shaft supported by a bearing, the mechanical seal assembly being located near the bearing. The mechanical seal assembly includes a rotating member attached to the shaft and stationary member engaging the rotating member so that, when the shaft rotates, frictional heat is generated. The mechanical seal assembly includes a thermal barrier for reducing the amount of frictional heat reaching the bearing, thereby reducing the effect of the frictional heat on the lubrication of the bearing.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in an intershaft seal includes a first seal that seals to a seal plate on an inner rotor shaft, a second seal that seals to a seal plate on an outer rotor shaft, and an intermediate seal that is supported by a stator assembly and seals to the first seal and the second seal. The intermediate seal may include a seal segment affixed to the stator assembly, a ring seal between the seal segment and the first seal, and a ring seal between the seal segment and the second seal. An intershaft seal with this seal assembly has less flex than a prior art intershaft seal and thereby results in greater durability and less seal wear.

Abstract: A low friction bearing comprises a first element having a first surface. A second element having a second surface is rotatable about a centerline relative to the first element. A flow passage extends radially outward between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a fluid flow. The two surfaces are complementary and positioned in close proximity. The bearing finds a preferred application in a fluid cooled turbine to create a high temperature, high efficiency turbine.

Abstract: A gas turbine having cooling structure disposed on an outside peripheral side in a radial direction of a movable vane in which the cooling efficiency is further improved and sealing structure disposed on an inner peripheral side to suppress leakage of sealing air and prevent invasion of combustion gas into the turbine disc and enlargement of sealing air clearance is prevented. Outwardly in the radial direction, a gap between ring segment (90) and impingement cooling plate (92) disposed on the outer periphery thereof, is divided in the axial direction by a pressure partition plate (97) extending in a circumferential direction so as to provide plural cavities adjusted to different pressures, thereby forming a cooling structure in the ring segment (90). Inside in the radial direction, a static vane inside diameter side cavity (53) and downstream cavity (31) are formed by a box (57) for sealing the static vane inside diameter side cavity (53).

Abstract: Conventional gas compressors use dry gas sealing arrangements mounted on a shaft of the gas compressor. Functionally, for the dry gas sealing arrangement to properly seal, the concentricity of shaft and the dry gas sealing arrangement must be maintained at a close tolerance. Past assembly techniques have failed to mount such dry gas sealing arrangement to the shaft in an effective and efficient manner to control the concentricity during operation. The present method and apparatus for controlling the concentricity of a member with a centering device effectively and efficiently controls the concentricity between the member and the shaft. The structure of the centering device includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion and a transition portion. The first cylindrical portion is cantilevered about the shaft and centers a first end of the member. The second cylindrical portion and the transition portion form a mid-support for a second end of said member.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a plurality of seal stages minimizing leakage of high pressure air from a high pressure cavity into a low pressure cavity. The plurality of seal stages includes an upstream seal stage, substantially adjacent to the high pressure cavity, and a downstream seal stage, substantially adjacent to the low pressure cavity. Each seal stage includes a seal plate and at least one seal. The downstream seal plate includes a plurality of bleeding holes for metering higher pressure air into the low pressure cavity, thereby balancing a pressure drop between the seal stages. Substantial equalization of the pressure drop among the seal stages reduces wear of the downstream seal and therefore, increases useful life an effectiveness thereof.

Abstract: A water pump is capable of avoiding adverse influence of water leakage from a swirl chamber to a bearing. The water pump includes a pump housing, a rotary shaft supported by a bearing mounted on a boss portion of the pump housing, an impeller fixed on an end portion of the rotary shaft extending into a swirl chamber defined within the pump housing, and a mechanical seal disposed between the impeller and the bearing. The water pump further includes a seal ring disposed within a space defined between the mechanical seal and the bearing for dividing the space into a first and second vapor chambers with drain holes provided for respective first and second vapor chambers.

Abstract: A pump comprises a housing having a shaft bore and a pump chamber, a bearing provided for an inner periphery of the shaft bore, a shaft rotatively supported by the shaft bore through the bearing, and a transporting member connected to one end portion of the shaft for transporting fluid by imparting mechanical energy to the fluid sucked in said pump chamber.

Abstract: A steam turbine plant with a turbo-generator set disposed on a foundation plate and having a steam turbine which has a high-pressure part, at least one low-pressure part, and a generator. There is also an oil supply unit for supplying oil to turbine bearings and control devices. The oil supply unit includes at least one oil tank with an associated pump and filter device and is disposed in an oil sump for collecting oil leakages. Connecting lines run between the oil supply unit and the steam turbine. The turbo-generator set is disposed so as to be off-center, that is to say eccentrically, in relation to the foundation plate, and the oil supply unit is integrated into the foundation plate, that is to say into the free standing surface thereby available.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the type in which fluid enters radially includes a debris blocking shield over a space around a shaft seal with a channel to supply energized fluid to near the center of the pump impeller. Apertures in the impeller then pass the fluid longitudinally through the impeller and the seal space covered by the shield, with a shield gap for the return of the fluid from the seal space into the main stream.

Abstract: An improved fuel transfer pump is provided for use in transferring fuel within fuel tanks such as fuel tanks within an aircraft. The pump comprises a relatively compact and substantially modular pump assembly including a rotatably driven impeller carried at one end of an impeller shaft for relatively high flow transfer of fuel from a fuel inlet to a fuel outlet. The impeller shaft is rotatably supported within a pump housing by sets of angular contact bearings preloaded in a direction to prevent eccentric run-out or excessive axial end play in response to bearing wear over the operating life of the pump. In addition, an hydraulic motor is mounted within the pump housing axially between the bearing sets and is driven by a source of hydraulic fluid for rotatably driving the impeller shaft.

Abstract: A pump seal flushing ring (12) for a vehicle fluid pump (10) includes a top portion (22) and a bottom portion (20) and a tapered wall (36) extending therebetween. The bottom portion (20) has an opening (28) formed therein for communicating with a pump seal (52) to seal off the fluid chamber of the pump from the mechanical portion of the pump. The tapered wall (36) has a plurality of holes (48) formed therein that are uniformly spaced about the periphery of the tapered wall (36) to evenly communicate fluid to all portions of the seal (52).

Abstract: A vacuum pump is provided with back-up bearings in addition to magnetic bearings for supporting its rotor with respect to the pump housing. The rotor has a hollow rotary shaft extending backwards enclosing in its inner space a forwardly protruding tubular shaft affixed to the pump housing, and another cylindrical member affixed to the rotor protrudes backward inside this fixed tubular shaft. One set of back-up bearings is provided on the outer surface of the fixed tubular shaft spaced from the inner surface of the rotor shaft and another set of back-up bearings is provided on the inner surface of the fixed tubular shaft, spaced from the protruding cylindrical member. The back-up bearings thus positioned can be made smaller for improved dynamic emergency capabilities.

Abstract: A unitized seal impeller thrust system includes an impeller unit which includes a tubular neck portion that has flat surfaces on opposite sides of one another. The impeller unit includes a plurality of radially extending blades and a circular trough surrounding the neck portion. The system further includes a seal head assembly which is secured within the trough, and a seal seat assembly which engages the seal head assembly. The system further includes a thrust washer which engages the seal seat assembly and the retainer ring which is secured to the tubular neck portion at an end of the neck portion. The retainer ring also engages the thrust washer in a ball and socket type arrangement. The system provides a unitized seal, impeller, thrust system that is capable of preload testing and/or leak testing before assembly of the pump unit.

Abstract: A pump assembly for conventionally driven centrifugal pumps having a rolling element comprised of product lubricated ceramic or hybrid anti-friction bearings. The ceramic bearings are comprised of ceramic balls and ceramic races, whereas the hybrid bearings are comprised of ceramic balls with races made of another material. The ability of these bearings to perform well with poor lubrication allows the fluid that is being pumped to be used to lubricate and cool the bearings. An alternate embodiment comprises a double suction pump with the same durability and cost saving advantages.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a rotatable impeller that operates to drain liquid into the intake of the pump. An air-introduction passage connects with a subatmospheric pressure region at the back of the impeller. Air introduced through this passage is mixed with a portion of the fluid pumped, and the air-fluid mixture is expelled as the discharge of the pump.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotating member that is subject to axial forces causing movement in an axial direction of a rotating member. A sealing surface is positioned on at least a portion of the rotating member. A bearing is positioned adjacent the rotating member. A sealing face is positioned on the bearing. The sealing face is disposed to be in opposed relationship with the sealing surface on the rotating member. A bearing space is located between the sealing face and the sealing surface. A fluid reservoir is positioned in the bearing and is in communication with the bearing space. A passageway extends through the bearing to a volute adjacent the rotating member to supply a fluid to the fluid reservoir. A plurality of pockets are positioned on the sealing face of the bearing. The pockets are positioned to be in communication with the fluid reservoir. A plurality of wedge shaped depressions are positioned on the sealing face of the bearing.

Abstract: A structural member is provided for an exhaust-gas connection of a turbomachine, in particular a steam turbine, and a turbomachine bearing disposed in the exhaust-gas connection. The structural member is cast in one piece and has a connection part and/or a bearing part for accommodating the bearing as well as a supporting arm configuration with at least one supporting arm. A pipe conduit which is cast into the structural member leads through a connection part, a supporting arm and a bearing part. A set of at least two such structural members form an exhaust-gas connection and a frame for the bearing of the turbomachine.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating components in an air compressor having a crankcase for holding oil. The apparatus includes an oil pump located in the crankcase and oil, and a hollow plunger mechanically and hydraulically connected between the oil pump and an eccentric provided on a crankshaft of the air compressor. A filter for filtering the oil held in the crankcase is mounted on a block secured to an external surface of the crankcase. The block mounts the filter on the crankcase and in fluid communication with the pump such that filtered oil is directed to the hollow plunger from the pump after oil is directed into the pump from the filter and after oil is pumped from the crankcase and sent to the filter by the pump.

Abstract: An integrated bearing system with journal and thrust bearings is incorporated in a single unit centrally pinned to the bearing housing and having integral thrust surface and journal surface lubrication grooves in combination with turbine and compressor wheel thrust surfaces. The bearing employs a first aperture substantially equidistant from the ends to engage the locating pin to prevent rotation of the bearing within the bearing case bore, while allowing the bearing to be free to symmetrically wobble within the bearing case bore.

Abstract: A submerged motor pump (4) has an auxiliary bearing assembly (19, 20) for supporting a rotatable main shaft (9) when the submerged motor pump is not in an operating condition or operates in a transient condition. The submerged motor pump includes a pump casing (6), at least one impeller (12), a motor (10,11), and a thrust balancing mechanism (15) for balancing thrust forces. The submerged motor pump further includes hydrostatic bearings (16, 17, 18) for supporting the main shaft at axially spaced locations by a pressurized fluid pumped by the submerged motor pump. The auxiliary bearing assembly has tapered support surfaces (FL, FU) for supporting the main shaft at the axially spaced locations.

Abstract: A radially sealed centrifugal pump comprises a casing (2) to which a shaft (4) is rotatably connected, and an impeller (5), connected to said shaft (4), free to rotate within said casing (2), and said pump has, between said casing (2) and said impeller (5) which are in relative motion, opposed surfaces (21, 22) which are substantially perpendicular to the axis of said impeller (5) and which form the seal.

Abstract: In a gas laser blower, the lower end opening of the oil passage (14) extends below the liquid level of the oil reservoir (17), so that the internal chamber (18) of housing and the oil passage (14) are separated by the oil within the oil reservoir. Further, a cylindrical guard (24) is disposed around the lower bearing (6) which supports the shaft so that the oil and oil mist scattered from the bearing are caught by the guard (24) and is returned to the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A bearing housing in a bowl of a vertical turbine pump for a lower bearing of a rotatable pump shaft on which an impeller is mounted includes a separable hollow substantially cylindrical housing body with upper and lower ends, having a radial flange at its lower end adapted for sealing attachment to a bottom face of the bowl such that it is capable of installation in and removal from the bottom face of the bowl, the housing body also having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the shaft to provide a clearance therebetween. A bearing is fixed within the lower end of the housing body for journaling the shaft therein, and provision is made for sealing between the upper end of the housing body and an internal axial bore in the bowl. A seal is also provided between the lower end of the housing body and the shaft for excluding pumped fluid from the clearance.

Abstract: A high temperature pump is compact in size, reasonable in manufacturing cost and capable of stable pumping operation. The high-temperature motor pump includes a pump portion for pumping a liquid, a motor portion integrated with the pump portion for driving the same, and a rotatable shaft for transmitting rotation of the motor portion to the pump portion. A magnetic bearing is provided within the motor portion for supporting one end of the rotatable shaft by actively controlling a position thereof in a radial direction. A hydrostatic bearing is provided within the pump portion for supporting the other end of the rotational shaft in a radial direction by using a hydrostatic pressure of a portion of the liquid pumped by the pump portion.

Abstract: In order to accommodate a labyrinth seal whose diameter is too large to form a gas passage using conventional techniques, the labyrinth seal is made in two parts. A first part is an inner ring whose outer diameter is sufficiently small so as to permit the forming of a passage therein with conventional techniques. The second part is an outer ring which can then be fastened to the inner ring so as to then extend, in combination, to the radial extent necessary to complete the sealing engagement with an adjacent element. The outer and inner rings are preferably interconnected by way of an interference fit.

Abstract: A pressure balanced turbocharger rotating seal is provided by two piston rings mounted on the shaft of the turbocharger, one of the rings engaging a circumferential surface of the shaft bore in the center housing and the second ring engaging a circumferential surface of the shaft bore in the turbine wheel shroud, with a passage for introducing pressurizing gas intermediate the two rings, the passage including a circumferential channel in the inner face of the turbine wheel shroud, and a compression seal engaged between the center housing and turbine wheel shroud outboard of the channel.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbine in which a turbine wheel is mounted to rotate about a pre-determined axis within a housing. A sidewall is displaceable relative to the housing to control the width of a gas flow passage defined adjacent the wheel between the first surface defined by the sidewall and the second surface defined by the housing. The sidewall is mounted in the sidewall cavity within the housing on axially displaceable rods extending parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel. A yoke is pivotally supported within the housing and defines arms each of which extends into engagement with a respective sidewall support rod. The yoke is pivoted relative to the housing to control the position of the sidewall relative to the housing. The yoke is located within a yoke chamber defined by the housing, and lubricant is delivered to the yoke chamber to lubricate both the bearing upon which the yoke is pivotally mounted in the housing and surfaces which interengage the yoke and the sidewall support rods.

Abstract: A pump incorporates a housing with a pump chamber and an internal bore communicating with the pump chamber, and a power driven impeller shaft supported in the housing by at least one bearing in the internal bore. The impeller shaft has an impeller in the pump chamber. A seal mechanism is in the internal bore between the bearing and the pump chamber providing a seal between the impeller shaft and the wall surface of the internal bore. The internal bore has a stepped configuration with small and large diameter portions and a vertical wall defined therebetween. The large diameter portion defines an intermediate chamber between the bearing and the pump chamber and that chamber connects with the pump chamber. The intermediate chamber contains liquid with air being trapped in the remaining portion of the intermediate chamber. The bearing and the seal mechanism are located in the small diameter portion.

Abstract: A fluid pump having a pump body defining a pump cavity and a pump shaft rotatable on a bearing in the cavity, wherein the pump cavity contains a seal in a closed chamber between the pump body and the shaft, and the cavity is characterized by a first zone for high pressure pump discharge fluid, a second zone for low pressure pump inlet fluid, and an interconnecting passage which supplies fluid from the high pressure zone to a third zone, which exists at an intermediate pressure surrounding the pump seal and discharges its fluid into the low pressure zone, the intermediate pressure being sufficient to prevent fluid boiling and cavitation by insuring that the pumped fluid does not exceed its vapor pressure point.

Abstract: In the present invention, various sizes of non-wetting droplets are inserted into microtube devices of various shapes having therein a gas or wetting fluid which causes the droplets to movement in response to fluid pressure. The droplets may translate within a void of the microtube device which is filled with the gas or wetting fluid or rotate in a fixed position. The nonwetting fluid may also be formed into rings within ring shaped channels. The microtube devices may operate to stop fluid flow, act as a check-valve, act as a flow restrictor, act as a flow regulator, act as a support for a turning axle, and act as a logic device, for example.

Abstract: A cavity in the housing, which confines the seal therewithin, has an annular wall surface which is modified to direct liquid from the cavity towards the impeller. In one embodiment, the wall surface has a helical land formed therein. In another embodiment, a helical-land forming insert is set within the cavity and in engagement with the wall surface.