Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor, which is axially flowed through, for a gas turbine having an axially displaceable rotor. An annular flow channel, which narrows in an axial direction, is formed between a rotationally fixed outer delimiting surface and an inner delimiting surface on the rotor. A stationary ring comprised of guide profiles and at least one ring comprised of moving profiles attached to the rotor are placed inside said annular flow channel. The end of each moving or guide blade is located opposite an axial section of one of both delimiting surfaces while forming a radial gap. The aim of the invention is to provide a non-positive-displacement machine having an axially displaceable rotor whose velocity losses are at least not increased during an axial displacement of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing supporting series of stationary vanes between which there are disposed series of moving blades movable in rotation about a longitudinal axis, the radially outer ends of said moving blades being close to the inside face of the casing. In characteristic manner, the casing includes, at least over an annulus situated facing one of the series of moving blades, at least one casing treatment zone facing towards the blades and including at a surface relief disturbance in the form of a groove of closed outline. The invention is applicable to controlling rotating separation in a turbomachine compressor.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising a pump having an annular pump shell with an annular core ring mounted on a pump hub and a plurality of impellers radially arranged in the pump shell; a turbine arranged being opposed to the pump and having an annular turbine shell with an annular core ring mounted on a turbine hub capable of rotating relative to the pump hub and a plurality of runners radially arranged in the turbine shell; and an operation fluid filled in the pump and in the turbine; wherein, the turbine is so constituted as to slide on the turbine hub in the axial direction thereof, and has resilient urging means for urging the turbine in a direction to separate away from the pump side; and the core ring of the pump and the core ring of the turbine are so constituted that the gaps for flowing the operation fluid into the two core rings are increased in a state where the turbine is close to the pump and that the gaps for flowing the operation fluid into the two core rings are decreased as the turbine separates awa

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adjusting an impeller in a motor and impeller assembly of a pumping device.

Abstract: A spacing arrangement for a gas turbine engine 10. The spacing arrangement being arranged such that as a rotor blade 26 of a compressor 13 rotates, the rotor disc 28 will move outwards and forwards to maintain a substantially constant gap 36 between the rotor blade 26 and an inclined casing 20.

Abstract: A variable flow water pump includes a housing having an impeller mounted on a rotatable shaft. The pump impeller has a plurality, of vanes fixed to a back plate or flange. A circumferentially surrounding shroud is axially movable within the housing and may move between an open position and a covering position to expose or surround the vane portions and therefore control the effective working capacity of the pump. The shroud is controlled by an actuator and shift fork arrangement that responds to sensor measurements of temperature and/or engine speed to supply a sufficient quantity of coolant tailored to the actual need of the engine and without unwanted power loss caused by excessive flow.

Abstract: Axial adjustment apparatus is provided in a centrifugal pump to effect adjustment of the impeller relative to adjacent pump elements. Specifically preferred is adjustment apparatus in a chopper pump that provides adjustment of the impeller relative to a chopper plate to facilitate continuous efficient cutting of solids by the pump. The adjustment apparatus may also include adjustment structure for providing axial adjustment between the impeller and a plate-like member positioned adjacent the drive side of the impeller to effect adjustment of cutting tolerances in cutting elements positioned between the impeller and plate-like member. The invention further includes a seal mechanism configured and positioned to retain the seal height of the seals throughout continuous adjustment of the impeller.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising a pump having an annular pump shell with an annular core ring mounted on a pump hub and a plurality of impellers radially arranged in the pump shell, and a turbine arranged facing the pump and having an annular turbine shell with an annular core ring mounted on a turbine hub that can rotate relative to the pump hub and a plurality of runners radially arranged in the turbine shell, wherein the turbine shell is so constituted to slide on the turbine hub in the axial direction, and provision is made of a centrifugal pushing means for pushing the turbine toward the pump by the action of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the turbine.

Abstract: Method of minimizing the gap between a wheel and a casing of a turbine, a turbine, and a method of determining the wear behavior of a wheel of a rotor. To minimize the gap between a wheel and a casing in a turbine, optical methods are also often used in order to minimize the gap. However, this is very expensive. The method according to the invention proposes that the wheel and the casing (be part of an electric circuit, so that an electrical parameter, such as resistance for example, can be measured, the value of which shows whether a contact is present.

Abstract: A fan includes a casing having a bottom wall and a shaft mounted inside the casing for rotatably supporting a rotary blade assembly comprised of blades inside the casing and above the bottom wall with the blade assembly being axially movable with respect to the shaft. A levitation device includes magnets mounted to the blades of the blade assembly and a magnetic field generator mounted in the bottom wall and opposing the magnets of the blades. The magnet field generator is controlled by a control circuit to selectively generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnets of the blades to induce expelling force acting upon the blade assembly to axially move the blade assembly a predetermined distance away from the bottom wall. The magnitude of the expelling force can be changed by controlling the magnetic field generator whereby the distance between the blades and the bottom wall can be adjusted.

Abstract: An impeller clearance adjustment system for providing for a desired clearance between an impeller and a housing by adjusting a spacing (10) between a thrust housing (11) and a frame (12) using a plurality of evenly-spaced shoulder screws (21) locked into a screwed-in position by respective lock nuts (22). A shoulder portion (21a) of each shoulder screw (21) keeps the thrust housing (11) from coming closer to the frame (12) than the adjusted spacing (10).

Abstract: A centrifugal pump wherein a threaded ring is secured in its position by way of a pressure body which presses it against the axial abutment of a pump shaft and which is screwed axially to the end of the pump shaft. The threaded ring is seated loosely on the pump shaft and by a thread which is provided in a front hub region of the pump impeller and into which the thread of the threaded ring is screwed.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.

Abstract: A variable-capacity water pump includes a housing having an impeller mounted on a rotatable shaft. The pump impeller has a plurality of vanes fixed to a flange. A circumferentially surrounding shroud is axially movable within the housing and may move between extended and retracted positions to surround or expose the vanes and therefore control the effective working capacity of the pump. At low engine speeds, the vanes are fully extended and the maximum amount of kinetic energy is transferred to the coolant. When the rotational speed increases above a certain pre-determined level, the shroud is pushed upwards towards the inlet opening and a portion of the vanes becomes covered. The capacity of the pump decreases and the power required to drive the pump also decreases. Both passive and active control means for the shroud are disclosed.

Abstract: The ribbon drive pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the cube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid.

Abstract: A rotatory pump has a housing (20) and an impeller wheel (40) which is mounted on a driving shaft (30) to rotate integrally therewith. The driving shaft is rotatably supported in the housing. The driving shaft also has a disk (44) disposed to be concentric with the driving shaft. Radially extending blades (46) are directed along the axial direction of the driving shaft (30) being provided on the disk, and the blades, together with the inner wall portions (22a) of the housing (20) which face the blades (46), form flow channels for the fluid to be pumped. At least one raised portion (48) is on each of the radially extending edges (46a) of preferably three blades (46), to bear against the inner wall portions (22a) of the housing (20) which face the blades (46) of the impeller wheel housing.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed wherein the inherent centrifugal separation that occurs adjacent the pump inlet is used to remove contaminants. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, contaminants are centrifugally separated and sorbed or bled off, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the purified liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation and can be useful for pumping live fish.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a casing having an outlet chamber and an impeller rotatable in the casing. A set of controlling sideplates are installed in the outlet chamber. The controlling sideplates are movable along the axis of the impeller, positioned such as to change the outlet width and the chamber volume thus allowing one to obtain the desired pumping parameters. A driving mechanism is connected to the sideplates, for their axial movement. The design contains driving mechanisms of the hydraulic type and electrical type. A pair of pilot shafts are connected to the sideplates and extend into a sensor for controlling the movement of the sideplates. A control system is also provided whose main purpose is adjusting the axial displacement of the sideplates, which automatically controls the variable pumping parameters.

Abstract: A variable width pump impeller that allows for the selection of a fixed impeller width from two or more possible impeller widths. The impeller comprises a first impeller shroud having a plurality of impeller vanes and a second impeller shroud having an equal number of flat surfaces and one or more sets of grooves, each set comprising an equal number of recessed grooves for receiving the vanes of the first impeller shroud. The manufacturer selects between a flow channel formed by the outer edge of the vanes joining against the flat surfaces or one or more flow channel widths formed by vanes being received in the grooves. Once formed, the impeller has a fixed impeller width. Use of the impeller reduces the number of manufacturing molds required to make impellers of different widths and reduces the need to have an inventory of different impeller components.

Abstract: A pump (1) for pumping a slurry comprises a pump housing (2) defining a pumping chamber (5) with an impeller (6) located therein for pumping the slurry from an axial inlet port (7) to a radial outlet port (8). The impeller (6) is carried on a pump shaft (10) which is in turn rotatably carried in a shaft carrier sleeve (18) in a carrier housing (12) which also carries the pump housing (2). The shaft carrier sleeve (18) and the pump shaft (10) are axially adjustable in the direction of the arrows A and B for adjusting an axial clearance gap (25) between the impeller (6) and the pump housing (2). A shaft seal (9) for sealing the pumping chamber (5) comprises a packed gland seal (42) and a rotating sealing ring (38) and a stationary sealing ring (39). A lubricating fluid cavity (40) is located between the packed gland seal (42) and the rotating and stationary sealing rings (38,39) for lubricating axially facing rotating and stationary sealing surfaces (52,58).

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation.

Abstract: A ribbon drive power generation system and method is disclosed. The system is equipped with an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils increases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Moving water is directed into the first end, an axial component of momentum of the water is decreased via the rotating ribbon, and the rotation is used to induce electricity or drive an electrical generator. The scalability and modular nature of the present invention allow flexible implementation.

Abstract: The barrel pump has a tubular pump housing and a rotor shaft which is supported by a support tube and, at its bottom end, bears an elastic cone which has a circumferential groove which interacts with the opening edge of an inlet in the manner of a snap-action closure when the rotor shaft is displaced in the direction of incoming flow with respect to the pump housing. The cone seal is situated in front of the inlet, as seen in the direction of flow. To displace the rotor shaft with respect to the pump housing, a rotary cap is provided above the outlet, pins of which cap engage in grooves of a groove flange which is screwed onto the pump housing, the grooves having a pitch, so that as a result of the rotary cap being turned relative displacement between rotor shaft and pump housing is brought about.

Abstract: A pump has a thrust bearing has a casing with an inlet port and a discharge port. A shaft is positioned within the pump. A thrust bearing is coupled to the shaft. A pressure alterable bearing cavity is located within the casing. The pressure alterable cavity allows the axial thrust on the shaft from the impellers to be counteracted. The thrust bearing has an annular seal coupled with respect to the casing disc is coupled to the shaft and positioned adjacent the seal. The seal and the disc have a gap therebetween. A feedback pipe couples the bearing cavity to the inlet port. As the axial thrust acting on the shaft changes, the gap between the seal and the disc also changes. The changing of the gap changes the pressure within the bearing cavity. The disc and thus the shaft are repositioned in response to the change in the bearing cavity pressure change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatory pump having a housing (20) and an impeller wheel (40) which is mounted on a driving shaft (30) to rotate integrally therewith, said driving shaft being rotatably supported in said housing, and which has a disk (44) disposed to be concentric with said driving shaft (30), radially extending blades (46) directed along the axial direction of said driving shaft (30) being provided on said disk, and said blades, together with the inner wall portions (22a) of the housing (20) which face the blades (46), forming flow channels for the fluid to be pumped. Furthermore, provision is made for at least one raised portion (48) to be provided on each of the radially extending edges (46a) of preferably three blades (46), said raised portions being enabled to bear against the inner wall portions (22a) of the housing (20) which face the blades (46) of the impeller wheel (40).

Abstract: A rotary machine (10) having rotor elements (54-66), (114) and seal lands (86, 112) is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for facilitating assembly of the machine. In one embodiment clearances are established between rotor blades (66) and the seal land (86) which enable assembly of the components and provide for acceptable clearances at a steady-state operative condition of the engine.

Abstract: A device for metering flowable material is formed from two components which are movable relative to each other. The relative movement of the components varies the width of a gap between the components to control the flow of material through the gap. One of the movable components carries a rotatable element to direct the flow of material towards the gap, and a guide element is provided to direct propelled material into the gap. The rotatable element is preferably a disk, and the gap is a channel located proximate to the periphery of the disk. An element mountable to and rotatable with the disk can be provided to act on and reduce the size of solid or semi-solid material carried by flowing fluid to permit such material to flow through the device.

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 variable geometry centrifugal pump varies the pump output and/or centrifugal pump force by varying the effective radial length of the impeller vanes impelling fluid. The pump provides an impeller having graduated vanes with a shorter vane section for low output and a longer vane section for high output. A shroud carried in the impeller has female openings for the vanes to extend through to cover shorter or longer sections of the vanes. The shroud includes apertures for the axial pump inlet to extend through, thereby permitting the impeller to impel fluid on either side of the shroud.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the pitot tube type is structured with axially stabilizing elements which assist in stabilizing the pitot tube assembly of the pump during high pressure operating conditions. The axially stabilizing elements include at least one seat member positionable to register against the discharge tube of the pitot tube assembly to keep the discharge tube in axial alignment and in a selected tension. The pitot pump may also include a pressure relief channel positioned to accommodate increased pressures which may arise from an o-ring failure in the sealing mechanism of the discharge assembly. The axially stabilizing elements reduce the occurrence of fretting and galling resulting from axial forces exerted on the pitot tube assembly and facilitate simplified construction and assembly of the inlet manifold to a discharge assembly or manifold. The cost of constructing and maintaining the centrifugal pump is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A rotary machine, such as a compressor, includes a casing having an annular cavity. The cavity is stepped to include a first circumferential surface of a first size and a second circumferential surface of a second size, less than the first size. At least one roller member is retractably mounted in the casing and is adjustable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the roller member is retracted from the cavity and is substantially aligned with first circumferential surface. In the second position, the roller is extended into the cavity and substantially aligned with the second circumferential surface. When extended, the roller member can support a reduced diameter portion of a compressor bundle substantially in alignment with the second circumferential surface of the cavity during insertion of the compressor bundle into, or removal of the compressor bundle from the cavity in the compressor casing.

Abstract: A pump is provided which includes an axially adjustable impeller in order to adjust the distance between the impeller and a housing section adjacent the impeller and thereby increase pump efficiency. The pump also can be made to have a removable module including the impeller, a shaft for the impeller and an impeller driving member positioned on the shaft.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan apparatus for installation in an air plenum adapted to provide pressurized air to a ventilating system includes a centrifugal fan rotor having front and rear sidewalls and a number of blades extending between these sidewalls. The platform has a horizontal base frame on which wheels are rotatably mounted. The front sidewall has a central opening for receiving air while the rear sidewall is attached to a rotatable drive shaft that extends rearwardly from the rotor. A motor is connected to the shaft in order to rotate it and the rotor. A linearly movable platform supports the rotor, shaft and motor and an actuator moves this platform forwardly or rearwardly in order to control the volume of air flowing out of the rotor. An air inlet member is mounted rigidly at the central opening and has a generally cylindrical section that can extend into the rotor when the rotor is moved to a forward position.

Abstract: An improved well-pump for geothermal wells, an alignment system for a well-pump, and to a method for aligning a rotor and stator within a well-pump, wherein the well-pump has a whistle assembly formed at a bottom portion thereof, such that variations in the frequency of the whistle, indicating misalignment, may be monitored during pumping.

Abstract: A fixed bearing for a radial or diagonal flow compressor is guided in a damping bush whose axial position can be fixed by means of a reconciling plate to establish a desired running gap with respect to the compressor housing. The damping bush has a receiving device for a supporting element which rests against the reconciling plate, such that the supporting element and the reconciling plate are removable when the damping bush is disposed in the compressor housing. When the rotor is mounted, the required thickness of the reconciling disk can be determined and this reconciling disk can then be inserted without removing the rotor or the damping bush for the adjustment of the desired running gap.

Abstract: An improved device for adjusting the bearing clearance of a pump is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, an annular piston is provided adjacent to a bearing assembly, and an elastomeric member is provided adjacent to the piston. The elastomeric member has a plurality of apertures circumferentially spaced around the elastomeric member, a volume control member being provided in each of the apertures. The volume control members are selectively advanced into and retracted from the apertures, the elastomeric member being compressed and expanding in an axial direction when the volume control members are advanced into the apertures, thereby forcing the piston to move toward the bearing assembly. When the volume control members are retracted from the apertures, the elastomeric member compresses in an axial direction, thereby allowing the piston to move away from the bearing assembly.

Abstract: The pump has an impeller with a retractable component, which, when moved, exposes more or less of the impeller blades, thereby varying the pumping action. The pump has rotor and stator sleeves with complementary tapered surfaces, in which a groove conveys barrier liquid towards the impeller. A piston and cylinder receives the liquid thus conveyed. The pressure of the liquid is controlled by a pressure regulator. A spring biasses the moveable impeller blades one way, and the piston and cylinder oppose that force, whereby the exposure of the impeller blades can be controlled.

Abstract: A pump for use in a bath of reactive molten metal such as zinc has a graphite rotor, driven at constant speed, and capable of pumping molten metal at selective rates from the bath. The pump includes an internal delivery flow path and protected drive shaft, so that the liquid metal of the bath is not turbulated by the rotating shaft, and the temperature of the metal within the pump, during semi-quiescent periods is maintained substantially constant. The pump has a robust structure and yet can handle rates as low as 10 to 15 pounds per minute, in contrast to usual types of pumps that require pumping about 80 pounds per minute, and being speed controlled, are less accurate in their delivery rates. An adjustable control for regulating flow rate during operation also is provided.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a car including an outside air channel, an interior air channel, and a radial fan having a suction side and an exhaust side. The fan is situated at junction between the outside air and interior air channels, so that the outside air and interior air channels are axially connected to the suction side of the fan. A partition wall is movable within an unrestricted cavity, so that the outside air and interior air channels are situated at different sides thereof.

Abstract: A device for heating a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle has a heating circuit connectable to a hydraulic circuit of an internal combustion engine, and a delivery unit including a delivery pump having a delivery element formed as an impeller wheel rotatable in a pump chamber having a suction opening, an electric motor having an armature and driving the delivery pump, and an electric coupling through which the electric motor drives the delivery pump. The magnetic coupling has one coupling half connected with the impeller wheel and another coupling half connected to the armature of the drive motor. The delivery element of the pump has an axis of rotation and is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation between two operating positions, including one operating position which is close to the suction opening and another operating position which is at a distance from the suction opening.

Abstract: Magnetic pump apparatus with a pump housing including a volute and having a pump housing interior at least partially defined by the volute. A support shaft is mounted in the pump housing interior. An impeller is supported on the support shaft and rotatably mounted in the pump housing interior. The position of the impeller relative to the volute can be adjusted when the impeller is supported on the support shaft and in the pump housing interior.

Abstract: A combination frame arranged between a centrifugal pump and a driver, such as a motor, the combination frame having in a central region thereof a compartment for holding shaft bearings and a quantity of oil, and a pump adapter frame arranged between said compartment and said pump, and a driver adapter frame arranged between said compartment and said driver, the pump and driver adapter frames and the compartment cast or forced as an integral structurally seamless frame between pump and driver. The driver adapter frame radially surrounds and covers impeller axial adjustment studs and reference nuts at the bearing housing, for protection. The combination frame of the present invention provides a stronger structural integrity than the multi-component frames of the prior art which allows for more precise alignment of the coupling between motor and pump which reduces vibration.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the blade tip clearance in a rotating machine where the machine comprises a turbine part and a compressor part separate from the turbine part and the stator housing of the turbine part is formed with a stator cone. The invention is characterized in that one or more bladed turbine discs during a non-steady operation, such as start-up, stop and load changes, are moved out of the stator cone whereby the blade tip clearance is increased and that the turbine discs during continuous operation are moved into the stator cone such that the blade top clearance is reduced.

Abstract: A turbomachine including a case, a rotor, a plurality of rotor blades on the rotor each having a blade tip, a shroud around the rotor blade tips, and bearings mounting the rotor on the case for rotation about a centerline of the case and for bodily shiftable movement in the direction of the centerline. The rotor blade tips and an inside wall of the shroud flare radially outward in the direction of the centerline so that when the rotor moves in the direction of the centerline toward the shroud a clearance gap between the blade tips and the inner wall of the shroud decreases and vice versa. An electromagnetic actuator on the case magnetically attracts a thrust plate on the rotor against a net dynamic force on the rotor. A control system of the actuator controls the magnetic attraction of the actuator in response to signals from a position sensor measuring the actual magnitude of the clearance gap to maintain the actual clearance gap at a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved variable breadth imler for use in a variable capacity centrifugal pump and a method for adapting a variable capacity centrifugal pump to produce a specific predetermined shutoff head are provided. The variable breadth impeller is a two piece unit comprising an impeller element having a plurality of radially extending impeller vanes thereon and an axially movable shroud having a plurality of radially extending grooves therein for receiving the impeller vanes in a meshing relationship. The movable shroud further includes a plurality of axially extending grooves in its outer peripheral surface which act as a supplemental pumping means between minimum flow rate condition and shutoff condition. The operation of the improved variable breadth impeller results in a specific predetermined pressure head being attained and maintained at pump shutoff operating condition.

Abstract: An improved collar assembly adapted for easing the disassembly of stacked members on a shaft subjected to compressive loading is disclosed. The collar assembly includes a pair of collar members which are mounted contiguously abutting one another along a planar angulated interface. One of the collar members defines a bore therethrough configured to closely correspond to the exterior diameter or exterior configuration of the shaft in which the collar assembly is to be mounted. The second collar assembly defines a bore therethrough which is dimensioned to be substantially larger than the shaft exterior configuration in which the assembly is to be mounted. The disparity in the bore sizes permits the second collar to be displaced laterally as well as axially along the shaft with respect to the shaft and along the planar interface of the two-collar members. The two-collar members define the respective exterior engagement surface adapted to engage and otherwise abut against a member stacked on the shaft.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for pumping fiber suspensions including a centrifugal pump housing (50) defining a centrifugal pump chamber (54) having a suspension inlet and suspension outlet. Located within the pumping chamber is a centrifugal impeller (60). A vacuum pump chamber (76) defined by a front wall (112) facing the impeller and a rear wall (110) and opposite the front wall is located adjacent the centrifugal pumping chamber (54). A vacuum pump rotor (96) is mounted within the vacuum pump chamber at a distance from the front and the rear walls (112, 110). The axial distance between the vacuum pump rotor and the front and rear walls (112, 110) is adjustable to a value of less than 0.30 mm, and preferably less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: The invention is a centrifugal pump having an outer housing defining a pumping chamber. An impeller is rotatably positioned in the chamber for pumping a fluid. The impeller is mounted on the first end of a rotatable shaft. A journal bearing is positioned in the outer housing and disposed coaxially around the shaft. A small clearance space is present between the shaft and the journal bearing. The clearance space is in communication with the chamber whereby the fluid being pumped by the impeller is directed to said clearance space and the fluid provides the lubrication for the journal bearing. The impeller of the pump is moveable in the pumping chamber and positioned adjacent a first wall of the pumping chamber. An inverted tub is secured to the second end of the shaft and extends over a portion of the outer housing where the shaft is located. A drive belt engages the outer periphery of the inverted hub to rotate the inverted hub and impeller.

Abstract: A positioning system for a steam turbine element includes a plurality of flex plates which support an inner cylinder of a steam turbine element with the rotating blades of a rotor and the stationary blades of the inner cylinder at a predetermined position. Sensors detect shifting of the rotor within the inner cylinder and provide control signals to a motor which drives the inner cylinder in an axial direction to account for shifting of the rotor.