Abstract: A fluid compressor including a rotating impeller and apparatus inhibiting fluid surging. The surge inhibiting apparatus includes a multitude of guide vanes circumscribing an inlet of the compressor. Movement of the guide vanes with respect to fluid flowing to the compressor is effective to inhibit fluid surging. A combustion turbine including such a fluid compressor, and a vehicle powered by such an engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new cavitation free hydraulic turbine system which fully utilizes well-established hydrodynamic theories useful for low-head hydroelectric applications. The hydropower turbine system of the present invention makes use of a fixed blade propeller turbine with reverse blade angle and an upward flow passage. To eliminate the complex flow control adjustable vane system and elaborate tube design and construction of the prior art, the new turbine system is provided with a vertical needle valve and a near zero absolute velocity free exit flow design.

Abstract: Centrifugal high-pressure machine comprising an impeller blade rotor positioned within a housing and a spiral chamber surrounding the housing and forming with the blade rotor a diffuser chamber. The machine is provided with an axially movable piston member which with an outer wall and an enclosure member constitutes a chamber of various volume. The chamber is arranged to be connected to the inlet of the machine and to the spiral chamber respectively. The piston member is positioned against a side wall of the blade rotor and has a lateral face congruent with that of the blade rotor. The axial movement of the piston member constitutes diffuser chambers of various geometry and volume.

Abstract: An actuation system is provided for transferring axial motion into an interior of a gas turbine engine at a number of locations around an outer casing of the engine, with one synchronous movement. An external hydraulic actuator activates the system by rotating one outer crank which, in turn, rotates a single outer yoke. The yoke is mechanically linked to a plurality of crankshafts that extend through the outer casing of the engine and transmit rotational movement into the engine interior. The crankshafts are linked inside the engine to an annular sliding member causing that member to move axially. In one embodiment of this invention, the actuation system is used to open and close a slide valve between inner and outer bypass ducts of a variable cycle aircraft engine.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating shut-off members in gas turbine engines, particularly turbojet engines. Circumferential rotation of an actuating ring is converted into axial opening or closing movement by transmission element. These transmission elements are in the form of bellcranks which are pivotally supported in their elbow area on a fixed casing of the engine. A free arm end of each bellcrank is hinged to the actuating ring. Another free end of each bellcrank is hinged to a pull rod engaging at least one axially moveable shut-off member, or an axially adjustable shut-off element thereon. Two pull rods associated with respective shut-off members, are each pivotally connected on a side opposite the associated shut-off members at various points of an arm of the bellcrank. The arrangement is such that co-directional movement of the shut-off members produces different travels or strokes of the shut-off members.

Abstract: A housing surrounds a rotatable turbine wheel having an axis of rotation and effects a uniform fluid wheel boarding state. The housing includes at least one elongated substantially spiral passageway which encompasses the periphery of the wheel. The passageway has an external peripheral fluid inlet and an internal fluid outlet, the latter encompassing the wheel periphery. The passageway is defined by a pair of opposed axisymmetrical side walls having an inner diameter proximate the periphery of said turbine wheel. An outer wall extends between the two side walls circumferentially around at least 360.degree. of the turbine axis. The radial location of the outer rail is defined by the path prescribed by the direction of fluid flow in a free vortex constrained by the side walls. Disposed within the passageway and extending substantially throughout same may be a multi-portion generally helical partition.

Abstract: In a centrifugal gas compressor the capacity and the prewhirl of the entering gas are both controlled by reciprocating a plug which is located in the flow path. The plug coacts with tapering walls of the flow path to vary the minimum cross-sectional area of the flow path. Additionally vanes are provided either in the wall of the flow path or on the plug. The vanes transition from an axial direction to a helical direction and of reducing height in a downstream direction so as to produce increasing prewhirl with decreasing capacity. Alternatively, prewhirl may be provided without capacity control.

Abstract: The centrifugal fan includes a housing of a substantially cylindrical shape having lateral walls and provided with an inlet port located at one of the lateral walls. An impeller is supported for rotation within the housing in the area of the second lateral wall opposite to the aforementioned one wall. The centrifugal fan is provided with a partition formed as a plurality of annular telescopically engaged elements or bellows. The partition subdividing the interior of the housing into a main diffusing chamber in the area of the impeller and a diffusing antechamber in the area of the inlet port is axially displaced by control arms to thus vary the area of communication between those two chambers.

Abstract: A sprinkler head has a pop-up riser having a nozzle at the upper end thereof for directing a desired flow of fluid therefrom; the riser contains a turbine drive device for rotating the nozzle in response to fluid passing through the sprinkler head; the nozzle having a sealing surface with a part of the sprinkler head; the nozzle being biased against the part so that fluid passing through the nozzle decreases the force biasing the nozzle against the non-rotating part. A modification of the nozzle and turbine drive is disclosed. The modified nozzle is biased against the non-rotating part at a predetermined sealing load which has a minimum effect by the pressure of the fluid flowing through the nozzle. The turbine drive has a gear drive housing filled with fluid and sealed from contact with the fluid passing through the sprinkler head by a capillary tube.

Abstract: An apparatus adjustably extracts steam from extraction turbine. The apparatus includes a regulating drum which concentrically surrounds the turbine shaft and is mounted for axial movement toward away from a portion of the turbine shaft to form therewith an annular trottle gap which is variable between minimum and maximum values in response to axial movement of the drum, to control the steam flow that is being extracted.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which recirculates air to raise air temperature near the floor in winter, and to provide a direct flow of air blown generally horizontally slightly above persons standing on the floor in summer. A fan assembly is housed in a unitary duct-like housing which is open near its base to take in air. The duct-like housing is capped with an outlet hood which adjustably telescopes on the housing so that air flow from openings in the outlet hood can be adjusted for winter or summer operation.

Abstract: This wide range compressor has a casing forming a passage with an inlet and an axial portion, and a rotor with blades extending into the passage and functioning, when the rotor operates, to draw air into the inlet and force it through the passage. One of the problems with wide range compressors is a variation of the pressure as the volume changes rather than maintaining a desired constant or substantially constant discharge pressure. To solve this problem, the present compressor is provided, first, with a ring in the inlet to divide the flow into inner and outer annuluses and, second, with vane or other elements positioned and operative to vary one of the flow annuluses to maintain the output pressure of the compressor substantially uniform over the complete range. The concept embodied in the additional structure disclosed herein is applicable to fans, blowers, compressors, and pumps of axial, centrifugal, or mixed flow configurations which often have difficult wide range requirements.

Abstract: A combination valve and pump assembly for use as ballasting apparatus in ships includes a cylindrical valve element disposed within an opening in a ballast chamber. The valve element communicates with ambient sea water and is movable toward and away from the ship's outer surface to block and unblock the opening. The valve and pump assembly also comprises pump apparatus, operable with the valve element, and including an impeller rotatably positioned concentrically within the valve element. The invention contemplates simultaneous reciprocatory translation of the valve element and the pump assembly by hydraulic motor apparatus such that opening and closing of the opening by the valve element is effected by the hydraulic apparatus, while a pump motor causes rotation of the impeller when the valve element is displaced from a position where the opening is blocked.

Abstract: An energy transfer machine including a stator ring carried in a casing forming a toroidal fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor has a blade cascade coacting with fluid in the path to transfer energy therebetween. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controllably unloading the energy exchange between the rotor and the fluid.

Abstract: In a low-head hydroelectric power station, a turbine runner is mounted within the hub of a convergent-divergent draft tube at the base of a dam. At least one turbine is coupled to one or more electric generators housed within a casing which is totally submerged within the upstream pool. The distance from the generator casing to the draft tube intake is sufficient to prevent any interference with the water flow. The casing is provided with a vertical access and inspection shaft, the top opening of which is located above the normal water level and removably fixed on a flooring structure.

Abstract: The centrifugal fan comprises a casing having a cylindrical jacket with a tangentially directed outlet duct and lateral walls, one of the walls being formed with an axially directed inlet duct partially projecting into the casing, an impeller wheel supported for rotation in the casing opposite the opening of the inlet duct, and axially displaceable tubular partition coaxially surrounding the inlet duct and projecting into the casing toward the face of the impeller wheel to define therewith a variable gap which connects an adjustable diffusing antechamber resulting in the casing between the displaceable tubular partition and the inlet duct to a main diffusing chamber resulting between the displaceable tubular partition and the cylindrical jacket.

Abstract: An energy transfer machine including a stator ring carried in a casing forming a toroidal fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor has a blade cascade coacting with fluid in the path to transfer energy therebetween. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controllably unloading the energy exchange between the rotor and the fluid.

Abstract: A fan assembly, which includes a centrifugal-type fan wheel mounted for rotation in, e.g., a scroll-like fan casing or a tubular fan casing is provided with a retractable fan inlet funnel which may be selectively positioned relative to the fan wheel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the inlet funnel axially overlaps the inlet side of the fan wheel with substantially all the inlet air being directed into the fan wheel. In the retracted position, the inlet funnel is spaced away from the fan wheel to permit a portion of the fan wheel outlet air to recirculate to the inlet side of the fan wheel. Fan performance characteristics including the static pressure, the volume flow rate, the selection of a stable air flow operating point, and the fan wheel power requirements are conveniently and advantageously controlled by adjusting the inlet funnel position.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling air intake through the air intake aperture of the oil burner in a heating boiler includes a rotary coupling member adapted to be connected to the shaft of the oil pump and/or air blower so that it extends substantially along the axis of the intake aperture, a first sleeve member detachably mounted on the coupling member, a second sleeve member slidably mounted on the first sleeve member and to which a closure member is affixed for axial movement away from and towards to open and close, respectively, the intake aperture. At least one spring member is provided whose ends are connected to respective ones of the first and second sleeve members thereby interconnecting the same.

Abstract: The shaft of an oil burner drive motor carries a plate and means responsive to stopping of the shaft for moving the plate axially of the shaft in a direction to close the air intake duct and responsive to starting of the shaft for moving the plate axially in a direction to open the air intake duct.

Abstract: An energy transfer machine including a stator ring carried in a casing forming a toroidal fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor has a blade cascade coacting with fluid in the path to transfer energy therebetween. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controllably unloading the energy exchange between the rotor and the fluid.

Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus is mounted on a stationary tower and disposed to intercept wind currents. An air intake member is mounted thereon having a frusto-conical shape for accelerating the velocity of the wind intercepted by the intake unit or member. A turbine unit is mounted on a stationary frame to rotate in relation to the frame about its longitudinal axis. The turbine unit is disposed at the output of the air intake unit to receive the air intercepted by the air intake unit. The turbine has a plurality of ducts each having an input facing the output of the air intake unit. The ducts extend substantially longitudinally and curve about the longitudinal axis of the turbine. The duct outlets are disposed about the periphery of the turbine at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal axis to emit air jets tangential to the turbine unit. A power shaft is attached to the output of the turbine to connect to a generator or any mechanical driven machine.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a ventilator system. The assembly comprises a fan housing a inlet end and an outlet end. One or more blower wheels are secured for rotation in the fan housing to direct air from the inlet end to the outlet end. Each of the blower wheels has a plurality of inclined peripheral fan blades. Means is provided to support and impart a rotational drive to the blower wheels. An adjustable cylindrical damper is movably supported in closely spaced relationship to the periphery of the blower wheels to vary the quantity of fluid directed to the outlet end of the fan housing.

Abstract: An inducer for a high speed centrifugal pump includes a shaft located upstream of the inlet eye of the centrifugal pump concentrically within an inlet bore; and further includes a plurality of axial blades on an inducer shaft for producing a boost pressure to the inlet of the centrifugal pump and wherein means are included to direct a spray of fuel in a direction radially of the longitudinal axis of the shaft immediately upstream of the blades to reduce the amount of fuel flow across the inducer with a resultant lowered pressure rise than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A tip turbine type fan particularly adapted for use to effect a substantially instantaneous inflation of an emergency lifesaving device such as an escape slide or life raft. It features a housing having an improved unitized construction which defines an axial flow passage. A rotor within and transverse to said passage is operated under the influence of fluid under pressure directed from a chamber formed within and circumferentially of the wall structure of said housing. Drive of the rotor induces air from the environment surrounding the housing to enter the flow passage at one end to co-mingle with the fluid furnishing the motive power for the rotor and to move therewith from the passage to the interior of a connected article to be inflated.It is a feature of a preferred embodiment of the invention that the entrance to the flow passage is bridged by a platelike closure device which is normally biased to a position to seal the entrance to said flow passage.

Abstract: A device for varying the operating characteristics of a turbocharger. A control ring is adjustably mounted within the turbine exhaust passage, adjacent and partially surrounding the exducer portion of the turbine impeller. Axial movement of the ring relative to the impeller changes the proportion of gas which passes completely through the exducer portion. Exducer flow is thus variably bled, the bled portion of the gases passing over the outer surface of the ring.

Abstract: A suction of fluid control valve for a submerged type pump for storage containers containing cryogenic fluids. The valve is normally open and includes a fluid control valve member having ports for communicating with the liquid stored in the storage container. A gas source is provided for producing relative movement between the valve members for sealing off the fluid ports and exposing the ports to thereby control the flow of the stored liquid into the pump housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in an apparatus suited for removing liquid e.g., flammable from a bulk container comprising pumping equipment in the container, a fluid transmitting casing extending from an upper portion in the container to a lower portion and communicating with the pumping equipment, an inlet communicating with the pumping equipment, a fluid outlet at the upper part of the container communicating with the casing, a foot valve for sealing the inlet from the container when in a closed position and permitting fluid flow from the container through the inlet to said casing when in the open position, said foot valve including means responsive to lifting movement of the pumping equipment for closing said valve and a sealing gland at the top of the casing accommodating movement of the pumping equipment for permitting opening and closing of the foot valve without venting the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a pumped sludge flow by throttling the suction side of the pump and to a device for use in the method. The device having an inner member with an outer member so fitted around it that the inner member and the outer member can be moved in relation to each other, and inlets provided in either the inner member or the outer member or both so that when the inner member or the outer member is in one extreme position the inlets are fully closed and when it is in the other extreme position the inlets are fully closed, and a channel which leads to the suction side of the pump fixed to either the inner member or the outer member so that when the inlets are open, liquid flows from the surroundings through the inlets into the channel and thence into the pump.