Nozzle Discharging Onto Motor Runner Patents (Class 415/202)
  • Patent number: 6196793
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for directing a flow of fluid to a turbine via a nozzle box mountable to encircle a shaft. The nozzle box includes a housing having an inner wall spaced from an outer wall and joined therewith so as to form a chamber therein. The housing also includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet in which each is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. A plurality of radially projecting nozzles are positioned between the inner and outer walls and located upstream of the outlet for directing the flow of fluid through the outlet. A flow distributor is positioned between the inner and outer walls and located upstream of the nozzles for directing the flow of fluid through the chamber and to the nozzles. The flow distributor is configured to obtain a substantially uniform flow of fluid to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark Edward Braaten
  • Patent number: 6179554
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Elvin A. Stafford, Steven R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 6090299
    Abstract: The method of operating rotating separator apparatus, to which fluid, including gas and liquids is supplied in a fluid jet via a nozzle, which includes separating the liquids from the gas in the stream, at a first zone within the rotating apparatus, and separating the liquids into liquids of differing density at a second zone within the apparatus. The separated liquids are removed via two open weirs which isolate the liquids in the separating zones from the shear forces from scoops within the weir passages. Longitudinal ribs may be provided for structural support, coalescence promotion and fluid recirculation inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventors: Lance G. Hays, Simon Roger Henderson Davies, Bjoern Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6073445
    Abstract: A process for producing power by displacing water from a tank for operating a hydro-electric apparatus such as a turbine or Pelton wheel. In one embodiment, combustion products from fossil fuels are utilized to displace water from a reservoir or tank. The combustion products are generated by burning a fuel in a gas that contains more than 25% by volume oxygen to generate a hotter flame and less pollutants. If desired, the fuel and gas can be combusted in the reservoir or tank. In another embodiment, differences in pressure can be used to displace water from a reservoir to the hydro-electric apparatus. With these processes, hydro-electric power can be generated at greatly increased efficiencies compared to the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Arthur Johnson
  • Patent number: 6071073
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a turbine inlet casing has several steps. Providing a prismatic block having an upstream face, a downstream face, and a central axis perpendicular to the upstream and downstream faces. Cutting a circular shaft clearance opening through the block, concentric with the central axis. Cutting an inlet plenum through the block along the central axis. The inlet plenum is positioned towards an outer edge of the block. Cutting one or more distribution ports through the block along the central axis. These ports begin close to the inlet plenum and end at annular segments which are concentric with the central axis and at a radial position coincident with the turbine flowpath. The annular ends (of the distribution ports) are spaced circumferentially apart from each other. Cover plates are attached to the upstream and/or downstream faces of the block over the passages and ports. Connecting holes are made between the inlet plenum and the distribution ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 5947678
    Abstract: An improved liquid rotor device is provided having a cylindrically-shaped hub, which is supported by a horizontal shaft, and having several curved blades which are attached to the outer portions of the rotating hub. The horizontal shaft preferably rotates with the hub so that it can mechanically drive a device such as an electrical generator. The multiple blades mounted to the exterior surface of the hub are curved such that the longitudinal axis of each blade is parallel to the axis of rotation (i.e., the horizontal shaft). Each blade is arcuate in shape and preferably comprises a portion of the cylindrical wall of a hollow cylinder. In one embodiment of the, the rotating hub and blades sub-assembly is surrounded by a hollow cylindrical housing that is entirely submerged in a liquid, such as water. The surrounding hollow cylindrical housing has an inlet to receive the liquid into the area of the rotating blades and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Frank D. Bergstein
  • Patent number: 5934870
    Abstract: A steam control valve is provided with a valve core arranged in the valve housing (10), with an upper valve spindle (5) guided in a sealing packing (12), with a valve cone (1) sliding in a lower and upper valve core (3b) and (3a), and with a valve diffusor (6) arranged in the valve housing (10). Piston rings (4a) are inserted in the upper part (1a) of the valve cone (1) sliding in the valve core upper part (3a), and piston rings (4b) are inserted in the lower part (1c) of the valve cone (1) sliding in the valve core lower part (3b). Clean water is used as the hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic drive attached to a connection spacer (15). At least one axial hole (2) is provided in the valve cone (1). With the upper part (3a) and the lower part (3b) of the valve core (3), the middle part (1b) of the valve cone forms an annular chamber (8), at which at least one suction channel (9) is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: GHH BORSIG Turbomaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 5927943
    Abstract: A turbine with the improved inlet casing in accordance with the present invention includes a shaft which extends along and rotates about a central axis. The turbine also includes at least one rotor wheel which is mounted on and extends radially outward from the shaft to a radially outermost periphery. A plurality of buckets are arrayed circumferentially around the rotor wheel at the radially outermost periphery. A housing surrounds the rotor wheel and the stationary flow path component. A plurality of nozzle vanes are circumferentially arrayed in the stationary flow path component which is axially spaced from the buckets of the rotor wheel. The nozzle vanes are configured to direct fluid against an upstream side of the buckets and effect rotation of the rotor wheel. Inlet fingers are formed in the housing, with each of the inlet fingers defining a substantially straight passage between the turbine inlet or a control system and the nozzle vanes of the first stationary flow path component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 5885057
    Abstract: A turbine apparatus having a stator and a rotor mounted for rotation relative to the stator. The stator has at least one groove facing the rotor and the rotor has at least one groove facing the stator, the direction of each of the rotor grooves intersecting the dirction of a corresponding one of the stator grooves to form a channel for receiving a ball driven by a propelling fluid to cause the rotor to rotate as the ball travels along the channel from an inlet to an outlet thereof. A return passage returns the ball from the channel outlet to the channel inlet in response to gravity, a portion of the propelling fluid, or a moving mechanical element. The stator groove may be straight and the rotor groove cirved or the tator groove may be curved and the rotor groove straight or both the stator and the rotor grooves may be curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: William A. Wootten
  • Patent number: 5820339
    Abstract: A turbine wheel for drive turbines especially of metal working machinery consisting of a disc-shaped wheel body (1) with a central bearing opening (2) and intake orifices (4) concentrically located on the circumference of a lateral disc surface (3) and of drive air channels (5) running inside the wheel body each ending in an outlet orifice (14). The outlet orifices (14) are located on the peripheral disc surface (7) where the drive air channels (5) show an inflow section (6) of approximately axial direction and an outflow section (8) running inside the disc body (1) in the direction to the peripheral disc surface (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Joisten & Kettenbaum GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Trojahn
  • Patent number: 5755553
    Abstract: An improved water turbine apparatus includes a rotating waterwheel having a plurality of water-receiving buckets arranged about its periphery. Water is delivered to the buckets at a first, upper location and drained from the buckets at a second, lower location. The water is retained in the buckets during rotation between the first and second locations by a curved, fixed turbine wall. A portion of the water delivered to the buckets may be pumped from a well or reservoir, the water drained from the buckets being used to replenish the reservoir. The reservoir can be used to augment a second, variable water source to maintain continuous and consistent turbine output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Prasert Laemthongsawad
  • Patent number: 5750040
    Abstract: The method of operating rotating separator apparatus, to which fluid, including gas and liquids is supplied in a fluid jet at via a nozzle, which includes separating the liquids from the gas in the stream, at a first zone within the rotating apparatus, and separating the liquids into liquids of differing density at a second zone within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5601405
    Abstract: A valve assembly for steam turbines having an intake valve of spherical section formed by two parallel planar sidewalls of a sphere disposed about the center thereof defining a spherical shaped end wall and formed with a shaft receiving aperture, the valve body formed with a plurality of apertures in a sidewall thereof, and a channel extending between each of the sidewall apertures with a corresponding aperture formed in the spherical shaped end wall, the intake valve rotatable independently about the shaft of the steam turbine for alignment with corresponding intake apertures in a circular steam chest disposed about the spherical shaped end wall of the intake valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: George J. Coates
  • Patent number: 5558721
    Abstract: A vapor phase growth system comprises a gas-drive motor including a ring-shaped stator and a rotor housed in a rotor chamber formed in the stator, and designed to rotate the rotor by injecting a gas toward gas receiving grooves in the peripheral surface of the rotor through injection ports which open in the peripheral surface of the rotor chamber. A rotating shaft of a susceptor rotating mechanism extends along the axis of a susceptor in a reactor, and has one end fixed to the top wall of the susceptor. A tray rotating shaft, having one end fixed to each of trays arranged individually in recesses in the outer surface of the susceptor, extends penetrating the peripheral wall of the susceptor. As a rotating shaft of a drive mechanism rotates, a wafer supported by each tray revolves around the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Kohmura, Koichi Toyosaki
  • Patent number: 5553995
    Abstract: A turbine device and a method of driving the turbine device are disclosed. The turbine device includes an admission channel, a turbine, and an injection channel. The turbine device may also include a regulator. The turbine is driven by injecting a primary fluid into the admission channel at a given velocity and simultaneously causing a secondary fluid to flow into the admission channel at a lower velocity. The primary fluid and the secondary fluid form a mixture in the admission channel, which flows toward the turbine. The velocity of the mixture is less than that of the primary fluid, while the mass flow of the mixture is approximately equal to the sum of the mass flows of the primary and secondary fluids. The regulator compares the rotational speed of the turbine to a target speed and regulates parameters associated with the turbine device if the rotational speed of the turbine and the target speed differ by more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Mich ele Martinez
  • Patent number: 5525034
    Abstract: In a rotary turbine having inlets for mixtures of gas and liquid, and a rotary shaft, the combination comprising a separator to receive the mixture of gas and liquid, and to separate the mixture into a stream of gas and a stream of liquid; first structure to receive the stream of gas for generating torque exerted on the shaft; the separator including a rotating surface to receive the stream of liquid to form a liquid layer, and for generating torque exerted on the shaft; there being generally radial outflow passages for the separated liquid stream, and liquid nozzles terminating liquid outflow passages to pass the liquid stream and to convert the induced pressures of the radial outflow of the liquid to velocity of liquid jets, and to convert the reaction forces of the liquid jets to shaft power. Gas nozzles may be provided to receive the separated gas stream which is centrifugally pressurized and expanded through the gas nozzles to produce gas jets directed to produce torque acting on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Biphase Energy Company
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5471965
    Abstract: A very high speed radial inflow hydraulic turbine drive. Inflow nozzles drilled in a nozzle body intersect a circular nozzle body exit surface, the centerline of each nozzle forming an angle of between 8 and 25 degrees with the tangent of the exit circle at the point of intersection. The turbine wheel of the drive is small. Its diameter measured at the tips of the blades is less than 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment, built and tested by Applicant, the wheel is only 0.80 inch diameter. This embodiment was tested with a turbine hydraulic fluid pressure drop of 700 psi and flow of 19.5 GPM. The 0.8 inch turbine produced 5.9 HP at 62,000 RPM driving the compressor portion of a TO4B-V turbocharger. The compressed air flow was measured at 11.3 pounds per minute (161.4 inlet CFM) at a pressure ratio of 1.41. During the test the acceleration of the supercharger was measured from idle to 62,000 RPM in about 1/2 second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Davorin D. Kapich
  • Patent number: 5440175
    Abstract: An electric generator assembly driven by a waterwheel wherein the axial length of the waterwheel is substantially greater than the diameter thereof and contains a speed-increasing device for driving a high speed generator. The assembly is supported from a bridge spanning the full axial length of the waterwheel and the width of the stream and said bridge also supports an adjustable chute extending from the dam crest to the waterwheel. The waterwheel has longitudinal buckets designed to develop maximum energy over a wide range of flow of water and also discharge debris. The buckets are vented as necessary to improve filling and discharge and also minimize vibration. The complete bridge assembly is supported adjacent opposite ends by hydraulic cylinder units connected to and adapted to raise the unitary bridge, chute and waterwheel assembly above increased tailwater levels to reduce drag and rotating friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventors: Howard A. Mayo, Jr., Kenneth R. Broome
  • Patent number: 5427508
    Abstract: An electro-pneumatic blower having an electric motor drive and a set of centrifugal blower blade and a set of compressed air turbine blades, both sets being an integral part of a single blower turbine wheel which is mounted on the shaft of the motor. A preferred embodiment is a 30 pound portable unit which which has been tested at flows of 250 CFM at 6.6 inches water gage pressure rise when driven by a 0.5 HP, 3600 RPM electric motor. The blower provides flows of 375 CFM at 13 inches water gage pressure when driven by a compressed air turbine at 80 psig. The compressed air turbine blades in this embodiment are cast along with the blower blades as parts of a single blower-turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5392513
    Abstract: A process for replacing a multi-piece steampath in a nozzle box (12) where, initially, the steampath (22) is secured between upper (24) and lower (26) ring components by means of axially accessible, arcuate welds (36, 38) includes the steps of:a) axially machining the arcuate welds (36, 38) so as to permit removal of the steampath (22) in a direction axially away from the nozzle box;b) further machining a forward portion of the lower ring component to provide a substantially vertical weld surface; andc) securing a one-piece steampath (222) in place by an axially accessible upper weld (236) and a radially accessible lower weld (238).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mario Mazzola, Michael T. Hamlin, Richard I. Cromer, John Costantini
  • Patent number: 5385446
    Abstract: A rotary separator turbine having inlet structure for mixtures of gas and liquid, rotary shaft structure comprising separator structure to receive the mixture of gas and liquid and to separate the mixture into a stream of gas and at a stream of liquid; first structure to receive the stream of gas for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure, and; second structure to receive the stream of liquid for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure; whereby the first and second structure separately operate to generate shaft power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Lance G. Hays
  • Patent number: 5358377
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for rotationally controlling a circular structure, such as a dome, from the outer circumference of the dome. The system uses an air driven motor having a circular fixed section and a movable section. The movable section is attached to the rim of the dome and is supported by pressurized air over the fixed section. Air, or other fluid, is used to drive the movable section, and hence the dome, around the circle. The dome speed is controlled by air pressure and the position of the dome is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Tommy D. Wright, Felix Garcia, Rodney D. Williams
  • Patent number: 5346364
    Abstract: A small, compact, relatively low cost, long life and very high speed hydraulic turbine drive. Typical power of this turbine is in the range of 5 to 20 horsepower with operating speeds of 50,000 to 200,000 RPM. The turbine blades are produced at low cost as a part of a thermoplastic turbine wheel and the strength needed for very high centrifugal forces is provided by compressing substantially all of the plastic turbine wheel, except for the blades, within a metal sleeve. A preferred embodiment is driven by a hydraulic pump geared mechanically to a motor vehicle engine and drives a compressor for supercharging the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5333994
    Abstract: A high-strength, thin-wall ceramic cylinder partially closed at one end, with radial-inflow turbine blades ground into the partially closed end thereof, provides the rotational drive, surface protection, and burst strength necessary to contain and spin a low strength, disposable soft ceramic capsule, loaded with a sample for NMR experiments, at high rotational speeds inside an NMR receiver/transmitter coil. An improved radial inflow turbine design results in higher efficiency for micro-turbines. A cylindrical air journal bearing at both ends provides radial stability and support. An axial thrust air bearing is formed at the end opposite the turbine blades between the sacrificial bottom of the soft capsule and a thrust ring. The high-strength ceramic is typically of a partially stabilized zirconia or hot pressed silicon nitride. The disposable capsule is typically of hexagonal boron nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Doty Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: F. David Doty, Jonathan B. Spitzmesser, David G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5314305
    Abstract: The compressed air vibrator has a housing (1) with an inlet opening (8) for admitting compressed air to a chamber (14) and an outlet opening (9) for the exit of air from the chamber (14). Ball bearing assemblies (11, 15) are disposed with slight play on the shafts (2a, 2b) of the rotor (2). These ball bearings are fitted, also with slight play, in bores (12a, 13a) of oppositely located covers (12, 13) that close about the rotor (2) and close the open ends of chamber (14). The play is adjusted in such a way that the outer races (11a, 15a) of the ball bearings turn in the bores (12a, 13a) of the covers during the rotational movement of the rotor (2). The vibrator also can include a counter-flow air brake to slow rotor rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Findeva AG
    Inventor: Willy Fink
  • Patent number: 5313797
    Abstract: A rotary power transformer employing the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine as the fluid medium for transforming pressure into a rotative motion. It includes a circular housing and a central hollow driven shaft extendable through and rotatable relative to the housing. A central rotor of generally cylindrical shape has a plurality of equispaced vanes on the outer periphery thereof. A rotor boss is nestably received at opposite sides of each vane of the rotor. The rotor side walls are fixed to the driven shaft. An outer stator circumscribes and is in spaced relationship with the rotor for defining a circular expansion chamber between the stator and rotor and has a plurality of equispaced inwardly facing vanes defining on the inboard periphery of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Howard Bidwell
  • Patent number: 5277546
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: McCain Foods Limited
    Inventors: Max Frey, Richard S. Livermore, John M. Bowie
  • Patent number: 5277542
    Abstract: With a turbine of the present invention, a preferably spiral partition is formed upright on the outer periphery of a rotor carried rotatably in a casing. A large number of blades are mounted between turns of the partition at a predetermined interval on the outer periphery of the rotor, and a channel for the working fluid is formed in the space between the blades and the partition on the outer periphery of the rotor.Therefore, the turbine of the present invention is a highly efficient turbine capable of efficiently utilizing even a low pressure low speed low flow rate working fluid, while being capable of efficiently converting the kinetic energy of the working fluid into the rotational force of the rotor and realizing a low speed high torque rotation.A turbocharger making use of the turbine is capable of performing sufficient supercharging not only during high speed rotation but during low speed rotation of the engine, while being preferably capable of cleaning emission gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Yasuo Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5275533
    Abstract: A compressed air turbine driven fan having an axial blade fan impeller driven by a partial admission radial inflow air turbine, with both the fan blades and the turbine blades mounted on the hub rim of a single fan-turbine wheel. The turbine exhaust is discharged into a cavity surrounding the shaft of the fan-turbine wheel. In a preferred embodiment, a sound surpressing muffler made of plates having air passage offset from each other is provided with the cavity. Turbine exhaust air exists through the passages to mix with the fan flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Davorin D. Kapich
  • Patent number: 5271225
    Abstract: An apparatus powered by solar cell photon energy having a motor for rotating a drive shaft by the use of compressed air. The motor comprising: a housing having a circular cross section with a drive shaft extending therethrough; a rotor having concave cups on its exterior surface mounted on the drive shaft within the housing; ports extending through the housing to cause rotation of the rotor; a plurality of sources of compressed air positioned adjacent to the housing. The apparatus further includes an alternator and/or a system for converting solar energy into mechanical energy comprising a battery chargeable through solar panels to generate power for reciprocating pistons to thereby generate the compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Alexander Adamides
  • Patent number: 5249923
    Abstract: A water actuated outdoor fan which includes a plurality of radiating blades for creating a current of air, and a water turbine for converting the kinetic energy of moving water to mechanical power to operate the plurality of radiating blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: James S. Negus
  • Patent number: 5236305
    Abstract: A high speed hydraulic turbine drive. A nozzle body contains a number of nozzles through which hydraulic fluid is discharged to impinge on the blades of a turbine wheel which is fully submerged in the hydraulic fluid. The nozzles are cylindrical or part conical and part cylindrical and the center line of the nozzles for an angle of about 10 to 30 degrees with the outlet surface of the nozzle body. A manufacturing method is provided which permits the manufacture of drives of various power using the same standard machined parts. In preferred embodiments the turbine drive drives high speed and low speed electric generators, a grinder and a garbage disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5215436
    Abstract: In a single-flow steam turbine, the inlet casing is designed to comprise two intertwined spiral casings (1, 2). These spirals have concentrically arranged annular openings (1',2') which face the inlet to the blading and extend over 360.degree. of the circumference. The spirals can be shut off and/or throttled, allowing infinitely variable partial admission to the reaction admission (sic) (13, 14, 15). The spirals (2) dimensioned for the smaller flow and their annular opening (2') is arranged on the rotor side in the radial direction. The first row of blading supplied from the annular openings (1', 2') is an after the (sic) action control wheel (13). The radially inner boundary wall of the spiral dimensioned for the small flow is arranged in the plane of the balance piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventor: Romuald Puzyrewski
  • Patent number: 5211531
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a turbine type air motor adapted for use in a hand-piece for dental treatment and includes an air motor body supported by both ends of a turbine shaft with axle-bearings. The air motor includes an air charging passage for introducing compressed air from the rear end, an air discharging passage provided therein in parallel with the air charging passage, and a collet adapted to detachably load a cutting tool. Air flow in the air charging passage is directed to cool one axle-bearing and other air flow in the air discharging passage is directed to cool the other axle-bearing for locally cooling frictional heat generated in both axle-bearings by the high frequency of the air turbine rotation. The collet is devised to easily load the cutting tool by pushing a knock tube provided in the rear end of the hand-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Ushio Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 5207565
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine housing with a variable geometry mechanism which controls the flow area of the throat through which motive exhaust gasses are communicated to the turbine wheel. The turbine housing is provided with an insert which defines one wall of the throat and which is cast in place as part of the turbine housing. The insert may be made of a relative expensive, high nickel content material to assure that a non-corrosive surface is provided adjacent to the vanes which are pivotally actuated to vary the area of the throat. The remainder of the housing is made of a standard ductile iron which is substantially less expensive than the more expensive corrosive resistant high nickel content material from which the insert is manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Manfred Roessler
  • Patent number: 5199848
    Abstract: A compact water turbine driven water pump comprising an impeller driven by an axial flow water turbine wheel both operating on a single shaft and contained in a housing. A nozzle body also contained in the housing comprises a plurality of nozzles through which water is discharged to imping on the blades of the turbine wheel which is full submerged in water. The nozzles are cylindrical or part conical and part cyndrical and the centerline of the nozzles form an angle of about 10 to 30 degrees with the outlet surface of the nozzle body. A manufacturing method is provided which permits the manufacture of pumps of various power using the same standard machined parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5145333
    Abstract: A rotary blood pump includes an impeller in a pump chamber driven by a fluid motor. In a first preferred embodiment, the fluid motor includes a rotary member having a series of cupped fluid reactive surfaces that receive a tangential inlet pressurized fluid flow. The cupped surfaces direct the fluid to opposite sides of the rotary member. Passages extending through the rotary member convey fluid from one side of the rotary member to the other. In a second preferred arrangement, the fluid motor is defined by a positive displacement motor. In a third embodiment, the fluid motor is separated from the pump chamber by a wall. Both biocompatible and non-biocompatible fluids can be used to drive the fluid motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: William A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5137423
    Abstract: A hydraulic turbine comprises a rotatably supported circular body, a plurality of vanes radially provided in a circumference of the circular body. A water-permeable perforated plate is arranged to extend over an external periphery of the vanes to form a plurality of enclosed chambers in the circumference of the circular body. An elastic bag is contained in each of the chambers. The bags are filled with an appropriate pressure of air. A receptacle having a circular bottom portion rotatably receives therein a bottom portion of the circular body in an enclosing manner. The receptacle is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port to take in and discharge water, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Takeichi Eda
    Inventors: Takeichi Eda, Hiroshi Eda
  • Patent number: 5125797
    Abstract: A portable water driven high velocity fan. Contained in a cylindrical housing is a turbine body in which a plurality of cylindrical or part cylindrical and part conical nozzles are provided. The nozzles make an angle of about 10 to 30 degrees with the nozzle outlet surface of the nozzle body. A special air expansion nozzle is provided to permit the fan to generate greatly increased air flow rates, spray a water mist, spray fire fighting foam or spray other similar materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5120194
    Abstract: A hydraulic/pneumatic turbine transmission (10) for converting a pressurized fluid source (26) to rotary motion of variable torque and rpm is disclosed. Turbine transmission (10) generally has housing (12) including main body housing (12a) and front housing cover plate (12b). An output shaft (11) is rotatably secured within housing (12) and has a main turbine runner (16) radially attached thereto. Main turbine runner (16) includes a plurality of concentrically disposed subrunners of progressively smaller diameter. A pair of diametrically disposed variable position nozzles are provided and disposed within housing (12) to selectively supply pressurized fluid to any one of the plurality of subrunners. A plurality of arcuate scavenge ports (33) are provided within housing (12) to allow a pressurized fluid to exit subsequent to impact on main turbine runner (16). Variable position nozzles (23) can be independently controlled to produce 2x-1 output speeds, where x is equal to the number or subrunners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nichols
  • Patent number: 5118250
    Abstract: A fluid motor includes a rotatable shaft and at least one disk attached to the shaft. An axial groove on the surface of the shaft forms a channel for communicating pressurized fluid into a receiving chamber in the disk. At least one outlet channel extends from the receiving chamber to a periphery of the disk. A part of the outlet channel defines a reactive channel across all or part of the width of the disk. Fluid from the receiving chamber is exhausted through the outlet channel to a chamber in an exhaust cage which surrounds the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Georges Sagnital, Jacques Chauquet
  • Patent number: 5102296
    Abstract: The nozzle has a full complement of blades, for use, for example, in a compressed-air turbine. However, a pair of peripheral walls, at opposite sides of the nozzle platform, block nozzle blade groups. The walls prevent fluid flow through those blade groups and, consequently, the nozzle has limited power. The method teaches the machining away of as much of the walls as is necessary to enhance the power of the nozzle by exposing more of the nozzle blades to free fluid flow therethrough. By providing such walled, fully bladed nozzles, and removing portions of the walls, one can meet any power requirement, from full power to any practical minimum by removing the walls entirety, or removing only a minor portion of each, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Robert R. Kimberlin
  • Patent number: 5052180
    Abstract: A fluid pressure driven power system having a plurality of rotors keyed to a shaft rotatably journaled within a casing having, the rotors each having a plurality of fins extending around its periphery with the fins projecting above the perimeter of the rotor. A pressure head mounted within the casing with the casing having a plurality of tubular inserts embedded therein. Each of the tubular inserts having an exposed longitudinal end portion in tangential alignment with the fins on a rotor. Each insert end portion having a cutaway section that is upwardly arcuately compressed to overlie the fins on rotors rotating beneath the pressure head. Each compressed cutaway portion is formed with an orifice opening from the tubular insert. A pressurized fluid source can be selectively connected to one or more of the tubular inserts to provide pressurized fluid for discharge through the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Audie Coker Enterprises
    Inventor: Audie Coker
  • Patent number: 5013214
    Abstract: An portable water driven high velocity fan. Contained in a cylindrical housing is a turbine nozzle body in which a plurality of cylindrical or part cylindrical and part conical nozzles are provided. The nozzles make an angle of about 10 to 30 degrees with the nozzle outlet surface of the nozzle body. A method of manufacture is provided which permits the manufacture of fans having various power ratings using the same standard machined parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 4960085
    Abstract: Engine pre-engage starters formed of compactly interfit sections featuring a universally applicable high speed turbine rotor, formed preferably of nylon based plastic, the body of which is distinguished by low tensile strength, high impact resistance, radial growth and adjustment in correspondence with the speed of its rotation, minimal evidence of stress and no material fracture even under the most adverse conditions of its use and a structural composition which reduces to powder form when subjected to friction at such time the speed of its rotation reaches and exceeds a prescribed limit. The rotor is so connected with its power transmission shaft to position beyond and form an axial extension of one end thereof. The rotor is contained by a peripherally encompassing structurally complementary plastic buffer which enhances its fail safe properties. Optionally, the starter housing may be provided with discretely positioned sound deadening inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Tech Development Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Coons
  • Patent number: 4958986
    Abstract: A centrifugal turbine rotor is rotated by fluid from a distributor provided with fluid channels which are continuously convergent in the direction of flow. These fluid channels are also deviated with respect to the radial direction of the distributor. The centrifugally directed fluid is transmitted from the distributor through an obturator which adjusts the size of the distributor channel outlets, and across an open space where the fluid is aerated before it strikes the rotor buckets to rotate the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Pierre Boussuges
  • Patent number: 4950130
    Abstract: The Pelton turbine includes a wheel disc with buckets mounted within a casing on a rotatable drive shaft. At least one nozzle is provided for expelling a fluid jet tangentially of the disc onto the buckets. A partition divides the interior of the housing into a spray fluid and outlet region and an upper ventilation region. The driving fluid falls from the buckets into a sump in the outlet region while residual fluid is wiped off the turbine wheel by the partition. The ventilation region allows ventilation of the casing and also produces a flow of gas for increasing the pressure in the sump to improve the outflow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Josef Erlach
  • Patent number: 4923368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water driven turbine. The turbine has a central drum rotatable on a horizontal shaft, the drum having a series of buckets about its periphery, the outer lips of each bucket being such as to delay discharge of water from each bucket until the bucket has a almost reached bottom dead center. The turbine has an inlet with a relatively narrow upstream opening and a relatively broad downstream opening, the inlet spreading the flow of water along substantially the length of each bucket. The turbine may be coupled to a pump which pumps water from a reservoir of water that has passed through the pump. Delivery of water can be achieved to unexpectedly high levels using the turbine/pump combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Martin Research & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: George R. Martin
  • Patent number: 4840537
    Abstract: An axial flow steam turbine has a nozzle ring circumferentially about the rotor thereof and inner and outer sections forming the ring with confronting channels therein, and a plurality of nozzle chambers communicating with the spacing between the ring sections. A plurality of nozzle blocks having radially outwardly and inwardly extending flanges are positioned in the inlet nozzle such that the same are retained therein under compressive forces exerted by the nozzle ring sections. A method for forming the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: George J. Silvestri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4820121
    Abstract: A high speed turbine includes a bearing cartridge which may easily be replaced with another cartridge capable of delivering different torque capacities and/or speeds of revolution of a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly comprises a rotor disc secured to a rotor shaft, and is supported by bearing within the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Barbour Stockwell, Co.
    Inventors: Anthony Enos, Robert Gauthier