Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for pumping fluids, including for the purpose of controlling temperature and pressure in a propellant tank include a type of novel ejector, consisting of a typical ejector and an isolation valve integrated on the inlet of secondary fluid to an ejector, or suction chamber. The inlet valve is actuated by the application of the primary motive fluid pressure to a motive nozzle. The ejector is configured to operate when submerged in the secondary fluid.

Abstract: A pressure difference generating apparatus includes a first pipe, a second pipe and a third pipe. The first pipe have a first inlet. The second pipe disposed inside of the first pipe has a conical inlet runner, a conical outlet runner and a neck portion between the conical inlet runner and outlet runner. The third pipe has a third conical outlet portion extending into the conical inlet runner. A first fluid and a second fluid flow into the first pipe and the third pipe separately in different flow rates. A negative pressure generated between the third conical outlet portion and the conical inlet runner allows at least part of the first fluid to flow into the conical inlet runner, then the neck portion, then the conical outlet runner, and finally out of the second pipe with the second fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum ejector pump including a plurality of nozzles, which are assembled, and activated by compressed air passing through the nozzles at a high speed to generate a negative pressure in an outer surrounding space. The pump of the present invention includes an intermediate nozzle, a first nozzle on which a front-cover part inserted to an outer circumference of one end of the intermediate nozzle is formed, and a second nozzle on which a rear-cover part inserted to an outer circumference of the other end of the intermediate nozzle is formed. Here, the intermediate nozzle is disposed between the first nozzle and the second nozzle, and the intermediate nozzle, the first nozzle and the second nozzle constitute an ejector main body. The surrounding space communicates with each of the nozzles through a through-hole defined in a sidewall of the ejector main body and a slot defined between the nozzles.

Abstract: A packer ring and activation system for use in a pipeline pressure isolation system utilizing a packer, a packer support ring, a primary wedge, and a plurality of secondary wedges for use with a pipe engagement, sealing and testing system.

Abstract: A bleed system including control circuitry and a variable jet pump. The control circuitry is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid parameter in the bleed system and cause the jet pump to alter a mixing ratio of a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas based on the signal. The jet pump is configured to combine the lower pressure gas and the higher pressure gas in the mixing ratio to generate a mixed gas. The jet pump is configured to supply the mixed gas to one or more gas loads in the bleed system. In examples, the control circuitry is configured to establish a system setpoint for the fluid parameter based on an operating status of the one or more gas loads.

Abstract: A self-adjusting gas lift system and corresponding self-adjusting gas lift valve (GLV) are described herein. The self-adjusting gas lift system includes a number of self-adjusting GLVs that fluidically couple an annulus of a well to an interior of a production tubing of the well. Each of the self-adjusting GLVs is configured to open to allow a compressed gas to flow from the annulus to the interior of the production tubing when a pressure differential between an injection pressure of the compressed gas within the annulus and a production pressure of fluids within the production tubing is within an engineered range. Each of the self-adjusting GLVs is also configured to close when the pressure differential is outside the engineered range.

Abstract: An ejector with a suction nozzle is disclosed, with a drive nozzle and with a mixing tube, to which is assigned an adjustment device for the at least region-wise adjustment of a flow cross-section of the mixing tube. Inside the drive nozzle, an axially movable needle which is designed to adjust a flow cross-section of the drive nozzle is arranged and a coupling mechanism is provided which connects the adjustment device to the needle or to an actuator actuating the needle in such a way that the adjustment device adjusts or changes the flow cross-section of the mixing tube as a function of an axial needle movement. A fuel cell system with such an ejector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet pump comprising a pump housing containing a jet nozzle and a throat diffuser nozzle. The jet nozzle is comprised of a jet nozzle insert disposed in an axial inner bore of a precision jet cylindrical body and formed of an ultra-hard material. The throat diffuser nozzle is comprised of a throat diffuser nozzle insert disposed in an axial inner bore of a precision throat diffuser cylindrical body and also formed of an ultra-hard material. The jet nozzle and throat diffuser nozzle are disposed in an elongated cylindrical central bore portion of a tubular side wall of the pump housing. In order to achieve highest concentricity of the axial inner bores, the axial inner bore of the jet nozzle insert and the axial inner bore of the throat diffuser nozzle insert are formed after placement in the precision cylindrical bodies.

Abstract: An aspirator may comprise an aspirator body defining an air channel and an inlet at a proximate end of the aspirator, and an inflatable barrel coupled to the aspirator body and defining an outlet at a distal end of the aspirator, wherein the inflatable barrel comprises a helical coil having a first interior volume and coupled about a barrel liner, wherein the barrel liner defines a second interior volume, wherein the air channel and the second interior volume define an airflow path extending from the air channel through the second interior volume the inflatable barrel.

Abstract: An arrangement of motor vehicle units includes a vacuum pump, a power brake unit, a pump which pumps a hydraulic fluid with a control pressure, and a control valve. The vacuum pump comprises a pump rotor, a coupling element, a control connection, a coupling arrangement switchable by the control connection to lock/unlock the coupling element with the pump rotor, and a suction connection. The power brake unit comprises a negative pressure chamber connected with the suction connection. The control valve, when unlocked, switches the control pressure of the hydraulic fluid through to the control connection to unlock. The control valve comprises an actuator acted on by a pressure of the negative pressure chamber which switches the control pressure through to the control connection if the pressure in the negative pressure chamber is greater than a threshold pressure so that the switchable control valve is switched into its unlocked state.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of removing heat from internal areas of a turbomachine. Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate a suction device and a control system. Operatively, these elements may collectively discharge remnants of a heated fluid and/or gas from those internal areas.

Abstract: An ejector apparatus for a fuel cell includes an ejector main body including an inlet port, an outlet port, a suction port, and an oxidizer-gas supply port, a first to third chambers provided in the body, a nozzle having a nozzle hole discharging the fuel gas, a diffuser mixing the fuel gas discharged from the nozzle hole and the fuel offgas exhausted from the fuel cell and returned to the suction port, a needle fixed on a side of the body and extending along an axial direction of the nozzle in a hollow portion thereof, and first and second diaphragms arranged to oppose each other, and changing an opening area in a gap between the nozzle hole and an outer peripheral face of a top end of the needle, wherein a pressure receiving area of the first diaphragm is set to be larger than that of the second diaphragm.

Abstract: A sump water evacuation system that operates automatically without reliance on electricity or floats and without any need for oversight or manual intervention, using domestic water supply as the sole motive force to evacuate sump water either into a washbasin or to the exterior of the building; the system is easily installed for use with Radon remediated sump pits. A pneumatic stagnation pressure automatically signals a rising water level in a sump pit and this signal is communicated to a housing wherein the low-pressure signal is mechanically amplified to activate a tilt valve mechanism, thereby converting the pneumatic signal to a hydraulic force which in turn opens a check valve, allowing a high-pressure domestic water supply to flow through to a commercially available Venturi siphon device, causing the sump water to be suctioned out and expelled into either a washbasin or to the exterior of a building.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle to opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum ejector pump. The pump is operated by compressed air which is supplied to or discharged from the pump at high speed, thus creating negative pressure in an outer surrounding space. The ejector pump includes a frame having an air inlet pipe, a disc, and an air outlet pipe which are sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The parts are coupled into a single structure via a spacer. A nozzle is mounted to pass through the center of the disc, and a flexible valve member is mounted to the spacer A nozzle body is accommodated in a cylindrical casing having a hole at a position corresponding to the valve member, and defines a chamber inside the spacer. A locking structure is provided on the casing and the nozzle body so as to prevent the casing, which accommodates the nozzle body, from rotating.

Abstract: An inflation device for inflating containers having a body with an air channel therein being in the form of a venturi tube. A first inlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the air channel, to allow compressed air to flow into the air channel. An outlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the air channel, to allow the air to exit the air channel for inflating a container joined to the outlet. A second inlet is provided in the body, being in communication with the first inlet, to allow ambient air to be sucked into the air channel as a result of the compressed air flowing in the air channel and passing through the venturi tube. A self-closing valve and sensor means are also provided.

Abstract: An ejector for a turbine engine is described herein. The ejector may include a variable geometry motive nozzle and a variable geometry mixing tube positioned downstream of the variable geometry motive nozzle.

Abstract: An ejector comprising a motive inlet, a motive nozzle separably secured to the motive inlet, a suction chamber about the motive nozzle, a suction fluid inlet to the suction chamber, a mixing tube in fluid communication with the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, a diffuser in fluid communication with the mixing tube and distal the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, and an outlet from the diffuser is provided. A nozzle comprising at least two concentric arc nozzle portions is also provided. An ejector comprising a mixing tube including a flexible layer adapted to compress or stretch, thereby allowing a mixing tube diameter to change is further provided.

Abstract: Aspirators for inflating devices such as (but not limited to) aircraft evacuation slides and rafts are detailed. Housings of the aspirators may be made of wound filaments of composite materials, reducing their weight as compared to conventional metal structures. Such actions as reconfiguring and repositioning jet nozzles within the housings also contribute to enhancing performance of the aspirators.

Abstract: A variable nozzle area jet pump is provided having a nozzle-sealing member resiliently urged to form a sealing closure. The sealing member is part of a normally non-passing pressure control valve that recirculates excess fluid back to the inlet of a positive displacement fluid pump. The fluid is recirculated with elevated pressure after a threshold fluid pressure is exceeded. The disclosed system provides for energy conservation and pump cavitation speed increase. The system may be integrated with an engine balance shaft module so as to provide low cost robustness to low speed gear noise emissions by application of the oil pump's drive torque to at lease one gearset.

Abstract: The invention provides a jet pump comprising a housing containing a nozzle into which an injected fluid is introduced, the housing also possessing a suction orifice, the pump comprising, upstream from the outlet of the nozzle, an auxiliary chamber associated with two sealing elements, each sealing element being adapted to open when the pressure of the injected fluid exceeds a predetermined level, the first sealing element opening at a first pressure level, the second sealing element opening at a second pressure level greater than or equal to the first.

Abstract: A vacuum producing means having a housing (2) with an inlet connection (4) and a suction connection (6) arranged opposite to same. The housing (2) comprises a suction nozzle means (16) and a gage pressure pulse means (35) arranged alongside same with the same alignment, for producing a fluid gage pressure pulse to be delivered into the suction space. The gage pressure pulse means (35) comprises a switching valve (35) combined with a pressure plenum (37), the valve member of the switching valve being so driven in a manner dependent of the differential thereat that the pressure plenum is either connected fluidwise with the inlet connection (4) or with the suction connection (6).

Abstract: Vacuum generator comprising an ejector nozzle which is connected to a compressed-air supply via a compressed-air line, and with a first valve for opening and closing the compressed-air line, wherein a second electrical valve is connected to the suction line of the ejector which is open in the currentless state to connect a pneumatic vacuum switch, circuited in parallel with the first valve, to the suction line.

Abstract: A system and method of using a variable geometry ejector for a bleed air system using integral bleed pressure feedback which utilizes a minimal amount of high-pressure air, thus improving the overall engine cycle performance and is easily adaptable to a multitude of different engine types. This is accomplished through the use of a variable ejector using downstream pressure feedback to control the flow and pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a jet pump comprising a housing containing a nozzle into which an injected fluid is introduced, the housing also possessing a suction orifice, the pump comprising, upstream from the outlet of the nozzle, an auxiliary chamber associated with two sealing elements, each sealing element being adapted to open when the pressure of the injected fluid exceeds a predetermined level, the first sealing element opening at a first pressure level, the second sealing element opening at a second pressure level greater than or equal to the first.

Abstract: A vacuum producing means having a housing (2) with an inlet connection (4) and a suction connection (6) arranged opposite to same. The housing (2) comprises a suction nozzle means (16) and a gage pressure pulse means (35) arranged alongside same with the same alignment, for producing a fluid gage pressure pulse to be delivered into the suction space. The gage pressure pulse means (35) comprises a switching valve (35) combined with a pressure plenum (37), the valve member of the switching valve being so driven in a manner dependent of the differential thereat that the pressure plenum is either connected fluidwise with the inlet connection (4) or with the suction connection (6).

Abstract: A rotary vane pump for delivering a fluid, having a rotary delivery device accommodated in a casing (2), a casing cover (3) arranged on one side of the casing and a bearing flange (4) on the opposite side. A suction zone (12) is formed on each of the sides, and an injector device (114) injects a pressurized fluid into the fluid as it is delivered toward each of the suction zones to thereby assure a uniform admission of the fluid into the cells of the rotary delivery device of the pump. Also a leakage path (13) for the fluid extends between the delivery zone (11) and suction zone (12). The leakage path (13) extends on the inner side (14) of the seal at least in sections parallel to the seal (5,6).

Abstract: A variable flow-rate ejector for precisely controlling the flow rate based on pressure is disclosed. The ejector has a simple mechanical structure which comprises a nozzle for ejecting a first fluid; a diffuser into which a second fluid is drawn due to a negative pressure produced around the first fluid, where the first and second fluids are merged; a third-fluid chamber formed by first and second diaphragms attached to the needle, and the body of the ejector; and a fourth-fluid chamber formed by the second diaphragm and the body. The area of an opening around the needle in the opening at the head of the nozzle is changed by displacement of the needle along the central axis according to movement of first and second diaphragms which move in accordance with the pressure produced by the first fluid, the third fluid, and the fourth fluid.

Abstract: A rotary vane pump for delivering a fluid, having a delivery device (1) accommodated in a casing (2), with the casing (2) being closed on the one side by a casing cover (3), and on the other side by a bearing flange (4). A drive shaft (11) extends through the bearing flange (4), the delivery device (1), and optionally the casing (2), and is supported in a passageway formed in the bearing flange (4) and optionally in the casing cover (3). Also, between the delivery device (1) and the inside wall of the bearing flange (4), a side plate (16) is arranged, which supports itself on the inside wall, and centers the delivery device (1) in the casing (2). The side plate (16) is centered on the side facing the bearing flange (4) by a centering collar which extends into the passageway for the drive shaft (11).

Abstract: An automotive vehicle fluid jet pump 7 is provided including a first chamber 340 having a rear end 348 sealed from a front end 344 by a pressure communicative boundary 352. The first chamber front end 344 has an inlet 332 fluidly connected with a source of pressurized fluid. The first chamber front end 344 also has a nozzled outlet 372. A second chamber 376 is provided having a first inlet fluidly connected with the first chamber outlet 372. The second chamber 376 has a second inlet 380 fluidly connected with a sump. The second chamber has a delivery outlet 334. A valve member 400 is operatively associated with the first chamber boundary 352 for controlling a flow from the first chamber inlet 332 through said first chamber outlet 372. A position of the valve member 400 with respect to said first chamber outlet 372 is responsive to a pressure differential between the first chamber front end 344 and rear end 348.

Abstract: An improved liquid jet pump for moving solid or other materials is provided. The liquid jet pump includes a nozzle assembly, a suction chamber, and a target tube. The nozzle assembly pulls in atmospheric air, causing an air bearing effect around the liquid jet exiting the nozzle assembly. The liquid jet passes through the suction chamber with minimal deflection, reducing cavitation and improving mixing as educted materials enters the suction chamber and combines with the liquid jet. The combined material is directed into the target tube, which is designed to detach from the other components and is composed of abrasion-resistant material. The target tube absorbs the majority of wear, and provides ease of changing parts.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A refrigeration unit having a jet pump with an automatically adjustable cross-section for the control of refrigerant flow that provides a more economical refrigeration process. The circulation of thermotransfering materials, such as a refrigerant, through the jet pump's evaporator facilitates a more efficient cooling effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of jet technology. After the required pressure of the gaseous medium at the gas inlet of a liquid-gas jet apparatus is obtained, the ratio of the liquid pressure in the nozzle of the jet apparatus to the pressure at the outlet of the jet apparatus is reduced in magnitude. Such ratio is reduced in magnitude down to the value at which an abrupt increase of gas pressure occurs at the gas inlet of the jet apparatus. This value of the ratio is fixed or determines the minimum value for such ratio. Then the final value of the ratio of the liquid pressure in the nozzle of the jet apparatus to the pressure at the outlet of the jet apparatus is set. The final value of the ratio must be greater than the fixed one. The process provides an increased efficiency for a liquid-gas jet apparatus.

Abstract: An aspirator for inflating inflatable devices such as aircraft emergency evacuation slides and life rafts using a quantity of primary gas that is stored in a tank that within the aspirator entrains a secondary gas, typically outside air, as the primary gas flows through the aspirator thereby producing sufficient gas to inflate a large inflatable structure or device as described above. The aspirator typically has injectors therein which act to promote the entrainment of large quantities of the secondary fluid using small quantities of the primary fluid thereby resulting in a large combined flow of gas forcibly flowing into the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A vacuum sewer system comprises a normally closed sewer valve connected between the outlet opening of a waste receiving unit to be emptied and a sewer pipe, and an ejector. The ejector is an integrated part of the sewer pipe. The sewer pipe includes one portion forming a suction pipe of the ejector and another portion forming a discharge pipe of the ejector.

Abstract: In order to minimize the dimensions of the spring (22) and the pump motor in a high-pressure cleaning device comprising a high-pressure pump pumping cleaning liquid out of a suction line (1) into a pressure line (6) leading to a discharge device, a bypass line (18) leading from the pressure line to the suction line, a valve body (19) closing the outlet opening (8) between pressure line and bypass line, an actuating element (20) for the valve body which is movable against the valve body contrary to the action of a spring (22) into a position displacing the valve body into the open position, and an operating cylinder divided by a piston (10) sealingly displaceable therein and coupled to the actuating element into two chambers, (11,12) one of which is arranged between the outlet opening and the bypass line and the other of which communicates with the pressure line via a control line, the control line (13) exits the pressure line (6) in the region of a cross-sectional constriction (15) in this pressure line.

Abstract: A pump in which a valve bridges the pressure region and the suction region and the delivery system displaces liquid from the suction region to a pressure region. The pump housing has an annular channel connected to the suction or intake passage and into which an injector extends to train a jet from the high pressure side a the valve into the suction region through the channel which surrounds the injector so that the jet asperates liquid from the channel into the suction region.

Abstract: A chemical injector valve connected to a source of water under pressure harnesses the venturi effect to entrain liquid chemicals into a water stream and employs a variable size pressure chamber to ensure that the flow rate and quantity of chemicals entrained remains constant even when the pressure of water entering the valve varies widely. An increase in incoming water pressure causes expansion of the variable size pressure chamber and a decrease in incoming water pressure causes contraction of the variable size pressure chamber. A slidably mounted piston is biased toward the variable size pressure chamber so that the size of the pressure chamber does not increase unless the accumulation of water in the chamber exceeds the bias acting on the piston. When the bias is exceeded, a shank of the piston moves toward a piston stop and the flow of water into the valve is throttled.

Abstract: A passive aspirator based on the Venturi effect has a pivotable flap in the inlet portion of a first air passage. The flap reduces the air flow through the passage when high pressure is present. A spring biases the flap toward an open position. Increasing air flow overcomes the spring force and tends to close the flap. This variable-volume flow allows use of a large enough passage to aspirate sufficient air at low flow rates but does not produce excess waste air at high flow rates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum feeding apparatus for causing a working device such as a suction pad to communicate with a vacuum port so as to enable the working device to attract and hold a work or feed it to a desired position. In the vacuum feeding apparatus, components such as a valve section, a vacuum section, a filter section, a pressure detecting section, a manifold section, etc. are produced in blocks or units respectively. These blocks indicative of the above components can selectively be used in combination. In addition, a plate mounted on a corresponding block can be used to selectively make the changeover of any one of a plurality of fluid passages defined in the block and to cut off the selected passage.

Abstract: Method of achieving with at least two compressed air operated ejectors a desired subpressure in the shortest possible time and with the least use of energy, this method including connection of the ejectors such that they work one at a time in response to which of them is supplied with compressed air. In turn, compressed air supply is controlled in respons to the subpressure in a subpressure collection chamber common for all ejectors. An ejector array (1) for the method includes at least two compressed air operated ejectors (2, 3) each having its own optimum efficiency at the same values of the supplied compressed air. A sensor is disposed for sensing the subpressure in the chamber (23), compressed air being supplied to one ejector (2, 3) at a time, in response to the sensed pressure in the chamber (23). Compressed air is first supplied to the ejector (2) evacuating the greatest amount of air per time unit, and last to the ejector (3) generating the lowest subpressure.

Abstract: An interior air temperature sensing system is provided for use with a vehicle interior compartment air temperature regulating system including an ambient air inlet duct, a blower housing connected to an air inlet duct and an air temperature modifier and a blower situated within the blower housing. The blower draws air from the air inlet duct under negative pressure and conveys the air at positive pressure past the air temperature modifier to the interior compartment. The air temperature sensing system includes an air temperature sensor and a venturi valve coupled to the negative pressure area of the blower. The valve includes an inlet port, and outlet port and a venturi section extending therebetween defining a point of minimum flow area, or valve seat.

Abstract: A whirlpool jet assembly adapted to be mounted in an opening in the wall of a water tub for discharging the water stream into the tub. The jet assembly includes a housing defining a socket having an air inlet and a water inlet and a ball fitting pivotably supported within the socket having openings positionable in alignment with the air and water inlets in the socket. A nozzle assembly supported on the ball fitting is of a unitary one-piece construction forming a Venturi nozzle, mixing chamber and directional nozzle in an integral structure. The nozzle assembly is rotatably supported on the ball fitting with the ball fitting and nozzle assembly having shaped openings through which water from the water inlet flows into the Venturi jet nozzle. Rotation of the nozzle assembly with respect to the ball fitting changes the combined shape of the shaped openings to alter the pressure of water flowing through the jet assembly.

Abstract: Variable discharge and energy recovery is produced by an adjustable spool in fluid communication with the outlet chamber for adjustably providing pressurized fluid from the outlet chamber to selected portions of the demeshing area of the intermeshing teeth to vary the discharge flow of the pump and the amount of energy recovery. This results in maintaining a positive pressure in selected portions of the demeshing area as well as equalizing the pressure in the selected areas to the pressure in the outlet chamber. The adjustable spool also controls the connection between the inlet chamber and the demeshing area to vary the energy recovery.

Abstract: In a jet pump, the suction pressure (Po) generated may be kept constant within predetermined limits and times by varying the pressure ratio f(p) providing a prescribed value for the pressure ratio f(p) is determined by computer-aided iterative changing of an existing value of the pressure ratio f(p) using an algorithm and a measured value for the pressure (Pe) of the delivery fluid.

Abstract: A self-regulating vacuum control valve with a needle valve operating in a narrow central bore that regulates the flow of pressurized air from a pressure source into such narrow central bore for passage and discharge from an enlarged bore. A vacuum is pulled in passageways in such enlarged bore which exert a vacuum pull on a control chamber and on one end of a diaphragm means. The diaphragm means is connected to the needle valve and has its one end subjected to atmospheric pressure. Such diaphragm and needle valve are spring biased to increase the air flow past such needle valve in opposition to the vacuum pull on such diaphragm. Such spring bias is adjustable to provide a predetermind vacuum pull on the control chamber that can be connected to a deicer pad for maintaining a predetermined vacuum pull thereon.

Abstract: Automatic starting of a hydrokinetic amplifier 10 is accomplished by: an overflow pilot valve 32 responsive to output pressure for opening an overflow line 30 when output pressure drops below a predetermined level; and a start-up pilot valve 36 responsive to reduced pressure within amplifier 10 upon opening of overflow pilot valve 32 so that the reduced internal pressure opens the start-up pilot valve and admits vapor into the amplifier to merge with the already flowing liquid and start up the amplifier. Preferably a safety pilot valve 38 arranged in the vapor input line 13, in series with start-up pilot valve 36, closes the vapor input line whenever liquid input pressure to the amplifier falls below an adequate level.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to deep sea mining apparatus, comprising a relatively straight lift pipe, the lift pipe being adapted to extend substantially vertically from the floor of a body of water upwardly to a ship on the surface of the water. A plurality of jet pumps are connected in the pipe at intermittent locations along the length of said pipe, and a hydraulic feed pump is located adjacent each of the jet pumps and is connected to discharge water in its location and to supply the associated jet pump. Means is also provided for injecting compressed air into the jet pumps, the jet pumps thereby forming an ascending current inside the lift pipe by the introduction of the compressed air and water.