Axial Flow Motor And Centrifugal Pump Patents (Class 417/409)
  • Patent number: 11859631
    Abstract: Rotor structure for a turbomachine, such as a centrifugal compressor is provided. Disclosed embodiments make use of venting/sealing arrangements effective for venting a tie bolt rotor so that, for example, an incipient leakage of a process fluid can be monitored. Additionally, in operation disclosed embodiments are effective to, for example, convey to the tie bolt a pressurized sealing fluid effective for reducing the likelihood of process fluid escaping to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Glenn R. Grosso, Brian Grosso
  • Patent number: 11841029
    Abstract: Axial sliding bearing arrangement for a pump impeller (8) of a radial pump (1) with a first, rotating friction surface (22) pointing in an axial direction (A), a second, non-rotating friction surface (23) facing the first, rotating friction surface (22), wherein the second, non-rotating friction surface (23) is allocated to a swivel head body (20), wherein the swivel head body (20) is axially supported via an axial support surface (24), and the swivel head body (20) is radially supported in a resiliently yielding manner at radial support surfaces (25) by means of first spring means (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC GPM GMBH
    Inventor: Paul Michael Ludwig
  • Patent number: 11680516
    Abstract: A multi-stage turbocharging assembly is described. The multi-stage turbocharging assembly includes a high-pressure stage including a high-pressure turbine coupled with a high-pressure compressor. Additionally, the multi-stage turbocharging assembly includes a low-pressure stage including a low-pressure turbine coupled with a low-pressure compressor: Further, the multi-stage turbocharging assembly includes a casing enclosing the high-pressure stage and the low-pressure stage, wherein the casing is a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Turbo Systems Switzerland Ltd.
    Inventors: Christoph Mathey, Andreas Strebel
  • Patent number: 11522413
    Abstract: A turbine and a turbine-generator device for use in electricity generation. The turbine has a universal design and so may be relatively easily modified for use in connection with generators having a rated power output in the range of 50 KW to 5 MW. Such modifications are achieved, in part, through use of a modular turbine cartridge built up of discrete rotor and stator plates sized for the desired application with turbine brush seals chosen to accommodate radial rotor movements from the supported generator. The cartridge may be installed and removed from the turbine relatively easily for maintenance or rebuilding. The rotor housing is designed to be relatively easily machined to dimensions that meet desired operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Concepts NREC, LLC
    Inventors: David Japikse, Alexander Gofer
  • Patent number: 11480187
    Abstract: An oil field pump is installed within a pipe that connects to an oil field, and feeds accumulated extraction oil in a predetermined direction. The oil field pump includes a rotor with an impeller, a stator installed on the outer circumferential of the rotor and that forms a flow path for passing the extraction oil between the stator and the rotor and that includes a diffuser on the downstream side of the impeller, a static pressure bearing device installed between the rotor and the stator and that supports the load in the radial direction, and a supply flow path that supplies, to the static pressure bearing device, a portion of the extraction oil flowing along the inner side in the radial direction of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Rimpei Kawashita, Shimpei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11466696
    Abstract: This disclosure describes various implementations of a downhole-blower system that can be used to boost production in a wellbore. The downhole-blower system includes a blower and an electric machine coupled to the blower that can be deployed in a wellbore, and that can, in cooperation, increase production through the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Upwing Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkateshwaran Krishnan, Archie A. T. Andonian
  • Patent number: 11428164
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and an engine core configured to provide rotational power during operation of the gas turbine engine. The engine core includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. An oil sump is located in the engine core and is configured to collect oil from the engine core. The gas turbine engine further includes a gearbox configured to be driven by the engine core during operation of the gas turbine engine and an oil pump assembly configured to move the oil from the oil sump to an oil tank and/or to the engine core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Adam L. Kempers, John R. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 11401892
    Abstract: A turbine pump system includes a turbine pump assembly including a housing, a pump located in the housing, a turbine located in the housing and operably connected to the pump, and a heat exchanger located between the pump and a hydraulic fluid load. The heat exchanger is configured to reduce a temperature of a hydraulic fluid flow output by the pump and directed to the hydraulic fluid load. The heat exchanger is operably connected to a turbine gas flow and utilizes the turbine gas flow to cool the hydraulic fluid flow at the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, William T. Conroy
  • Patent number: 10465603
    Abstract: Turbochargers include a compressor comprising a compressor body extending from a compressor back face and a plurality of blades extending from the compressor body, a turbine comprising a turbine body extending from a turbine back face and a plurality of blades extending from the turbine body, and a shaft coupled at a first end to the compressor back face and at a second end to the turbine back face. The shaft includes an internal passage extending from the first end towards the second end in fluid communication with the compressor blades and one or more fans disposed within the internal passage and configured to draw air toward the second end of the shaft. The internal passage of the shaft is in fluid communication with the compressor blades via one or more bleed air passages, which can be biased towards an outer diameter of the compressor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Tyson W. Brown
  • Patent number: 9841027
    Abstract: A pump features a casing assembly having a region through which high velocity fluid and solids circulate, a chamber where they do not, an aperture that allows a related-chamber to be in fluidic communication with the region, but not the circulating high velocity fluid and solids, and a corresponding aperture to allow the related-chamber to communicate with an external region outside the casing assembly; and a rupture disc received in the corresponding aperture to close the related-chamber subjects the related-chamber and the rupture disc to pressure contained within the region and to release pressure exceeding a predetermined relief pressure of the rupture disc from the related-chamber to the external region or location, and exhaust piping couple the rupture disc to provide a path for escaping vapor and solids to be directed to the external region or location where the energy can be dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Paddock, Mark A. Playford
  • Patent number: 9726196
    Abstract: A system and method for rapid pressurization of a motor compartment and cooling system during a shutdown, a surge, and/or other situations in which the suction pressure significantly varies. A motor/compressor arrangement includes a seal gas system fluidly communicating with the motor compartment via a motor pressurization line, with the outlet of the compressor, and with a shaft seal. A motor pressurization valve is coupled to the motor pressurization line and a controller is configured to open the motor pressurization valve at start-up of the motor-compressor to supply seal gas to the motor compartment and to pressurize the motor compartment when a difference between the seal gas supply pressure and the suction pressure is indicative of the seal gas supply pressure being insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Jose L. Gilarranz, David J. Peer, Steven Rockwood
  • Patent number: 8966894
    Abstract: An turbocharger cartridge and engine cylinder head assembly includes a turbocharger cartridge that includes some but not all of the components of a turbocharger, while the engine cylinder head provides the components of the turbocharger that are not included in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a center housing rotating assembly having a shaft that joins a turbine wheel to a compressor wheel, the shaft passing through bearings housed in the center housing. The engine cylinder head defines a receptacle that receives the cartridge. The head also defines a diffuser and volute for the compressor, and a turbine volute. The cartridge defines a turbine nozzle and turbine contour, and further includes a wastegate unit as a part of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Marques, Jean-Jacques Laissus, Alain Lombard, Mani Palaniyappan, Quentin Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140341761
    Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes can be pivoted about their axes for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. The vanes extend between the nozzle ring and an opposite wall of the nozzle. An axially floating vane sealing ring is disposed in an annular recess formed in the face of the nozzle ring adjacent proximal ends of the vanes. The vane sealing ring is urged by exhaust gas pressure differential toward the proximal ends of the vanes, and the vanes are thus urged toward the opposite nozzle wall so that distal ends of the vanes are close to or abutting the wall, resulting in a reduction or closing of the gaps at the proximal and distal ends of the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Emmanuel Severin, Pierre Barthelet
  • Patent number: 8789368
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine which is optimized with regard to the cooling of a turbine. The engine has at least one cylinder head and block, forming at least one cylinder, and at least one turbine. Each cylinder has at least one exhaust opening for discharging the exhaust gases from the cylinder. An exhaust gas line is connected to each exhaust opening, the exhaust gas lines converging to produce at least one combined exhaust gas line, thereby forming at least one exhaust manifold, which opens into the at least one turbine having a turbine housing. The turbine has at least one flow channel conducting exhaust gas through the turbine housing, and at least one coolant passage integrated in the housing forming a cooling facility. At least one chamber is arranged between the at least one coolant passage and the at least one flow channel conducting exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kai Sebastian Kuhlbach, Ludwig Stump
  • Patent number: 8690549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly with an electric drive motor and with a control device having a frequency converter, for the control of the rotational speed of the drive motor, wherein the control device is designed in a manner such that in at least one control region, a field weakening is produced in the drive motor, by way of which the rotational speed of the drive motor is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Jan Caroe Aarestrup, Keld Folsach Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8282365
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed which has a housing with a upper end and a lower end. A conduit is defined through the housing between the upper and the lower ends. The pump includes an impeller within the housing, an inlet from the conduit to the impeller and an outlet from the impeller. Portions of the impeller may be distributed around the conduit. The pump may also include a motor coupled to the impeller. Portions of motor may also be distributed around the conduit. The outlet from the impeller may be independent of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Star Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
  • Patent number: 8096127
    Abstract: An exhaust turbo-supercharger is capable of preventing misalignment of the center of the rotating shaft of a supercharger turbine and the center of the rotating shaft of a supercharger compressor, or, misalignment of the center of the rotating shaft of the supercharger turbine, the center of the rotating shaft of the supercharger compressor, and the center of the rotating shaft of a power generator, due to the heat of exhaust gas; is capable of reducing vibration of these rotation axes; and is capable of improving the reliability of the entire supercharger. The exhaust turbo-supercharger has a casing that supports a turbine unit and a compressor unit. The lower end of the casing constitutes a leg portion, and the leg portion is fixed to a base placed on the floor. A power generator having a rotating shaft is connected to a rotating shaft of the turbine unit and the compressor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Ono, Keiichi Shiraishi, Yoshitsugu Aono
  • Patent number: 8062006
    Abstract: A non-positive-displacement machine (10), particularly a turbomachine for producing a mass flow, having a central housing part (11) inside which a turbine shaft is mounted. A turbine housing is mounted on the central housing part (11) on a turbine side and a compressor housing is mounted on the central housing part (11) on a compressor side. The spiral channels (17, 18) required for the compressor side and for the turbine side can be arranged in a partial area inside the covers (15, 16) and at least in one partial area inside the central housing part (11). This permits the contours, which are required for the spiral channels (17, 18) and which are geometrically complex, to be constructed in the central housing part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Ernst Hummel, Stephan Wild, Guenter Kroeger, Norbert Poppenborg
  • Patent number: 7806669
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed which has a housing with a upper end and a lower end. A conduit is defined through the housing between the upper and the lower ends. The pump includes an impeller within the housing, an inlet from the conduit to the impeller and an outlet from the impeller. Portions of the impeller may be distributed around the conduit. The pump may also include a motor coupled to the impeller. Portions of motor may also be distributed around the conduit. The outlet from the impeller may be independent of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Star Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
  • Publication number: 20100003148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for driving a fuel pump in a turbine engine, said system comprising an electric motor and fluid flow assistance means controlled by a control valve. In said system, the control valve is a regulator valve the opening of which is controlled as a function of information representative of the speed of the pump, and/or the speed of the turbine engine, and/or the flow rate of fuel delivered to the turbine engine. As a result, operating safety of the turbine engine can be increased in the event of the electric motor failing or of its electricity generator failing, and the weight/size/cost ratios of the drive system are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: HISPANO SUIZA
    Inventor: Regis Michel Paul DELDALLE
  • Publication number: 20090232676
    Abstract: A compact, single shaft gas turbine gas generator uses a high pressure ratio dual-entry single stage centrifugal compressor, can combustors, and a radial inflow turbine with the compressor configured to achieve an overall pressure ratio of about 12:1 or greater and Mach Numbers less than or equal to about 1.4. The radial inflow turbine is configured to provide an expansion ratio of about 4:1 to about 5:1, to provide partially expanded combustion gases to a free-power turbine or an expansion nozzle, in a work-producing engine configuration. A ball bearing assembly in front of the compressor is used in conjunction with a thrust piston assembly to take up turbine thrust load, while a radial tilt pad bearing assembly is used in front of the turbine. A collector with scroll-shaped sector portions collects compressed air from an annular vaned diffuser, and respective crossover ducts channel the collected diffused compressed air from each sector portion to a plenum feeding can combustors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: R. Jan Mowill
  • Patent number: 7566208
    Abstract: A non-electric drive mechanism connectable to a submersible pump for pumping a fluid from a wellbore to the surface, the drive mechanism including a shaft rotatably disposed within a housing, the shaft operationally connectable to the submersible pump, at least one fan connected to the shaft and a supply manifold positioned to pass a pressurized fluid across the at least one fan in a manner to rotate the fan and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Enrique C. Santos
  • Publication number: 20080286134
    Abstract: Submersible pumping systems, devices and methods for extracting liquids in deep well applications are disclosed. In the various embodiments, a submersible pumping system includes a power supply and a power converter coupled to the power supply. A subsurface unit may be coupled to the power converter and positioned in the well. The subsurface unit may include a subsurface controller, a motor and a pump portion operably coupled to the subsurface controller. The pump portion may further include a front shroud having an inlet, and a back shroud sealably coupled to the front shroud to define a volume. An orifice fluidly communicates with the volume and an annular fluid discharge space disposed about the subsurface unit. An impeller operably coupled to the motor and positioned within the volume may transport a liquid from the inlet to the annular fluid discharge space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Regalado, Joseph L. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7451598
    Abstract: A flame trap housing 36 for a flame trap 34 of a compression ignition engine has an inlet 38 configured to engage an air outlet of a turbocharger and an outlet 40 configured to engage an inlet of an inlet after-cooler. The housing 36 is double skinned, having an inner skin 46 defining a flame trap compartment 35 and an outer skin 48 arranged in a spaced relationship relative to the inner skin 46, to define a fluid flow path 52 for the flow of a cooling fluid about the inner skin 46 of the housing 36.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: DBT Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Peter Kacev, Greg Venticinque
  • Patent number: 7360361
    Abstract: An electrically controlled turbocharger having a substantially vertically oriented shaft interconnecting a turbine and a compressor. The vertical orientation serves to eliminate the effects of gravity on the rotating components. Placing the turbine vertically above the motor and compressor and provides additional cooling through convection of heat produced by hot exhaust gas flowing through the turbine. A lubricating system utilizes scavenged air from the compressor to draw lubricating oil through internal passages of the motor housing to maintain a desirable oil sump level, ventilate the auxiliary induction motor, and provide pressure to the oil seals of the motor cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Prusinski, Peter Hofbauer, Jason Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7302800
    Abstract: The invention concerns a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, which is at least two-stage, wherein each respective stage of the turbocharger system is respectively a turbine and respectively a compressor, which via a common shaft are coupled with each other, wherein at least the exhaust gas side parts of the exhaust gas turbocharger are integrated in a common housing unit. The invention further concerns an internal combustion engine with such a compressor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter Klingel
  • Patent number: 7287379
    Abstract: A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine having at least one exhaust line for evacuating exhaust gases from the combustion chamber of the engine and at least one inlet line for supplying air to the combustion chamber. A high-pressure turbine interacts with a high-pressure compressor forming a high-pressure turbo unit with a common rotation axis. A low-pressure turbine interacts with a low-pressure compressor forming a low-pressure turbo unit with a common rotation axis. The high-pressure turbo unit and the low-pressure turbo unit are serially placed with the rotation axes essentially concentric and with the high-pressure turbine and the low-pressure turbine placed adjacent to each other and coupled together by an intermediate piece configured as a flow duct. The low-pressure turbo unit (22) is attached to one part of the internal combustion engine, while the high-pressure turbo unit is attached to another part of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Ulrich Gobert, Lars Sundin, Magnus Ising, Daniel Grunditz, Per Andersson, Kent Giselmo, Sebastian Krausche
  • Patent number: 7001155
    Abstract: A compressor impeller for use with a boreless turbocharger is provided in accordance with this invention. The compressor impeller comprises an integral hub projecting axially therefrom that includes a partial bore therein that extends from an open to a close bore end. The bore includes a threaded portion that is configured to accommodate threaded engagement with an end of a common shaft disposed through a turbocharger housing and attached at an opposite end to a turbine wheel. The hub is specially configured so that the threaded portion has a relatively increased wall thickness when compared to a remaining portion of the bore disposed between the threaded portion and the end of the bore. The bore is configured providing a section having a reduced wall thickness, between the threaded portion and the bore closed end, for purposes of providing a preferential stress relief mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Cabrales, Gerald Duane LaRue, John M. Wilson, Angus Lemon
  • Publication number: 20020085932
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbine and a compressor connected to the turbine so as to be operated thereby, the turbine includes a housing consisting of an inner and an outer shell formed from steel sheets and being arranged in spaced relationship so as to form therebetween an intermediate space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Loffler, Wolfgang Erdmann, Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser, Friedrich Wirbeleit, Jurgen Willand
  • Patent number: 6364634
    Abstract: A turbocharger rotor includes a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, a shaft extending between the turbine and compressor wheels for rotation together about an axis, and connecting means. The connecting means include first and second joints including alignment couplings joining opposite ends of the shaft with adjoining inner ends of the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel. The couplings are configured to coaxially align and drivingly engage the shaft with the compressor and turbine wheels. A fastener rod extends through the shaft and the compressor wheel, engaging the turbine wheel to retain the rotor components together under compressive load. The rod is resiliently stretchable to limit changes in the retaining force changes in axial dimensions during operating and stationary conditions. Additional features and variations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R. Svihla, John R. Zagone, James William Heilenbach, Keith E. Moravec
  • Patent number: 6345503
    Abstract: A method of configuring a compressor in a turbocharger for use in an internal combustion engine is provided with the steps of: providing a multi-stage compressor including a first compressor wheel carried by a shaft, an axially extending first inlet and a radially extending first outlet associated with the first compressor wheel, a second compressor wheel carried by the shaft, an axially extending second inlet and a radially extending second outlet associated with the second compressor wheel; fluidly interconnecting in series the first outlet with the second inlet using an interstage duct; selecting a total pressure ratio to be provided by the multi-stage compressor; ascertaining a first pressure ratio provided by the first compressor wheel at an operating speed; sizing the second compressor wheel to provide a second pressure ratio, dependent upon the total pressure ratio and the first pressure ratio; determining a stress on the second compressor wheel at the operating speed; determining a temperature within
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Gladden
  • Patent number: 6301889
    Abstract: A turbocharger, particularly suitable for use in an internal combustion engine, recirculates exhaust gas from the turbine to an interstage duct area between two compressor wheels of a multi-stage compressor. The turbocharger includes a rotatable shaft; a turbine including a turbine wheel carried by the shaft; and a multi-stage compressor. The multi-stage compressor includes a first compressor wheel carried by the shaft, an axially extending first inlet associated with the first compressor wheel, and a radially extending first outlet associated with the compressor wheel. A second compressor wheel carried by the shaft includes an axially extending second inlet associated with the second compressor wheel, and a radially extending second outlet associated with the second compressor wheel. An interstage duct fluidly interconnects in series the first outlet associated with the first compressor wheel and a second inlet associated with the second compressor wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gladden, Phillip J. Houtz
  • Patent number: 6302647
    Abstract: An engine turbocharger includes a turbine inlet scroll for conducting exhaust gas from a laterally offset position to the annular inlet of a turbine wheel. An outer wall defines a generally S-shaped passage connecting an inlet flange with concentric annular outlet flanges aligned on laterally spaced parallel axes. An inner wall positioned near the outlet end of the turbine inlet duct defines an annular passage portion for distribution of exhaust gas to the turbine inlet. Three annularly spaced struts or vanes support the inner wall within the outer wall slightly upstream from the outlet flanges of the scroll. A straight vane is positioned on the central plane of the turbine inlet scroll to support the wall with the least possible interference with gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D Schueler, John R. Zagone
  • Patent number: 6149393
    Abstract: A combination of an air lift pump and a mechanical pump is used to lift a fluid from a lower level to a higher level. In preferred embodiments compressed air is released below the level of a submerged mechanical pump having an impeller, such that the compressed air impinges upon the low pressure side of the impeller. The combination may be used advantageously in conjunction with a semipermeable membrane disposed within a deep channel to lift a purified fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Nate International
    Inventor: Dennis Chancellor
  • Patent number: 6042341
    Abstract: A suction nozzle operated with compressed air is used to generate vacuum in hollow spaces connected on the suction side. Two cylindrical nozzle bores (1, 2) that are coaxial to one another, through which a compressed air flow flows, which are separated by a suction slit (3) are provided. The nozzle bore (2) on the downstream side has a diameter that is at least slightly larger than the nozzle bore (1) on the upstream side. In order to improve the suction action in the suction slit (3) and to simplify the manufacture, it is provided that a downstream bore (17), which continuously expands in the direction of flow (arrow 4) and whose axial length (a3) corresponds to at least twice the length (a2) of the nozzle bore (2) on the downstream side, is connected to the nozzle bore (2) on the downstream side. The downstream bore (17) has a conical design and has a cone angle (.alpha.) of about 3.degree. to 6.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Siegfried Richter
  • Patent number: 5957668
    Abstract: A rotary pump system includes a rotary pump, a turbine for driving the pu and a coupling interconnecting a shaft of the turbine and a shaft of the pump. A speed monitoring system determines rotational speed of the pump shaft, is programmed with selected speeds for the pump during operation, and is adapted to send a signal responsive to a difference between the determined speed and the programmed speed. A brake is engageable with the coupling, and a brake valve is adapted to receive the signal and, in response thereto, to operate the brake to conform the speed of the pump to the programmed speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul E. Moody
  • Patent number: 5697767
    Abstract: A turbopump assembly comprises first pump section housing, a second pump section housing, and a common rotatable shaft positioned within said housings which further define First and second pump sections. The housings and rotatable shaft also define internal manifolds selectably positioned in the first pump section and second pump section whereby said first pump section, second pump, and internal manifolds form an integrated turbine and dual pump configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Bissell, Maynard L. Stangeland
  • Patent number: 5626459
    Abstract: A work reducing composite engine system that uses ambient air for a primary energy source. The device consists of a unitary turbine/compressor assembly utilizing a turbine for producing work output and a downstream compressor for receiving fluid exhaust of the turbine and for compressing the turbine exhaust. An internal heat exchanger is provided between the turbine and the compressor so that fluid in the compressor is cooled, thereby reducing compression work requirements and the turbine exhaust is heated by the compressor, thereby decreasing input heat requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas L. Cosby
  • Patent number: 5421310
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for driving a small, compact, relatively low cost, long life and very high speed hydraulic turbine drive. The system maximizes energy conversion efficiency between a combustion engine hydraulic pump and a high speed hydraulic turbine driven supercharger. A venturi system provides a pressure drop permitting lubrication flow for the supercharger bearings and also a substantial hydraulic pump inlet pressure to prevent foaming and cavitation at the pump inlet. A bypass valve permits control of the turbine speed based on engine need rather than engine speed as is the case with prior systems. Embodiments applicable to one stage supercharger and supercharger-turbocharger combinations are described. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hydraulic system is used to drive a high speed turbine at a power level in the range of 5 to 20 horsepower with operating speeds of 50,000 to 200,000 RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 5316449
    Abstract: The invention relates to motor-driven pumps (1) with turbine, driven by a fluid at high pressure, and more specially intended for the pumping of liquids and of laden liquids. The motor-driven pump (1) according to the invention comprises a rotating sleeve (15) mounted in line between two fixed rings (13, 14). To the internal surface of the sleeve (15) are secured pumping members (31, 32) such as helical vanes. The outer surface of the sleeve (15) forms the rotor of a turbine into which a pressurised fluid is injected radially in a centripetal manner, from a distribution volute (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: N.V. Baggerwerken Decloedt & Zoon
    Inventor: Guido Vandendorpe
  • Patent number: 5209652
    Abstract: A turbopump which operates at cryogenic temperatures to pump cryogenic liquid fuels to high pressure, and which includes a rotating group supported on process fluid foil journal bearings and a hydrostatic and hydrodynamic foil thrust bearing. A back-face surface of a pump rotor reacts thrust forces to the foil thrust bearing and receives counter acting hydrostatic fluid forces dynamically moderated to achieve an equilibrium axial position and force balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Fischer, Terence P. Emerson, Alston L. Gu
  • Patent number: 5176508
    Abstract: A turbopump system for pumping two separate fluids is disclosed having a r of concentric turbine rotors located within a turbine casing, each directly connected to a pump impeller. The centrifugal pumps, which may be located on opposite sides of the turbine casing are separately connected to their respective fluids such that the two fluids may be pumped simultaneously. A propellant fluid is directed through a generally annular space defined between the concentric turbine rotors to rotate them in opposite directions. Turbine blades attached to each of the turbine rotors extend into this annular space in order to drive the turbine rotors. The pitches of the turbine blades are such that the rotors are driven in opposite directions and one of the turbine rotors may be driven at a different speed than the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation
    Inventor: Francois J. P. Mirville
  • Patent number: 5129788
    Abstract: A heat-driven pump includes a fluid suction port defining unit which introduces liquid into a heating chamber. Bubbles are formed by heating liquid introduced through the fluid suction port defining unit into a heating chamber. The bubbles cause fluid in the heating chamber to flow out through condensation means and enter the condensation means whereas the bubbles are prevented from flowing through the fluid suction port defining unit due to capillary phenomenon of the fluid suction port defining unit. The bubbles are eliminated by cooling in the condensation means, and elimination of the bubbles causes fresh liquid is introduced through the fluid suction port defining unit into the heating chamber, thereby successive pumping of the fluid being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Kenji Okayasu
  • Patent number: 5074762
    Abstract: The compact structural assembly comprises a gas generator, and two turbopumps for feeding the combustion chamber of a chamber of a rocket engine with propellants. A main structure which is essentially circularly symmetrical about the axes of rotation of the turbopumps and made of thermostructural composite materials surrounds the turbines and fixes together the body of the gas generator and the pump bodies of the turbopumps. Internal partitioning elements added to the main structure and likewise made of thermo-structural composite materials serve to divide the space inside the main structure into a plurality of intercommunicating cavities allowing hot gases from the gas generator to flow to the turbines, and also serving to collect the outlet gases from the turbines and exhaust them through a common exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Propulsion
    Inventor: Claude Mechin
  • Patent number: 4865529
    Abstract: A turbopump assembly 10 including a pump section 12 and a turbine section 14 is provided with forward and aft shaft centerline containment assemblies 20,84 in combination with radial hydrostatic bearings 28,72, and seals 26 to support transient loads and center the shaft 22 within the housing at startup and shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. Sutton, Robert F. Beatty
  • Patent number: 4854126
    Abstract: A one-piece housing casting comprising a hub adapted to receive a turbine shaft therethrough and a radially extending flange on the outer periphery of the hub. The flange includes radially aligned annular surface portion and means for spacing the surface a predetermined distance from a radially aligned housing wall close to the outlet of the centrifugal compressor. The flange also includes an axially extended portion having an axially extended surface and means for spacing the surface away from an axially extending surface on a turbine housing wall to define a passage therebetween. Preferably, the means for spacing the walls apart from the turbine housing wall surfaces comprise diffuser vanes integrally formed on the radially and axially aligned surfaces of the flange of the diffuser member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Chevis, Reginald G. Keetley
  • Patent number: 4671744
    Abstract: An integral turbofan/solid propellant gas generator air induction system features in a single device a solid propellant gas generator and a turbofan which are operative, when activated, even after long periods of storage, to take ambient air and compress it to the pressures required in emergency situations for preventing loss of life and valuable equipment, for example, the inflation of an aircraft slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Morton Thiokol Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Shaffer, Stanley A. Racik, Peter H. Lucas, Calvin W. Vriesen
  • Patent number: 4565505
    Abstract: A new turbine combining the advantage of a combination-flow turbine wheel which may be inserted and removed from the turbocharger assembly through the exhaust opening, and a divided volute turbine casing, wherein the dividing wall is canted away from the exhaust opening allowing the gases from the volute passages to flow through the turbine with less flow losses than in conventional, radial turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: William E. Woollenweber
  • Patent number: 4538969
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger has a bearing system which is positioned between a compressor impeller and a turbine wheel which are positioned on respective ends of a rotor shaft. The compressor impeller is attached to the rotor-shaft via an intermediate bush. A conically mating fit, at one end of the intermediate bush directly adjacent to the bearing, serves to attach this intermediate bush to a shaft-stub of the rotor shaft. A frictionally-locked press fit serves, at the other end of the intermediate bush, to attach the compressor impeller to the intermediate bush, in a manner which transmits torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hansruedi Ammann, Hansulrich Horler
  • Patent number: 4488856
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed hydraulic power supply having an oil reservoir with a pump for pumping oil from the reservoir which is driven by a gas turbine. The gas turbine has a turbine cavity and fluid inlet and exhaust passages communicating therewith. A pair of burst discs are positioned to block the turbine cavity and a quantity of oil fills the turbine cavity and extends to the burst discs to isolate the oil reservoir from the environment and preclude the existence of any space to which reservoir oil could leak. A bellows is positioned to permit thermal expansion and contraction of the oil sealed in the turbine cavity by the burst discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Preble, John A. Anderson, Lawrence D. McGee