Abstract: A pump for pumping molten metal and delivering flux includes a refractory base that can be submerged in molten metal including an impeller chamber, an inlet and an outlet. A refractory shaft sleeve has upper and lower end portions and is fastened to the base at the lower end portion. A motor is disposed near the upper end portion of the shaft sleeve. A refractory shaft extends in the shaft sleeve and is connected to the motor near the upper end portion of the shaft sleeve. A refractory impeller is connected to the shaft and is rotatable in the impeller chamber. A flux feeding device feeds flux into the shaft sleeve. Also featured is a method for delivering flux in the shaft sleeve of the pump and a method for cleaning flux accretions in the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A tube pump for transferring molten metal includes a refractory tube having upper and lower end portions. A motor is disposed near the upper end portion of the refractory tube. A refractory shaft extends in the refractory tube and is connected to the motor near the upper end portion of the refractory tube. A refractory impeller is connected to the shaft in the lower end portion of the refractory tube. An upper outlet extends from upper end portion of the refractory tube through which molten metal flows upon rotation of the impeller. The refractory tube is enclosed at its upper end portion. A gas source flows gas into the refractory tube at or near its upper end portion under a pressure which prevents overflow of the molten metal above the outlet. Flux may be directed into the refractory tube alone or with gas.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a variable geometry turbine inlet incorporating a cylindrical piston movable to vary the area of the inlet nozzle into the turbine. Vanes mounted to the piston for flow control in the nozzle are received through a slotted heat shield which provides smooth aerodynamic flow into the turbine blades. The vanes additionally incorporate a step having larger cord and depth that engages the surface of the heat shield and seals the slots with the piston in a closed position. An axial actuator is attached for operation of the piston.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improvement in a system for producing a vacuum in which both liquid and gas streams are involved. Specifically, in one aspect the improvement is in a vacuum system for extruding plastic pipe having conventional extrusion apparatus, vacuum tank, mold and vacuum and liquid pumps with a chilled water flow system, the improvement being characterized by an outer housing connected intermediate the effluent water conduit and the liquid pump with a vacuum port connected with a vacuum pump; and an internal sleeve interiorly of the outer housing defining an annular space about the sleeve and directing the combined stream directly into the entrance to the liquid pump so that by inertia the liquid is sucked into the liquid pump whereas the gas is diverted by the vacuum pump to maintain the pressure without flooding the vacuum pump.