Multiple rotors and control means thereto in fluid handling devices with working chambers or radially variable volume

Claim 1

In a fluid handling machine, in combination, housing means including a central portion, and two end cover means having confronting stationary control faces, each cover means including inlet and outlet means for a fluid having inlet and outlet ports on said stationary control faces; shaft means mounted in said cover means for rotation; at least three rotary means mounted on said shaft means within said central housing portion and including two outer rotary means having opposite rotary control faces cooperating with said stationary control faces in sealing contact, and a medial rotary means between said two outer rotary means; annular means surrounding said outer rotary means and forming high pressure and low pressure working chambers with the same, said rotary control faces forming control ports successively connecting said inlet and outlet ports of said stationary control faces, respectively, with said working chambers, respectively; coupling means for connecting said three rotary means and said shaft means for rotation together, for limited axial movement of said three rotary means relative to each other and to said shaft means, and fluid pressure thrust means in said medial rotary means communicating during rotation with said high pressure and low pressure working chambers and exerting axial pressures against said outer rotary means for pressing said rotary control faces against said stationary control faces with a great force in the region of said high pressure working chamber and with a lesser force in the region of said low pressure working chamber whereby leakage is prevented.