US3784318A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable diffuser centrifugal pump
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1971-12-29
•
Granted: 1974-01-08
•
Expires: 1991-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A centrifugal pump is supplied with a discharge shutter valve which provides a variable diffuser for the pump. The shutter valve includes a hollow, slotted cylinder positioned for movement into a variety of operative positions between the impeller and the diffuser vane passages. Each operative position completely closes one or more of the diffuser passages while leaving the remaining passages completely open, thereby providing a pump with high head rise over the complete operating range of the pump.
Inventors
- 👤 D Davis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:07
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04D; F04D15/00; F04D15/0027; F04D15/0038; F04D29/00; F04D29/40; F04D29/42; F04D29/44; F04D29/46; F04D29/466; F04D29/468; F05; F05D; F05D2270/00; F05D2270/60; F05D2270/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
In a centrifugal pump of the type including an impeller adapted to propel fluid through a radial outlet to a diffuser which includes a plurality of stationary diffuser vanes defining diffuser passages therebetween, the improvement comprising: a discharge shutter valve positioned between said impeller and said diffuser vanes and capable of movement between an inoperative position and at least one operative position, said valve including meand for completely closing the inlets to individual diffuser passages when in an operative poSition while leaving the inlets to the remaining passages completely open.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a centrifugal pump of the type including an impeller adapted to propel fluid through a radial outlet to a diffuser which includes a plurality of stationary diffuser vanes defining diffuser passages therebetween, the improvement comprising: a discharge shutter valve positioned between said impeller and said diffuser vanes and capable of movement between an inoperative position and at least one operative position, said valve including meand for completely closing the inlets to individual diffuser passages when in an operative poSition while leaving the inlets to the remaining passages completely open.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 1 wherein said valve comprises a hollow cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 2 wherein said cylinder has a plurality of axially extending slots located therein, said slots being separated by solid portions of said cylinder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 3 wherein each of said slots is positioned opposite the inlet of one of said diffuser passages.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 4 wherein at least one of said slots is of a different axial length from the remaining slots.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 5 wherein said valve includes actuating means for moving said cylinder between its operative and inoperative positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 6 wherein said actuating means includes a piston extending from one end of said cylinder, a chamber for receiving said piston, and means for delivering servo fluid to opposite sides of said piston.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved centrifugal pump recited in claim 7 wherein said slots extend from the end of said cylinder opposite the end which includes said piston, and said slots extend toward said piston.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |