US3918828A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flow control for compressors and pumps
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-09-05
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Granted: 1975-11-11
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Expires: 1994-09-05
Abstract
Abstract This flow control comprises a vane equipped guide element disposed in a fluid compressor or pump between the usual impeller and the fluid inlet. The element is mounted for rotation either by fluid drawn into the inlet by the impeller or by a positive displacement fluid energy transfer member connected with the element and communicating with a fluid system external of the compressor. Valve and pump means may be utilized in the fluid system to control the operation of the guide element. If desired, the guide element may be permitted to windmill freely in response to flow of fluid into the compressor, it may also be held stationary, or it may be driven by an external force in a selected direction at a controlled speed to secure the desired effect. The vanes on the element direct the inflowing fluid to the impeller in a manner to improve the performance of the compressor or pump.
Inventors
- 👤 Emerson L Kumm
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 01:32
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04D; F04D29/00; F04D29/40; F04D29/42; F04D29/44; F04D29/441; F04D29/442; F04D15/00; F04D15/0066; F04D27/00; F04D27/002; F04D27/02; F04D27/0246; F04D9/00; F04D9/04; F05; F05D; F05D2250/00; F05D2250/50; F05D2250/51
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
Flow control means for compressors and pumps of the type having a casing with an inlet, an outlet, and an impeller supported for rotation between said inlet and outlet to draw fluid into said inlet and discharge it from said outlet, said flow control means comprising: a. guide means mounted in the casing between said impeller and the inlet, said guide means being supported for rotary movement and having vanes engaged by fluid flowing to said impeller to impart direction to such fluid; and b. fluid pressure responsive means disposed exteriorly of said casing for controlling the rotary movement of said guide means to obtain a predetermined speed ratio range relative to said impeller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
Flow control means for compressors and pumps of the type having a casing with an inlet, an outlet, and an impeller supported for rotation between said inlet and outlet to draw fluid into said inlet and discharge it from said outlet, said flow control means comprising: a. guide means mounted in the casing between said impeller and the inlet, said guide means being supported for rotary movement and having vanes engaged by fluid flowing to said impeller to impart direction to such fluid; and b. fluid pressure responsive means disposed exteriorly of said casing for controlling the rotary movement of said guide means to obtain a predetermined speed ratio range relative to said impeller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The flow control means of claim 1 in which the guide means has an annular collar between the ends of the vanes and the hub, said collar being conical with the base of the cone facing toward the casing inlet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The flow control means of claim 1 in which the means for controlling the rotary movement of said guide means has a fluid pressure energy transfer system associated therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The flow control means of claim 3 in which the fluid pressure energy transfer system has a reversible fluid pump connected for rotation with the guide means and means for controlling fluid flow to and from the pump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The flow control means of claim 4 in which the reversible fluid pump is of the positive displacement type and the fluid flow control means has a selectively operable valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
134 words
The flow control means of claim 1 in which the impeller of the compressor is a centrifugal type and the guide means has a hub in axial registration with the impeller, vanes extending radially outwardly from the hub, said vanes being curved from the leading to trailing edges with the exit angle between thirty and sixty degrees, a flow guide collar extending from the leading to the trailing edges of said vanes between the ends of said vanes and said hub, said collar decreasing in diameter between the leading and trailing edges of said vanes, the means for controlling rotary movement of said guide means having a shaft projecting forwardly from said hub, fluid energy transferring means at the end of said shaft, and a fluid system communicating with said fluid energy transferring means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The flow control means of claim 6 in which the fluid system communicating with said fluid energy transferring means has a valve for governing flow to and from said energy transferring means and means for moving fluid under pressure to said fluid energy transferring means.
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) | 1978-11-10 | 1979-05-12 | 1979-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-10 | 1983-05-12 | 1983-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-10 | 1987-05-12 | 1987-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |