Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Burgy, N. Frank.
A rotary machine having a pair of back to back turbines in serial flow relationship is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which permit for a compact design. In one detailed embodiment the turbine has a housing having an inlet manifold and an exit manifold which are disposed between the outlet manifold for an associated turbopump.
Balloons expand to surround and seal off equipment. Housing of undeployed enclosure encircles equipment to be enclosed. Deployed enclosure surrounds equipment and seals it from environment. Fully deployed within few seconds. Conceived to shield rocket booster from ocean water when dropped after launching spacecraft, adapted to suit terrestrial equipment that must be shielded quickly against impending immersion.
Expanding balloon serves as lightweight emergency valve to close wide duct. Uninflated balloon stored in housing of duct. Pad resting on burst diaphragm protects balloon from hot gases in duct. Once control system triggers valve, balloon inflates rapidly to block duct. Weighs much less than does conventional butterfly, hot-gas, or poppet valve capable of closing duct of equal diameter.