US PATENT CLASS 415
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
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415 /   HD   ROTARY KINETIC FLUID MOTORS OR PUMPS



DEFINITION

Classification: 415/

This is the class for apparatus, and corresponding methods of operating such apparatus, comprising a runner*, and in which a working fluid* is guided to, around, or from, the runner.

A means for guiding or confining (e.g., casing*, distributing means*, etc.), the working fluid* must be present, at least by implication, in a claim for classification in this class unless specifically indicated otherwise, the mere recitation of the moving member or runner* being insufficient. A reference in a claim to a control or regulating means for the working fluid* is considered to imply the presence of such guiding or confining means. In such an instance, the claim will be classified in this class, despite the lack of an explicit inclusion in the claim of the guiding or confining means for the working fluid*.

This class includes typically turbines, wind and water wheels, centrifugal pumps* and blowers; and such casings*, conduits, guide means and other elements peculiar to the subject matter of this class not otherwise classifiable.

Also included is apparatus of the type described, but which has no shaft to transmit mechanical power output therefrom, unless the sole specific disclosure is for a flow meter of the turbine type, see References To Other Classes, below, for a class reference to measuring and testing.

Also specifically included in this class is a device comprising a container or receptacle supported for orbiting movement and in which (1) a working fluid* flows into and out of the container to cause the orbiting motion or (2) the container is caused to move by a force to retain and raise a supply of working fluid* to a higher relative elevation before the fluid is discharged from the container.

This class will also take a "black box" motor which is clearly shown as rotary unless specifically described as of the expansible chamber type; see Class 418, for such expansible chamber motor.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

This class will not take an apparatus of the type described which includes an expansible chamber in which the working fluid* acts, i.e., a chamber which varies in volume by virtue of one wall moving towards or away from another wall. Examples of such devices are the sliding vane*-type rotary devices or the nutating axis-type rotary pump*. See References to Other Classes, below, for such apparatus. This class will not take a pump of any type whose driving means, no matter how broadly recited, is controlled by a condition of the pumped fluid; see See References to Other Classes, below, Class 417, appropriate subclasses, especially 1+ for such devices.

A "black box" pump clearly disclosed as rotary will be found in Classes 417 and 418; see the respective line notes of these classes.

GENERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CLASSES

This class relates to apparatus of the type described usable as a pump* or as a motor* or as both alternatively. It does not theoretically provide for: (1) the combination of a pump* and a motor* driving the pump*, (2) the combination of a motor* and a load driven thereby, or (3) the combination of a motor* and a source of working fluid* or an energy increasing means (e.g., pump*) for the working fluid*.

However, all of the above combinations are common and are frequently mentioned broadly in the claims even though of substantially no significance for search purposes.

Therefore where a motor* or a pump* is so claimed as to afford a basis for classification in this class, the mere nominal recitation in the claim of one of the above common

combination features and also a mere nominal recitation of a relationship of such features with the motor* or pump* will not cause exclusion from this class.

(1) Note. WHEN THE PUMPS* FORM THE BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION FOR THIS CLASS.

A. The following examples of terminology are considered to be mere nominal recitations of a drive means for the pump* which would not preclude classification in this class:

(1) drive means, or means for driving;

(2) motor* drive in which the motor* is disclosed as a well known type and identified merely by its generic name or merely as turbine, electric, magnetic, internal combustion, etc.

B. The following examples of terminology are considered to be minimum significant or specific recitations of a drive means for the pump* which would preclude classification in this class and indicate classification in Class 417, Pumps. 1. language reciting enough of the driving structure to identify the type of motor* or to permit or cause cooling, (other than merely mounting the unit in a duct where it would inherently be cooled) lubricating or sealing the motor* elements or the motor* housing, e.g. a. for an electric motor*, the stator and rotor or a specific housing for sealing or cooling; b. for a turbine motor*, the runner* and a fluid distributing means; c. for a reciprocating motor*, the piston and fluid guiding or confining means; d. for a magnetic motor*, the arrangement of the magnets around the rotor; e. for the appropriate motor*, the electric circuit or control therefor, or the fluid circuit or control therefor, including, in the case of a single blade*, part of which is used as the driving turbine and the remainder as the pumping element, the two fluid paths.

2. an art device (door, vehicle part, etc.), recited as the driving means.

3. a common supporting base for the pump* and motor*; the motor* or its housing supported on the pump* housing or vice versa; a motor* mounted on a tank, or a tank mounted on the motor*; details of the motor support*.

(2) Note. WHEN THE MOTOR* FORMS THE BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION FOR THIS CLASS;

A. The following examples of terminology are considered to be mere nominal recitations of a load driven by the motor* which would not preclude classification in this class: 1. a propeller 2. a rotary or reciprocating fan, pump* or impeller 3. an electric generator 4. indicating means

B. The following examples of terminology are considered to be

specific or significant recitations of a load driven by the motor* which would preclude classification in this class and indicate classification in the class in which the load is classified: 1. a three bladed propeller (Class 416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces, (i.e., Impellers); 2. a centrifugal, positive displacement or gear pump* (Classes 417, Pumps, or 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices); 3. an electric generator in which is included any detail of the generator or any relationship between a generator part and a motor* part (Class 290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants); 4. an electric generator in which, as claimed, part of the electricity is used for control purposes and part of power purposes (Class 290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants); 5. a dial and needle, number wheels, or other specific meter or register mechanism (Class 73, Measuring and Testing)

C. The following examples of terminology are considered to be nominal recitations of a source or energy level increasing means for the working fluid* for driving the motor* which would not preclude classification in this class: 1. a boiler 2. a flowing fluid stream 3. a rotary or reciprocating fan or pump* 4. a motor* (named) driven fan or pump* 5. a plurality of pumps* in parallel

D. The following examples of terminology are considered to be significant or specific recitations of a source or energy level increasing means for the working fluid* for driving the motor*, which would preclude classification in this class and indicate classification in Class 60, Power Plants; 1. a firetube or watertube boiler 2. a dam or earthworks (nominally or broadly recited) bearing some physical relationship with the motor*; 3. a fan or pump* characterized as to type more specifically than rotary or reciprocating (e.g., centrifugal, positive displacement, pulsator, etc.), or reciting any detail thereof (e.g., piston, lobe, etc.); 4. a motor* driven pump* in which a detail of the motor* is recited and by which the type of motor* can be identified (e.g., combustion chamber, armature, field, turbine rotor and flow means, etc.), or in which a specific motor housing is recited for sealing or cooling motor* elements; 5. a plurality of pumps* in series

E. If what appears to be a load (e.g., pump* or fan) on the motor* is actually disclosed for internal purposes only to affect a motor* condition or operation, (e.g., lubrication, sealing, control), then the load is considered to be a part of the motor* itself, no matter how specifically it is recited, and would not exclude a claim from this class. If the load output is disclosed for external use only, classification is on the basis of the load in the appropriate class if the claimed recitations of the load warrant. If the load output is divided and part is used internally for affecting a motor* condition or operation, and another part used externally, classification is on the basis of the load.

(3) Note. When a motor*-pump* combination is claimed so broadly so that the recitations applicable to either the

pump* or motor* cannot form the basis for classification in this class, the combination is classified in the appropriate pump* class if the motor* drives the pump* or in Class 60, Power Plants, if the pump* is an energy increasing means for the working fluid* for driving the motor*. PUMP-TANK RELATIONSHIP

The combination of a pump and a tank is generally classified in Class 137. However, a single, nominally recited tank, reservoir, chamber, pump or other similar fluid holding means will be considered as merely a flow line or conduit and will be classified in Class 415. However, see Class 222, Dispensing, class definition, paragraph 91 regarding other pump-tank relationships.

PUMP-ACCUMULATOR RELATIONSHIP

An accumulator or surge damping device is usually connected to a pump inlet or outlet for the purpose of maintaining a smooth flow to or from the pump. When disclosed for the purpose of surge damping or insuring smooth flow, the combination of an accumulator and pump is classified in Class 415.

PUMP-LIQUID ACCUMULATION CONTROL RELATIONSHIP

1. A pump claimed in combination with a liquid accumulation controlled valve is classified in Class 137 except for the following which will be found in Class 415.

When the liquid accumulation or level responsive valve which controls a liquid flow to the pump or a gas relief from the pump is for the specifically disclosed purpose of priming the pump, see Class 415, subclass 24.

2. A pump claimed in combination with a drive transmission therefor which is controlled by liquid accumulation is classified in Class 415, subclasses 24 or 122.1+.

PUMP-PLURAL SERIAL VALVE RELATIONSHIP

A pump claimed in combination with plural serial valves in either or both the inlet and outlet flow path, and without any branched flow path is classifiable in Class 415, even though one or more of the valves is manually operated or condition responsive.

PUMP-MAIN FLOW PATH AND BRANCHED FLOW PATH RELATIONSHIP

Generally a branched flow system having a main flow path and a branched flow path, with or without a pump is classifiable in Class 137. However, several exceptions, which usually depend on the disclosure in the particular case, are set forth below: 1. A pump having plural branched flow paths, whether valved

or not, communicating with a single source or receiver is classifiable in Class 415. Where there is no specific disclosure of the sources or receivers for the flow paths, the disclosure will be considered as if there were a single source or receiver and will be classified in Class 415.

2. A pump having a main flow path and a branched flow path, each communicating with separate sources or receivers is classifiable in Class 415, if: (A) The source or receiver for the main flow path is unclaimed or nominally claimed and (B) the branched flow path is specifically disclosed as a relief inlet or outlet to the pump a priming inlet to the pump, a bypass around the pump, or a vent, waste or drain outlet from the pump, and either (i) the main flow path is uncontrolled or (ii) the main flow path is controlled and the branched flow line is (a) uncontrolled, (b) manually controlled or (c) controlled by a condition responsive valve responding to a condition in the main flow path which is sensed between the pump and the main flow path controller.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

60, Power Plants, appropriate subclasses for: (1) the combination of a motor* and a specifically recited source of working fluid* or a means to increase the energy level of a working fluid*, see LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES (2) Note, C and D; (2) plural diverse motors*, each providing power for external use, either in series on the same shaft, or in parallel on separate output shafts; (3) the combination of a pump* (no matter how broadly recited) which discharges to a fluid motor*, where a part of the motor* output is used to drive the pump*, or a fluid motor* driving a pump* which discharges at least part of the fluid to the motor* for driving the motor*; (4)a motor* (even though disclosed as being for Class 415) which depends for operation on the buoyancy of a fluid, or on the vertical component of Tides and Waves; (5) fluid operated reciprocating or oscillating motor* of the nonexpansible chamber type; (6) all fluid operated motors* not otherwise classified, (e.g., "black box" not clearly shown as rotary); (7) the combination of a fluid motor and exhaust fluid treating or handling. Exhaust fluid is considered to be that fluid downstream of a runner* after it leaves the final means which could affect operation of the motor (e.g., by affecting the back pressure on the runner); treatment or handling is considered to involve more than merely carrying away the exhaust fluid from the motor through a single constant diameter conduit. A valve in the outlet conduit affects back pressure on the runner and is proper subject matter for Class 415; an expanding outlet conduit, a specific physical spatial relationship of the exhaust conduit and the motor, or a plurality of outlet conduits are examples of fluid handling for Class 60; a heat exchanger is an example of fluid treatment for Class 60. An elbow, support or other fitting is considered to constitute a mere part of the exhaust conduit, unless the diameter of the conduit is

altered thereby, which indicates classification in Class 60. (8) the combination of a specifically recited runner for moving a fluid and a outlet for discharging the fluid, where the sole, specific disclosure is to obtain thrust and therefore translating motion of the apparatus with which the runner and outlet are associated.

73, Measuring and Testing,

861.79+, for a rotary motor* in which the rotary member drives means which continuously determines, registers or indicates the volume or rate of flow of a fluid material, the motor* being positioned in the flow path of the material, and for a turbine-type meter which, as disclosed, is incapable of acting as a motor*.

(1) Note. In many turbine meters, the runner* shaft extends no further than the bearings therefor. Since no power output may be obtained from such an arrangement, such a meter is incapable of acting as a motor* and classification in Class 73 is indicated.

(2) Note. Class 415 will take a turbine-type meter in which the runner* shaft is disclosed as connected to a nominal load (e.g., indicating mechanism), see Lines With Other Classes, (2) Note, A and B; and the combination of a pump* or motor* for this class and a register or recorder giving information as to the amount of working fluid* passing through the system.

74, Machine Element or Mechanism, 5+, especially subclasses 5.37, 5.43 and 5.7 for a gyroscope (see Class 74, subclass 5, (1) Note for definition and (2) Note for exception) comprising a mass rotating about a first axis, this axis supported for at least a limited amount of freedom to pivot about a second axis transverse to the first. A claim reciting the combination of a mass and fluent means to impinge on and cause the mass to rotate about an axis is classified in Class 415, unless there is claimed structure which permits freedom of motion of the mass about more than one axis, even though the sole specific disclosure is for a gyroscope mass with motion about two axes.

(1) Note. A rotor which is claimed as spherical and a complementary bearing therefor has been considered as having the two degrees of freedom of motion required for gyroscopes, and accordingly, such a claim is classified in Class 74.

91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, appropriate subclasses for a motor which may be of the rotary type but which converts the energy of a simple pressure fluid in an expansible chamber, no energy being extracted except by expansion of the chamber by virtue of the fluid reacting against a fixed abutment, a mechanical force being produced by movement of a wall of the chamber.

(1) Note. Classes 91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, 417, Pumps, and 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, all provide for an expansible chamber device (motor or pump) which may be rotary, the distinction being on the nature of the valving for the working fluid. For clear statements as to the differences among these classes see the line notes in each class to the others.

137, Fluid Handling, the line between Classes 137 and 415 is generally that of combination and subcombination, with Class 137 providing for a fluid handling system which may include a pump and Class 415 providing for a rotary nonexpansible chamber type pump, per se. However, certain areas of subject matter are considered peculiar to pumps and their operation and are considered to be exceptions to the general rule stated above. These and other lines are set out below.

138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, appropriate subclasses, for a flow conductor of general utility there provided for, with or without a flow restrictor or guide means, even though disclosed for use in a motor* or pump* environment. A housing or casing* which is of peculiar shape (spiral or volute) for coaction with a disclosed motor* or pump* runner*, even though claimed as the casing*, per se, will be classified in Class 415.

184, Lubrication Appropriate subclasses, for a pump* forcing lubricant and a bearing member which receives the lubricant.

185, Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered, appropriate subclasses, for a motor* which uses a discrete weight for operation thereof; a fluent material stream flowing into and out of a runner* bucket is considered a discrete weight for Class 185 and such devices will be found therein even though the operation is intermittent, i.e., the runner* stops while the bucket is filled, then rotates to another position where it may again be stopped for emptying the bucket.

188, Brakes,

273, and 293 for a rotary member driven by fluid, and driving a fluid, respectively, in a conduit or casing and having a control for the exhaust fluid so that shutting off the exhaust develops a back pressure on the rotary member and thus increases its resistance to rotation.

192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, .03, .098 for the combination of a fluid rotary motor* and a clutch mechanism, in which there are interrelated controls for the motor* and the clutch, and subclass 3, for the combination of a fluid rotary motor* and a brake or lock applied to the motor* or its output shaft and having a mechanism for the joint control of the motor* and the brake or lock.

198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses,

particularly 701+ for a member mounted on a driven endless belt or on a driven rotating wheel, the member dipping into a source of fluent material and carrying a portion thereof to another station, the member working in the open or in a loose fitting casing* or having a flange or other means for retaining the material thereon while moving.

(1) Note. A close fitting casing* around the member is considered to define with the member an expansible chamber device, and, when driven by or driving a fluid, indicates classification in Class 91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, Class 92, Expansible Chamber Devices, or Class 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices.

222, Dispensing,

14+, 23+ and 71+ for a pump* with selectively preset means to control the quantity discharged or with totalizing or recording means, or with measuring means in addition to pump* structure: and other appropriate subclasses for the combination of a supply container and a pump* in a dispensing system: see the Main Class Definition of Class 222, section 9 for a complete statement of the line between the two classes.

239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses, for a nozzle, per se, which discharges a free jet of fluid and which is of general utility, even though disclosed for use with a fluid operated motor*, and for the combination of a pump* and a specific discharge nozzle;

240+, for a turbine-type motor* driving a continuously moving fluid distributor or nozzle; Subclasses 251+ for an external fluid supply and a fluid distributor or nozzle which is continuously moved relative to a support by the reaction caused by discharge of the fluid from the distributor or nozzle (e.g., reaction turbine) the fluid being discharged into the ambient atmosphere, in the absence of a disclosure that the moving distributor is aerodynamically shaped or has aerodynamic qualities, thus making the distributor an impeller properly classified in Class 416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), the reaction discharge being considered the driving motor* therefor; Subclasses 380+ for the combination of a fluid pump* and a discharge modifier downstream of the pump and external of the fluid confining or guiding means, which modifier is continuously moved by a motion transmitting means or by the fluid discharging thereon from the fluid system outlet.

(1) Note. A claimed casing* or housing surrounding the moving distributor whereby the discharged fluid is collected indicates classification in Class 415; however, a claimed specific terminal fluid discharge element from the casing* to the atmosphere shifts the claim back to Class 239.

(2) Note. A set of wheels driven by the moving fluid distributor is considered to be a specific load and is

excluded from Class 415. Such devices will be found in various classes, depending on details claimed; for example, wheels on a rotary distributor discharging fluid into the atmosphere will be found in Class 239.

(3) Note. A disclosure that the direction or rotation of the moving distributor may be alternated indicates classification in Class 415; this feature is entirely foreign to a lawn sprinkler type moving distributor. 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses for a pump* and comminuting structure which is separate and distinct from the pump* runner or the surrounding casing* and causes comminution before or after impelling. A device in which the pump* runner* or the surrounding casing* is so made as to cause comminution of the material at substantially the zone of impelling the material is proper subject matter for Class 415; a structure in which the comminuting structure is arranged upstream or downstream of the pump* impeller, which may itself cause comminution, is classified in Class 241.

248, Supports,

637+, for the combination of a support and a casing* claimed so broadly as to be of general utility, even though disclosed as the casing* of a motor* or pump*. Thus, the recitation as a turbine or pump casing* will not serve to exclude the claim from Class 248. However, a claim which includes a runner* or a shaft* in the casing* is excluded from Class 248 and will be classified in Class 415 if no other basis for classification exists; a claim which includes the relationship between a support and a part (other than the casing*) of a motor* or pump* device is excluded from Class 248 and will be found in Class 415 unless classified elsewhere on another basis.

277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process (e.g., seal between a runner* and another relatively movable part, seal between the two relatively moving members, does not recite enough details of the rotary kinetic device, etc.),

345+, for a seal between relatively movable parts (i.e., a dynamic seal), especially subclasses 427+ for a dynamic close proximity seal (e.g., contactless, fluent, etc.) having an impeller or another rotating member to form a centrifugal liquid barrier.

384, Bearings, appropriate subclasses for a bearing which may include a runner or shaft supported formation with on details of the runner or shaft.

403, Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses, for means connecting a plurality of elements, even though the elements be disclosed as pump* or motor* elements, if the rotary device is recited nominally or by name only and cannot

form the basis of classification in Class 415.

406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses for systems which transport solids by means of a fluid current, and which include a fluid pump for generating the current. Rotary pumps, per se, which include structure peculiar to the passage of solids as well as the conveying fluid through the pump are classified in Class 406,

96+,. See also subclasses 57+ and 80 for a screw conveyor or an endless belt conveyor, respectively, which feeds to the inlet of a blower or pump.

416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses, for the subcombination of a rotary member having a surface which is acted upon or sets upon a fluid, where the claims are silent in regard to a means for confining or directing a fluid to, from, or around the member, even though such confining means be disclosed; and for the subcombination of an impeller operable by the kinetic energy of a fluid medium, even though disclosed as operated by the potential energy or weight of the fluid, provided that no more than the working member is claimed, i.e., the claim must include only the minimum elements for an impeller as defined in Class 416.

417, Pumps, appropriate subclasses for a rotary pump* of the positive displacement type in which transportation of the working fluid* from a chamber or enclosure is caused by decreasing the volume of the enclosure, such pump* being claimed, per se, or combined with another pump* of any type; for a pump* in which the runner is mounted for rotary motion and cyclic axial reciprocation, even though it is of the rotary nonexpansible chamber type; for a "black box" pump shown as rotary if not of the expansible chamber type; for a rotary pump* and a specific driving means therefor; see Lines With Other Classes, (1) Note, A and B; for a chain pump of the type comprising pistons mounted on a flexible or endless drive member and in which a casing or housing surrounds and tightly encompasses the pistons, thus forming an expansible chamber pump, and elements (e.g., pistons) of such a pump. (1) Note. Bucket Pumps (e.g., receptacles on an endless chain or belt) which retain fluent to be moved to another location will be found in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven.

(2) Note. Classes 91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, 417 Pumps, and 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, all provide for an expansible chamber device (motor or pump) which may be rotary, the distinction being on the nature of the valving for the working fluid. For clear statements as to the differences among these classes, see the line notes in each class to the others.

418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclasses for a rotary motor or pump in which the moving

wall of an expansible chamber (1) produces a mechanical force because of expansion of a simple fluid in the chamber reacting against a fixed abutment, or (2) increases the energy of a fluid in the chamber.

(1) Note. Classes 91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, 417, Pumps and 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, all provide for an expansible chamber device motor or pump, which may be rotary, the distinction being on the nature of the valving for the working fluid. For clear statements as to the differences among these classes see the line notes in each class to the others.

454, Ventilation, appropriate subclasses, for a gas pump* in combination with the enclosure to be ventilated and which is specifically recited or which bears a specific relationship with the pump*.

GLOSSARY:

The following terms or words, used throughout the titles and definitions, are set forth with the meaning each is to have in this class. Throughout this bulletin an asterisk (*) following the work or term indicates that reference should be made to this glossary for the specific meaning thereof.

BLADE

A working member on the runner which contacts the working fluid. This member may variously be called a bucket, vane, pocket or float in the art literature.

CASING

A member which cooperates with a runner member and provides a flow path for the working fluid. This member may also be called a curb in the art literature. DISTRIBUTION MEANS

At least one member positioned in the working fluid flow path and proximate to the runner to convey, guide, distribute or direct the fluid immediately prior or subsequent to its contact with the runner. Encompassed within this term is a pipe, nozzle or vane.

MOTOR

Generally, an apparatus in which one form of energy is changed so that mechanical power is obtained. Specifically for this class, an apparatus for obtaining mechanical power from the kinetic or potential energy in a fluid material contacting a rotary member of the apparatus, as further defined and limited herein.

PUMP

An apparatus used for adding energy to fluid material (gas or liquid).

RUNNER

A member which is or which supports a means contacting a working fluid, the member being mounted or supported so as to be capable of unidirectional rotational or orbital movement for at least one revolution or orbit (in the absence of control means for limiting movement to part of a revolution or orbit), the member being (1) caused to so move by the kinetic or potential energy of the working fluid, or (2) caused to move by some external force to increase the energy (velocity, pressure or potential) in the working fluid by transfer of kinetic energy from the member to the fluid. This member may also variously be called a rotor, wheel, piston or bucket wheel in the art literature.

SHAFT

A member which supports or mounts the runner for unidirectional rotational or orbital movement, the member being itself supported in bearings for rotational motion and is connected to a work producing element when the runner is caused to rotate by working fluid impinging thereon or to a driving force so as to cause the runner to rotate and add energy to work fluid.

VANE A static partition member (which however may be selectively adjustable to various positions) in the working fluid flow path and shaped (often as an airfoil) to guide or direct fluid flow. This vane member may also variously be called a nozzle, intermediate, diffuser or diaphragm in the art literature.

WORKING FLUID

A fluid material (gas or liquid) which contacts the runner and causes it to move, or has energy added thereto by a driven runner.