BE517608A - - Google Patents

Description

       

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  IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THROTTLE MECHANISMS.



   The invention relates, in general, to devices for propelling substances which can be propagated by flow and it relates more particularly to devices for propelling such substances by the production of a fluid. wave movement in the substance, so that the latter is forced to flow from a predetermined source along given flow lines,
According to a first object of the invention, the propulsion of the substance takes place by producing an undulatory, or substantially sinusoidal movement in a flexible membrane element which is either immersed in the substance or else constructed so as to contain the latter,

     said movement being generated by subjecting a marginal part of this flexible element to an oscillating movement, so that the volume of the substance swept by the undulatory movement undergoes a movement having the same speed and the same direction as those of the wave. propagating from said marginal portion through the flexible member.



   Devices established according to this arrangement of the invention can be used for the propulsion of gases or liquids and, for this reason, they can be used to move aerodynes, both those lighter than those heavier than air, to to advance ships or boats of any category or class, on the surface of the water or under water as well as for the propulsion of gaseous or liquid fluids in conduits, pipes or other delimited passages or in a larger mass of the fluid in the form of unrestricted currents, instead of having recourse to ordinary pumps or fans.



   According to a second object of the invention, the propulsion of the fluid is obtained by immersing a flexible member having a substantially circular planar shape in the fluid and by subjecting the flexible member to an undulating or substantially sinusoidal movement which begins. substance, in the center of this organ and propagates towards the periphery, so that

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   @ @@@@ ume of the fluid swept by the wave motion undergoes a displacement which has the same speed and direction along radial or spiral flow lines as the wave advances from the center to the periphery of the wave. the organ.



   Devices, established according to this second arrangement of the invention, can be used for the propulsion of gases or liquids and can therefore serve to propagate or circulate uniformly air or a similar gas from a central point in it. in all directions and for delivering fluids, gaseous or liquids, instead of pumps currently in use, more particularly as a replacement for known centrifugal pumps. They can also be used to propel solid or semi-solid materials which can flow, in a granular, pasty or powdery state such as cereals, gravel, sand, freshly mixed concrete, etc.



   In the description, the expression "flexible", used to characterize a flexible and undulating organ, means that this organ has only reduced or no tendency, in the direction of its length or span or, in substance, over the entire length of the cord, to return to its original shape, after the organ has been deformed or displaced, by bending, from its original shape. Thus, the flexible and supple member presents, in substance, no resistance to the production of a wave motion, so that a wave, having a considerable amplitude, can be obtained with a minimum expenditure of energy.



   Furthermore, the expression "fluid" when used to characterize the substance on which the flexible member acts, denotes a material which can flow. It therefore not only designates gaseous or liquid fluids but also semi-solid substances capable of being displaced by the pressures which can be produced by the various devices which are the subject of the invention. Among these substances, there may be mentioned sand, gravel, granular materials, pasty materials, sludge or slurry, freshly mixed concrete, etc.



   According to the first object of the invention, the undulating movement is produced in the flexible member by moving the marginal part, that is to say the edge which first comes into contact with the fluid to be propelled, of said member reciprocating in opposite directions from the plane of said member. This displacement of the front marginal part, in a direction perpendicular to the member when the latter is flat, can take place in any of the three ways indicated or a combination thereof, i.e. by moving the member. front marginal part in a reciprocating movement in the lateral direction, in an oscillating movement by a fixed axis. or by varying the camber of this front marginal part.



   The undulating member can be mounted such that its leading edge is rectilinear so that a linear wave front is formed. Its front edge can also have the shape of a circle, the organ forming a tube open at its ends, thus creating a circular wave front.
According to the second object of the invention, the wave movement is obtained in a flexible or flexible organ by moving the central part thereof alternately in opposite directions substantially perpendicular to the central part of the organ when that -ci is inactive.

   This displacement of the central part of the flexible member, which has a substantially planar and circular shape, can be obtained in different ways, among which there may be mentioned the reciprocating movement of this central part or the "rocking" movement of this part. central.



  The term “rocking” movement to which the central part is subjected to a displacement analogous to that of a rotating disc which is located in a plane which is not perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the disc. Therefore, when the central part of the flexible member is rocked, the flexible member performs a wave displacement in both the radial direction and the circumferential direction, as described above.

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 below in detail,

   so that the propelled fluid follows spray paths from the center to the periphery of the flexible member while a simple reciprocating motion of the central part of the flexible member gives rise to radial corrugations having the same effect. same phase for all the parts of said member which are angularly separated from each other, so that the fluid is propelled along rectilinear and diverging radial paths.



   Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the rocking movement, which drives the central part of the flexible member, can be advantageously combined with the angular movement of this part, so that the curvatures of the spiral flow lines are increased so as to obtain a substantially tangential movement of the fluid propelled to the periphery of the flexible member. Several of the flexible members can be actuated in synchronism in a single box with wave movements which are in phase or out of phase having equal or different wave amplitudes.



   The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, several embodiments of the invention
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 schematically show the successive phases of the operation of an embodiment suitable for implementing the first object of the invention, the device comprising a single undulating member.



   Fig. 4 shows, similarly, another device which is established according to the invention and which comprises a series of undulating members operating in synchronism.



   Fig. 5 shows, similarly, a single corrugated organ with a device for forming waves or undulations
Fig. 6 similarly shows a similar member for forming the undulations.



   Fig. 7 shows, similarly, another device for forming the undulations
Fig.8 shows, similarly, a device for forming the corrugations and which is a combination of the devices of figs. 6 and 7.



   Fig. 9 shows, in longitudinal section, an undulating member and indicates, schematically, the effect obtained by an asymmetric front marginal part.



   Fig. 10 shows, in longitudinal section, an undulating member provided with a reinforcement in the direction of the width.



   Figs II and 12 show, respectively in perspective and in longitudinal section, another device established according to the invention and for which the undulating member in the form of a tube open at its ends.



   Fig. 13 shows, schematically? how a lifting force can be produced with devices established according to the invention.



   FIG. 14 shows, in schematic elevation, means for varying the lifting force produced by a device established according to the invention.



   Fig. 15 shows, in diametral section, a device established according to the invention and suitable for the implementation of the second object of the invention.



   Fig. 15a shows, on a larger scale, part of this device.



   Fig. 16 shows, in horizontal section along 16-16 fig. 15 and on a reduced scale, this same device.

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   Fig. 17 shows, in diametral section, another device established according to the invention
Fig. 17a shows, in axial section and on a larger scale, the device according to figure 17 to obtain the rocking movement of the central part of the flexible member forming part of this device.



   Fig. 18 shows, in horizontal section according to 18-18 fig. 17 and on a reduced scale, this same device.



   Fig. 19 shows, schematically, the undulatory movement which drives the flexible member of the device of FIG. 17, by a series of diametral sections angularly spaced from each other.



   Fig. 20 shows, schematically, the undulating movement of the flexible member of the device of FIG. 17 in the circumferential direction as this movement occurs when it is developed on a flat surface.



   Fig. 21 shows, in diametral section similar to that of FIG. 17, another device established according to the invention.



   Figs. 22 and 23 show, respectively in partial diametrical section and in horizontal section, the central part of another device established according to the invention.



   Fig. 24 shows, in diametral section, another variant which comprises several flexible members controlled in a manner similar to that of the device of FIG. 22.



   Fig. 25 shows, in section along a chord and similar to that of FIG. 9, the device for obtaining the desired asymmetry of the front marginal part.



   Figs. 26, 26a, 27, 27a, 28, 28a, 29, 29a, 30 and 30a show, in side view? different kinds of membranes which can be used for the devices established according to figs. 1 to 10.



   Figs. 31, 31a, 32, 32a, 33 and 33a show, in diametral section, different kinds of membranes which can be used for the devices established according to Figs 15 to 24.



   Figs. 34 and 35 show, respectively in cross section along 34-34 fig 35 and in diametral section; A device for varying the amplitude of the oscillation in the case of the mechanism of Figs 22 and 23.



   Fig. 36 shows, similarly to FIG. 15, a variant of the device of fig15.



   Fig. 37 shows, similarly to fig. 21, a variant of the device of FIG. 21.



   Figs. 38 and 39 show, respectively in section along 38-38 fig 39 and in section along 39-39 fig 38, a device similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 with means for improving the efficiency of this device.



   Figs. 40 and 41 show, respectively in perspective, in diametral section, a variant of means for producing the corrugations of a device similar to that shown in Figs 11 and 12.



   Fig. 42 shows, on a larger scale (parts broken away) these same means.



   Figo 43 shows, in diametral section similar to that of fig. 41, another variant of the device according to FIGS. 11 and 12.



   Figs. and 45 show, respectively in plan and in cross section according to 5-45 fig. 44, part of a control device to be used for a variant of the mechanisms of FIGS. 15, 36 and 37.

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   Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show how a flexible, supple and undulating organ, when seen from the side, serves to propel a fluid in which it is immersed. The views, starting with fig. 1, relates to a half cycle of the lateral displacement of the front edge of the member, the lateral displacement being produced by an appropriate mechanism. Thus, in FIG. 1, member 10 is shown with its leading edge '11 8.' its extreme left position whereas in figs. 2 and 3 this front edge,: designated by
11 'and 112, is shown to be moved to the right by occupying its central position and the extreme right position.

   As the leading edge moves in this manner, the volumes A, B, C and D, swept by the opposing surfaces of the member 10 and delimited by these surfaces and by the lines 12 and 13 which correspond to 1 -'- amplitude of the ripples or waves, advance from the front edge 11 to the rear edge 14 of 1-'organe, 10.



     Thus, in the successive views, the volume, designated by B, B 'and B2, progresses towards the rear edge of the undulating member and the other volumes, not designated, of the fluid are displaced in a similar manner, . The organ
10 is shown having its middle corrugation axis oriented vertically, but it is evident that the front edge of this member can be mounted so as to be moved laterally in a substantially vertical plane, so that the middle axis or Corrugation symmetry is horizontal which forces the fluid to move horizontally.



   If the front edge of the undulating member is rectilinear, as in figs. 1, 2 and 3, the width of the organ, that is to say the distance between its side edges., Must be relatively large compared to its length or chord, that is to say the distance which separates its front and back edges. Expressed in terms of aeronautics? the undulating member must have a useful elongation greater than an appropriate minimum value.

   The expression "useful elongation" is used to include therein the situation where the ratio of the wingspan to the chord does not provide this necessary elongation but where the same effect is obtained by mounting plates. terminals and delimiting on the opposite sides of the undulating member so that the propelled fluid does not overflow at these sides to pass from areas in which a high pressure prevails into areas of relatively low pressure, which would result in losses for the propellant effect.



   In addition, the lines 12 and 13 of fig, 1, which denote the amplitudes of the undulations, can be replaced by walls between the $ - which the undulating member is established. These walls serve to increase the propellant effect for the reason that they limit the quantity of the fluid subjected to the wave movement to the volumes A, B, C and D swept by the wave organ. In the absence of walls located near the lines designating the amplitudes of the undulations, the fluid which is outside the discharged volumes, that is to say the fluid which forms the edges of these volumes, is put in motion and thus decreases the thrust transmitted to the fluid as it leaves the trailing or "trailing" edge of the undulating member.

   It is evident that the efficiency is reduced, up to a certain degree, for devices for which substantial movement can be transmitted to the fluid which is on either side of the swept volumes.



   The same effect as that obtained by walls which lie along lines 12 and 13 of Fig. 1, with regard to a single undulating member, can be achieved by using at least two undulating members? parallel to each other and functioning in synchronism, like the members 15, 16 and 17 of the, fig. 4 for example, the front edges of which are moved simultaneously in a reciprocating motion in directions indicated by the double-headed arrows. These parallel members are preferably spaced apart from each other such that the lines denoting the amplitudes "of the undulations of the adjacent organs substantially coincide.

   The members 15, 16 and 17 are spaced in such a way that the entire volumes of the spaces 18 and 19 included between the members 15 and 16, on the one hand, and the members 16 and 17, on the other hand , are swept by the corrugations, so that no energy is expended to provide movement to the marginal fluid between the parallel and corrugated members. It is evident that walls can be established along lines 20 and 21 to support the laces.

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 exterhas of the outer corrugated organs 15 and 17 so that the efficiency is not diminished by the movement of marginal fluids near these outer faces.



   To obtain the propulsion of the fluid by subjecting it to undulations, which differs from a simple repression by paddles, the length or span must be sufficiently large in relation to the amplitude and frequency of the movements. reciprocating and lateral sides of its leading edge and to the resistance to lateral flexion of the member along its span, so that at least one complete knot is formed by the undulating member.



   Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, a mechanism for obtaining a substantially lateral reciprocating movement of the front edge of the wave member forming part of a device established according to the invention. A shaft 22 is journalled in appropriate bearings so as to be able to oscillate around its longitudinal axis. Radial arms 23 are fixed to the shaft 22 and their free ends support the front edge 24 of the flexible member 25.

   The oscillation of the shaft 22 gives rise to a lateral reciprocating movement of the leading edge 24 whereby the member 25 receives the corrugations shown in FIG. 5. ' The oscillation of the shaft 22 can be obtained by any usual mechanism, for example using a radial arm 26, wedged on the shaft 22 and articulated, by its free end, to a connecting rod 27 of which the other end is articulated to the eccentric crank pin of a crank wheel 28 driven in rotation by a suitable motor.



   Fig. 6 shows, by way of example, a device for obtaining the angular oscillation of the part adjacent to the front edge of a front member forming part of a device established according to the invention such that the front edge of the undulating organ undergoes what can be considered to be lateral displacements. A shaft 29 is journalled in suitable bearings so as to be able to oscillate about its longitudinal axis and the front part 30 of the undulating member 31 is attached to this shaft.

   To transfer the oscillations of the shaft 29 to the front part 30 of the organ 31 so that the latter forms the undulations shown, the front part 30 is reinforced, in the direction of the length of the organ 31, to be able to bones - wobble with the shaft 29. This reinforcement of the front part 30 can be obtained by a blade 32, which is welded, or otherwise fixed, to the rear part of the shaft 29, this front part 30 bypassing the shaft 29 to surround it and the blade 32 by a body having an aerodynamic profile.



  Other constructive devices can be provided to suitably reinforce the front edge of the member 31. It is understood that for this device, the member 31 is flexible, with the exception of its front part 30, that is, for this device. that is, it has little or no resistance to bending along its length. The shaft 29 can be driven by an oscillating movement at the frequency and with the angular amplitude desired by an appropriate mechanism, for example by means of a crank-connecting rod mechanism similar to that used to actuate. the shaft 22 of the device of FIG. 5.



   Fig. 7 shows another mechanism for producing the corrugations of the flexible member for discharging the fluid in accordance with the invention.



  In this case, means are used to vary the camber of the front part 32 of the flexible member 33 so that the camber first has its convex face in one direction and then in the opposite direction. The front portion 32 may consist of a sheet 34 bent or folded at 35 to form two divergent forward-facing portions between which are interposed deformable filling pieces 36. The sheet 34 is resilient and can withstand loads of. compression in the direction of the length of the member 33. A support 37 is formed by a deformable parallelogram which is connected to the front marginal parts of the sheet 34.

   The support 37 is formed by two spacers 37a and 37b which can oscillate around their centers where pivots are established carried by supports 38, these spacers being articulated, at their ends 39, to the front part of the sheet 34. The spacer 37a oscillates around its pivots, fixed on the supports 38, to deform the parallelogram formed by the spacers 37a and 37b as well as the parts

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 of the sheet 34 included between the articulations 39 and this deformation is transmitted to the remaining part of the sheet 34 to vary the camber of the front part 32.

   Therefore, the back edge or folded
35 of the sheet and, consequently, the rear part of the front part 32 oscillates on either side of the beech axis, as shown in solid lines and in broken lines, to form the undulations of the remaining part of the flexible organ 33. ''
The oscillation of the spacer 37a can be obtained by a rotating crank or eccentric plate 40 provided with a connecting rod 41 articulated to the spacer 37a and connected to the latter at a point spaced from the pivot 'by which this spacer is mounted on the supports 38.

   We see in fig. 7 that the supports 38 are supported by a shaft 42 which can be fixed in the case of the example described above, so that the corrugations feel produi-tos only by variations in camber. It should be noted, however, that the support shaft 42 can be adjusted in the angular direction to offset the neutral or mean axis of the corrugations and thus vary the direction in which the thrust of the propelled fluids acts. It may also be provided with an oscillating movement to increase the production of the corrugations obtained by the device which varies the camber in a similar manner to that which is obtained by the operation of the shaft 29 of the device of the camber. fig. 6.



   To produce corrugations by a mechanism in which both the oscillation of the front part of the corrugated member and the variation of the camber of this part are used, the devices can be combined in such a way that said front part form, in substance, half of a node of the wave formed. We see in fig. 8, the mechanism used to vary the camber of the front part and which is analogous to that described for the device of FIG. 7 but the support shaft 42 swings instead of being fixed and the crank plate 40 is fixed instead of rotating.

   The oscillation of the shaft 42 can be obtained by an eccentric or a rotating crank plate 42a which carries a link 42b hinged to an arm 42c fixed radially on the shaft 42. Thus, when the ar - bre 42 turns to the left, with respect to fig. 8, by driving the supports 38 with it, the fixed crank 40 forces the link 41 to move the spacer 37a relative to the supports 38, so that the sheet 34 is curved with its convexity to the left. By this movement, the rear edge of the front part 32 is forced to remain, in substance, on the neutral axis while the front part forms a half-knot of the corrugation.



   As the shaft 42 moves in the opposite direction, the brackets 38 swing to the right of the neutral axis and the camber of the front part.
32 is reversed. The combined oscillation and inversion of the camber - of the front part thus produce the undulations of the flexible member 33
With regard to the curvature of the leading edge of the wave member, it has been found that an asymmetric front portion causes lateral curvature of the center line of the waves. We see in fig. 9 that the front part 43 of the undulating member 44 is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis of the oscillations of the shaft 45 and the center line 46 of the curves of the undulations, so that the thrust exerted by the propelled fluid comprises a lateral component-.

   This effect is of particular importance when the devices forming the subject of the invention are used for the propulsion of airplanes, since for these applications the lateral component of the discharged fluid can provide, on its own, the pressure. lifting force as in the case of helicopters or in conjunction with conventional aircraft carriages. As the deflection of the discharged fluid depends on the asymmetry of the front part of the undulating member, this part can advantageously comprise a device with variable camber, similar to that of FIG. 7, so that the asymmetry can be changed at will to adjust the lateral component of the discharged fluid.

   A variant of this device is described later with reference to FIG. 25
Although the undulating organ, for each of the embodiments

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 tion described may be flexible in the longitudinal direction, substantially over the entire length, there may be provided stiffening members in the width direction to form a linear wave front to oppose the production of vortices and to prevent twisting of the undulating member. In fig. 10, there is shown a longitudinal section of an undulating member 47 in which stiffening members 48 are incorporated which are spaced apart and arranged in the direction of the width.



   In figs. 11 and 12, an embodiment of the invention is shown according to which the corrugating member 49 has the shape of a cylinder open at its front end and at its rear end to obtain infinite elongation, so that no loss occurs for the propelling effect by the communication between high and low pressure zones at the opposite surfaces of the undulating member around the lateral edges of the latter.

   We see in fig. 12 that the front edge of the cylindrical member 49 can be engaged in a ring 50 formed by a circular spring or by a ring made of several pieces connected together by universal joints or couplings so that the ring 50 can be displaced angularly around its central axis 51 with the aid of which the ring is mounted, so as to be able to oscillate, on suitable supports 52.

   Rolling oscillation can be obtained by using a head 53 with reciprocating linear motion, this head 53 being connected, by connecting rods 54, to control arms 55 which are mounted radially at points apart. - properties on 1-1-ring 50. The limits of the oscillation of the ring 50 can be chosen such that the limit, inward and in the radial direction, of the corrugations corresponds to the normal diameter of the cylindrical member 49. In this case, the corrugations towards the outside of the member 49 are obtained by an extension of the material constituting this member.



  Alternatively, the limits of the oscillation of the ring 50 can be chosen such that the outward limit of the corrugations corresponds to the normal diameter of the cylindrical member, which allows the material , constituting the latter, to be non-extensible by forming folds or gathers with the undulations which are located radially inward. Variants are described below with the aid of FIGS. 40-42 and fig. 43.



   Regarding the embodiment of fig. 9, it has been explained that a mean and curvilinear axis of the undulations has the effect of producing a thrust component in the lateral direction capable of providing a lift force for aviation applications.



   A similar component which is perpendicular to the direction of travel can be obtained simply by angularly displacing the neutral axis of the lateral displacements of the front part of the waving member relative to the direction of the movement. In fig. 13, the arrow 56 represents the direction of the advance of the airplane which comprises propellant devices established according to the invention The undulating member 57 comprises a leading edge which is moved laterally in an alternating movement. , so that the mean axis 58 of the corrugations forms an angle 59 with the direction of movement.

   In this way, the thrust exerted by the propelled fluid has a component oriented downward with respect to the direction of movement to create an upward force. One realizes by varying the angle 59, that the upward force can be modified so that the proportion of the thrust used for the forward movement and for the upward effect can be modified for the takeoff, the cruise flight and landing. This adjustment of the angle 59 can be obtained with the mechanism shown in FIG. 14 for which a control device, similar to that of FIG. 5, is mounted on a plate 60 which can oscillate about the axis of the shaft 22. The plate 60 has an edge in the form of a toothed sector 61 which meshes with a worm 62 driven by a reversible electric motor. 63.

   The worm 62, as it rotates, oscillates the plate 60 to vary the angle between the neutral axis 64 on which the shaft 22 oscillates and the direction of movement 56 of the aircraft concerned.

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     Furthermore, a variable pitch effect can be obtained by adjusting the amplitude of the lateral reciprocating movements of the part of the leading edge of the undulating member and the frequency of these movements, that is to say by adjusting respectively the amplitude and the frequency of the ripples.



   Thus, large lateral displacements at reduced frequencies correspond to a condition where an airplane propeller operates at reduced pitch while low lateral displacements and high frequencies correspond to a condition where an ordinary propeller operates with a low pitch. not high. It will be appreciated that the usual control mechanisms, added to the power plant and to the device by which the amplitude of the lateral displacements and, consequently the amplitude of the undulations, can be adjusted to obtain a substantially constant speed. for the power plant.



   The device, established according to the invention and as shown in Figs 15 and 16 comprises a box 110 formed by an upper part
111 and a lower part 112 which are spaced apart from one another while having the same shape. The parts 111 and 112 are preferably in the form of flat circular discs and respectively comprise central holes 113 and 114 for the admission of the fluid to be delivered into the space 115 - remaining between the sections 111 and 112. These preferably include rounded portions near the holes 113 and 114 and radial ribs 116 which are oriented radially outward and extend a relatively short length along the facing faces of the sides. - ties 111 and 112.

   Spacer fingers or tubes 117, which may have aerodynamic cross sections, are fixed between the outer ends of the ribs on portions 111 and 112 to maintain the latter at a predetermined spacing.
A flexible membrane 118, of circular and planar shape, is housed in the gap 115 and may be made of a sheet of plastics, a fabric impregnated with rubber, rubber or other similar flexible material. The membrane 118 has suitably spaced holes through which the fingers 117 can pass. It also comprises flexible tubular parts 119 which extend in an arc of a circle between the aforesaid holes to receive a circular wire 120 supported. by fingers 117.

   Thus, the flexible membrane 118 is mounted on the fingers 117 concentrically with respect to the parts 111 and 112 of the box and between them.



   We see in fig. 15, that a shaft 121 passes through the hole 114 and is supported so that it can be moved in an alternating axial movement in a bush 122 supported by the ribs or fins 116 of the part 112 of the box. The end of the shaft 121, engaged in the gap 115, is widened and the central part of the flexible diaphragm 118 is clamped against this widened end of the shaft by a washer or plate 123, flared in an opposite direction. , which is fixed to the shaft by appropriate -fixation members, for example using a screw.



  Any suitable mechanism, not shown., Is connected to the shaft 121 to obtain the axial reciprocating movement thereof, as indicated by an arrow-L che with two heads in FIG. 15, so that the central part of the membrane 118 is animated by a similar movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rest of this central part.



   Such reciprocating movement of the central part of the flexible membrane 118 causes this central part to oscillate with respect to the circular axis defined by the wire 120, so that the central part is alternately concave and convex to produce the joints. corrugations of the membrane which extend radially outward from the center to the periphery.



  When the central part of the flexible membrane is simply animated with an alternating movement, as in the example described above, the wave front is circular, that is to say the undulatory movements in different diametral sections of the membrane are the same and are in phase, so that the liquid is drawn into the gap 115 through the central holes 113 and 114 and is then discharged to the peripheral passage fc --- '

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   Re the edges of parts 111 and 112 of the box thus following rectilinear and diverging radial paths, as indicated by arrows on. the freeze 16 as a result of the propellant effect obtained by the undulations or the undulatory movement of the membrane.



   The volumes of the fluid, discharged by the membrane 118 during its undulating movement, determine the speed at which the fluid is propelled from the central inlets to the peripheral exhaust passage, the flow rate being equal over the entire periphery of the box 110 .



  By varying the frequency or the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the shaft 121, the frequency and amplitude characteristics of the wave motion produced by the diaphragm 118 are altered and, consequently, it is possible to adjust the discharge rate of the propelled fluid which is delivered through the peripheral passage.



   A device of the kind shown in figs. 15 and 16 can advantageously be used to circulate air in a room, the air being admitted through the central part of the box 110 and being discharged in places away from the room with an equal force to avoid drafts. air which generally occurs with conventional fans. The uses of the device of figs. 15 and 16 are not limited to the particular application indicated above since this device can be accommodated in a tank containing water or a similar liquid to cause a uniform circulation of the liquid in which it is immersed.



  Furthermore, by connecting the inlet holes 113 and 114 to an inlet duct and by closing the peripheral passage, formed between the edges of the parts 111 and 112, by a ring to which exhaust ducts are connected. suitable, the device as described can advantageously be arranged to be able to pump a fluid, gaseous or liquid., to one or more points of use.



   Figs. 17, 17a and 18 show another embodiment of the invention in which a flexible member is rocked at its central part to produce undulations or a wave movement. This embodiment comprises a box 124 with spaced circular walls 125 and 126 whose edges are interconnected by a ring 127. An inlet port 128 is formed in the central part 125 for the inlet of the fluid which is to be pumped from the interior space 129 of the box. A circular flexible membrane 130 is housed in the space 129 and is supported at its central part by a support 131.



   The support 131 (fig. 17a) comprises a shaft 132 which is engaged in the box 124 by the central part of the wall 126, the end 133 of which is deflected laterally with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft.



  A hollow part 133a, preferably having a substantially spherical shape, consists of two semi-spherical parts 134 and 135 engaged on the end 133 in order to be able to rotate with respect to the latter about the longitudinal axis of said end. . To this end, internal 136 and external 137 ball bearing cages are mounted respectively on the end 133 of the shaft and on the semi-spherical parts 134 and 135, suitable balls being interposed between these cages.

     It can be seen from the drawing that the flexible membrane 130 has a central opening and the marginal part of this flexible membrane close to this central opening is clamped between the opposite faces of the substantially semi-spherical parts 134 and 135, these parts comprising respectively a threaded part and a threaded part by which they are assembled, the flexible membrane 130 being clamped together.



   A telescopic member 138 is articulated at its end 139 to the box 124 and at its other end to the part 135a by a suitable universal joint, for example by a ball joint to prevent the rotation of the part 133a and, therefore, from rotation. the flexible membrane 130 while allowing the part 133a and the central part of the membrane 130 to be animated by a rocking movement produced by the rotation of the shaft 132 and of its end 133 deflected laterally.

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   The rocking movement of the part 133a causes, for each point of the periphery thereof, an alternating lifting and lowering so that an undulation or a wavy movement is obtained in the flexible membrane 130 this movement propagating radially towards the surface. outside from this point. However, since the lifting and lowering movements of the spaced points along the perimeter of the rocker 133a are out of phase, it is apparent that the wavy movements along angularly offset radii of the flexible membrane 130 are also out of phase.

   Fig. 18 shows diametral lines 1-5, 2-6, 3-7 and 4-8 which are angularly offset and in fig. 19 the wave movements along these lines are shown schematically as the part 133a occupies the position shown in FIG. 17. If the side of part 133a, which is opposite point 1 of the perimeter of flexible membrane 130 is completely lowered, the side of part 133a opposite a. point 5 is, at the same time, completely raised while the opposite sides, which are opposite points 3 and 7, occupy neutral positions and the sections of part 133a which are opposite to the points
2 and 8 are partially lowered while the sections which are in contact with points 4 and 6 are partially raised.

   We see in fig.



   19 that the periphery of the membrane 130 is at a neutral position at point 1, at a partially raised position at point 2, at a fully raised position at point 3, at a partially raised position at point 4 at a neutral position at point 5, to a partially lowered position at point 6, to a fully lowered position at point 7, to a partially lowered position at point 8 and, returning to point 1, to a neutral position at this last point.

   By developing these positions of the periphery of the membrane 130 at the various points, angularly distributed along this periphery, on a flat surface (fig. 20), it is seen that a corrugation or an undulating circumferential movement, is produced in the flexible membrane. at the same time as the radial corrugations shown in fig.



    19. While fig. 20 only shows the corrugation around the flexible membrane, note that similar corrugations are produced in all circumferential sections of the membrane. 130 from the edge of the piece 133a to the periphery of the membrane 130.



   Thus, the rocking motion of part 133a produces radial corrugations in membrane 130 which propagate from the center to the periphery of the membrane at the same time as simultaneous and coordinated circumferential undulations move around membrane 130 in the membrane. direction of rotation of shaft 132, as indicated by the arrow in the center of fig. 18.

   The combined radial and circumferential corrugations force the fluid, admitted into the box 124 through the central inlet 128, outwards and towards the ring 127 following spiral flow lines # des which advance in the direction of rotation. of shaft 132 as indicated by arrows in fig. 18, so that the fluid undergoes a relatively small change in direction at the entrance to ring 127.

   It can be seen from fig 18 that the ring 127 comprises one or more exhaust ducts 140 which are arranged such that their axes are, in substance, in alignment with the end parts of the spiral paths followed by the fluid, so that the latter can enter the exhaust ducts undergoing a reduced or no change of direction.



   As the ring 127 is open along the entire contour of the membrane 130 and as the radial wave movements, in diametral, angularly offset sections of the flexible membrane are progressively out of phase, some parts of the periphery of the membrane 130 occupy to at all times, positions which are suitable for maximum effect, for example points 3 and 7 in fig. 19, so that the pressure in the coil 127 is kept substantially constant, compared to the exhaust pressure for the device according to FIG. 15 which may have a tendency to vary.



   Considering again figs 17 and 17a, we see that the pa-

 <Desc / Clms Page number 12>

 ro-125 of the box preferably comprises a central projecting part 141 on which is mounted a motor 142 which drives the shaft 132 in rotation. In the member 133a and in the marginal part of the membrane 130, which is clamped in this member, is formed a series of aligned holes 143 which allow the transfer of the liquid between the parts of the space 129 which are located above. and below the membrane 130 at the central part of the latter.

   We see in fig. 17a that an overflow outlet tube 144 starts from the projecting part 141 of the wall of the box to determine the level of the liquid in this boot. A flared screen 145 ′ faces upward from part 134 of the organ while encircling the shaft 132 well above the free level 146 of the liquid to prevent liquid from flowing therein. of the member 133a, so that the bearings are protected against attack by the liquid to be propelled.



   We see in fig. 17 that the central part of the wall 125 of the wall near the liquid inlet 128 has the shape of a spherical cup 147 the center of which coincides with the center 0 of the member 133a of so that the passage 148, included between the semi-spherical part 135 of the member 133a and the central bowl 147 of the wall, has a constant cross section for all the positions of the member 133a.

   So? no pressure variation occurs in the center of the space 129 during the tilting movement of the member 133a and any back pressure resulting from the movement of the central nodal section of the membrane 130 towards a wall of the box, which is on one side of this membrane, can cause the liquid to flow through the holes 143 towards the other side of the membrane to fill the space, the volume of which increases, which is delimited between the first section nodal of the flexible membrane and the wall of the box which is located on the other side of the membrane without opposing the flow of liquid in the box 124 through the inlet 128.



   For the embodiment of Figs 17, 17a and 18, the neutral plane of the radial and circumferential undulations is a flat surface passing through the tilting center 0 of the member 133a. However, as visible in fig 21, the box 124a can be formed in such a way that the walls 125a and 126a are hemispheres which are substantially concentric with different radii, the flexible member also being hemispherical when it is inactive, so that the neutral axis of each of the radial corrugations is semi-circular, this axis being for example that designated by 149a, while the neutral surface of the radial and circumferential corrugations is hemispherical. For the device shown in fig.



  21, the liquid is admitted into the box 124a through the orifice 128a which is located in the central part of the bottom and it is discharged in the form of a cylindrical and spiral current. directed upwards by an annular outlet 150, opening out at the upper part of the box. It is obvious that we. can establish a ring, similar to that designated by 127 in fig. 17, at the outlet 150 to collect the pumped liquid so that it can be discharged, at localized points, out of the box. In any event, the device of FIG. 21 provides a suitable discharge of the pumped liquid in the same general direction of flow as that in which the liquid is introduced into the inlet 128a.



   While the rocker member 133a of the embodiment of Figs 17, 17a and 18 is prevented from rotating with the shaft 132 by the telescopic member 138, the latter member can be omitted and the rocker member 133a can be omitted. rotate with the flexible member 130 relative to the box 124. When anti-friction bearings, such as balls, housed between the cages 136 and 137, are established between the part 133 of the shaft and the member 133a, it is evident that the latter as well as the flexible member 130 rotate at a speed lower than that of the shaft 132, the difference between the angular speeds depending on the friction which occurs in the bearings.

   When member 133a can "freewheel !!" as a result of the removal of member 138, simultaneous radial and circumferential undulations or wave movements are produced in member 130, as in the example described above. , so

 <Desc / Clms Page number 13>

 that the liquid is forced outwards from the center along paths, in the form of a spiral, with respect to the member 130 but as the latter also rotates with respect to the box 124, the liquid streams considered relative to the box fixed, are more curved in the direction of rotation of the flexible member 1300 The rotation of the flexible member
130 has two effects.

   First, the additional curvature of the spiral-shaped flow paths causes the end portions of these paths to be more or less tangent to the periphery of member 130 and, second, the rotation of the member. organ 130 creates a centrifugal force which acts on the propelled liquid to further increase the movement of the liquid towards the periphery of the boot ,,
Since the degree to which the terminal portions of the spiral paths are tangent to the periphery of the organ 130 and the intensity of the centrifugal force acting on the fluid depend on the angular velocity of the organ 130, we realize that it is desirable, under certain conditions, to fix the member 133a on the shaft 132 so that it rotates at the same speed as the latter.



   Figs. 22 and 23 show an embodiment of the invention in which the pivoting central support for the flexible member is fixed on the drive shaft. This embodiment comprises a box
151 having circular walls 152 and 153, spaced apart from each other and provided with central cup-shaped parts. An inlet 154 for the liquid is provided in the center of the wall 152 and a motor 155 is mounted on the central part of the wall 153, a shaft 156 passing through a suitable bearing 156a housed in the central part of the wall 153. A tilting member 157, having a substantially spherical shape, comprises two parts 158 and 159.

   In part 158, a threaded hole is made in which the end of shaft 156 is screwed. The plane of separation of parts 158 and 159 is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft. 156 and, consequently, of the rocking member 157. The edges of the parts 158 and 159 have respectively 16o and 161 bridges which are parallel to the plane of separation and between which is clamped the edge of a central hole. formed in a circular flexible member 1620 Thus, when the shaft 156 rotates, the member 157, by rotating with it, subjects the central part of the flexible member 162 to a rocking movement to produce radial and circumferential undulations In this one.

   Furthermore, this member forces the flexible member 162 to rotate in the box 151 at the speed of the shaft 156.



   We see in fig. 22 that the shaft 157 is hollow, the part 159 comprising an opening 163 which is located opposite the inlet 154 of the liquid. Part 158 includes holes 164 to allow liquid to flow from the inlet through member 157 to the side of flexible member 162 spaced from said inlet. In addition, an overflow tube 165 departs from a raised point in the central, bowl-shaped portion of the wall 153 to limit the level of liquid in the can so that the liquid does not come into contact with the bearing 156a. , so that it is not necessary to provide a stuffing box around the shaft 156.



   We see in fig. 23 'that the periphery of the box 151 may include a volute 166 forming an outlet or exhaust duct which is substantially tangent to the periphery of the flexible member 162, so that the discharged liquid, which forms' spiral paths # des having a pronounced curvature as indicated by the arrows, enters the outlet duct 166 undergoing a minimum change of direction., The advantage obtained by the rotation of the flexible member is of particular importance for high speed pumps in whereby tangential flow tends to significantly reduce losses due to changes in direction of current.



   While each of the embodiments described above comprises a single flexible member in which corrugations are produced.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 14>

   @@ an @owovement, the invention is not limited to. this direction and at least two flexible members can advantageously be housed in a single box to reinforce the effect obtained for the delivery of the liquid.



  Thus, in FIG. 24, three similar flexible members 162a, 162b and 162c are housed in a box 15a with a central inlet 154a for liquid, which is formed in a wall of the box, and a peripheral outlet 166a, in the form of a volute, the flexible members 162a, 162b and 162c are mounted respectively on members 175a, 157b and 157c by which the undulating movement of said flexible members is obtained and which are fixed on a common shaft 156a driven in rotation by a motor 155a.

   The members 157a, 157b and 157c are hollow and communicate with each other while comprising radial holes 167 and 168 which are located respectively above and below the corresponding flexible element so that the liquid, admitted into the boot through the inlet 154a, can flow axially into the members 157a, 157b and 157c and can be charged radially by the latter to be pushed back by the flexible members towards the contour of the box.
So, for the example shown, the organs 157a,

     157b and 157c are mounted angularly with respect to each other on the common shaft 156a such that the radial and circumferential corrugations are in phase? it should be noted that these members could be angularly offset on said shaft to produce out of phase undulations so that the pumping action takes place without shocks and in a continuous manner instead of being of a pulsating type as in the case where the undulatory movements, 7 obtained by the various flexible members are in phase.

   In addition, while the members 157a, 157b and 157c, as shown, are identical to each other in order to be able to produce undulations having the same amplitude using the flexible members which they support, these members could advantageously have different inclinations so that the amplitudes of the corrugations of the flexible member, which is farthest from the inlet 154a, are greater than those of the corrugations of the flexible member which is adjacent to said inlet.

   Furthermore, the flexible members, shown in FIG. 24, are all housed in a single box, so that their pumping effects act in parallel, but each of these flexible elements could also be housed in a separate box, the outlet of a box being connected to the inlet of the following box so that the flexible members act in series to produce an ultimately increasing pressure, as corrugations are produced in the flexible members of the embodiment of fig. 24 by constructive devices which are approximately the same as those described with the aid of figs 22 and 23, it is obvious that the corrugations of each of the flexible members could be obtained by means of a device similar to that of fig 15 or of fig. 17a.



   The influence of the asymmetry of the leading edge of the undulating member has been explained with the aid of fig. 9. In fig. 25, a device is shown which provides for the desired asymmetry of the leading edge in each direction. A tubular oscillating shaft 201 includes a radial arm 202, welded or otherwise fixed to this shaft to act as a reinforcing member for the front edge 203 of the undulating member 204. On each side of the arm 202 and inside the edge before 203 is formed a chamber 205 or 205 ', the two chambers being connected, respectively by pipes 206 and 206', to a rotary distributor 207 by which pressurized fluid, supplied by a source 208, can be introduced into the 'one or the other of the rooms 205 and 205'.

   When chamber 205 communicates with source 208 as shown, the higher pressure in that chamber creates asymmetry at the leading edge and moves the effective mean axis of oscillation from i to i. With the device of FIG. 25, it is possible to vary the effect between the opposite limits of the asymmetry while the device is in operation.



   Practical experiments have shown that the ratio between the thickness and the length (chord) of the undulating organ can vary between

 <Desc / Clms Page number 15>

 limits removed and that a correct choice of these parameters has a considerable influence on the efficiency. For example, as shown in the figs. 26 and 26a, a relatively thin undulating member 211, which is shown in the rest state in FIG. 26 and in motion in FIG. 26a, performs a multi-sinusoidal wave motion for a given deviation or oscillation d.

   On the other hand, a relatively thick member 212, which is at rest in FIG. 27 and in motion in FIG. 27a, performs a wave movement with barely a little more than one knot for the same deviation d, The amplitude A of the movement of the organ 211 is however less, for the same deviation d, than the amplitude A 'of organ 212.



   A mathematical analysis of the swept volume makes it possible to find the most favorable parameters for a material which has a determined resistance to bending, more especially when it is desired to avoid a decrease in thrust by a drag effect. It is clear, for example, that for a multisinusoidal movement like that of fig. 26a, the drag has a tendency to overcome the thrust and thus decrease the amplitude A as the distance from the source of oscillation increases.



   During a series of tests with a small motor boat, equipped with undulating members of different dimensions, it was found that the length of the member has a considerable influence on the thrust. The rowboat was powered by a four-speed motor driven by an oscillating shaft to which were attached rubber members having a thickness of 8 mm, a wingspan of 1350 mm, a Shore hardness of 75 and a length of (a) 360 mm , (b) 310 mm and (c) 260 mm. The shaft oscillates 11 on either side of a mean plane or axis of the sinusoid.



  At 1500 rpm, the length (b) was the most efficient to move the rowboat at 5.2 km / h. The following results were obtained.
 EMI15.1
 
<tb> t / m <SEP> ratio <SEP> of <SEP> length <SEP> speed <SEP> forward
<tb>
<tb> @ <SEP> transmission <SEP> ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ <SEP> in <SEP> km / h.
<tb>
<tb>



  1500 <SEP> 3rd <SEP> speed <SEP> (a) <SEP> 2.35- <SEP> in <SEP> decreasing
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1500 <SEP> direct <SEP> socket <SEP> (a) <SEP> lower <SEP> to <SEP> 2
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1500 <SEP> 3rd <SEP> speed <SEP> (c) <SEP> 4 <SEP> stable
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1500 <SEP> direct <SEP> take <SEP> (c) <SEP> 5.2 <SEP> in <SEP> decreasing
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1500 <SEP> direct <SEP> socket <SEP> (b) <SEP> 4 <SEP> stable
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1750 <SEP> direct <SEP> socket <SEP> (b) <SEP> 6.85 <SEP> stable
<tb>
 
We can conclude, from the lack of uniformity of the results, that the engine torque is variable in nature and that the thrust obtained is not directly related to the torque at the output shaft of the gearbox a As well as the parameters of the undulating member, which have an influence on the efficiency,

   the cross section of this organ, determining the shape of the sinusoid ;, is important. Thus the membranes 213, 214 and 215, which are shown in the rest state, in FIGS.



    28, 29 and 30, respectively have transverse sections of which the thickness decreases towards the free end of the organ, these sections having rectilinear edges (fig. 28) or convex edges or a slow shape. cular (fig. 29) or concavo-convex edges (fig. 30). During movement, these organs have completely different sinusoidal shapes, as shown in Figs 28a, 29a and 30a. The most notable difference between these sinusoids is that a line parallel to the longitudinal axis comes in contact with the sinusoid at t, t 'and t "respectively, the point t' being closer to the oscillation shaft than the point t and the ppint t "being further from this tree than the point t.

   Therefore, the active pressure produced by the volume of the discharged liquid is different for each diaphragm as are the pressure and velocity of the liquid leaving the diaphragm.



   The same considerations as those which relate to Figs 26 to 30a for a flat membrane, apply to Figs 31 to 33a for

 <Desc / Clms Page number 16>

 Membrams in the form of a flat disc which are used for pumping devices like those of figs. 15 to 24. Also in this case, the membranes 216, 17 and 218 form absolutely different sinusoids.



   For a series of tests with a single disc-shaped rubber diaphragm, having a hardness of 75 Shore, the plane of the diaphragm making an angle of 11 with the shaft of a turbine and the diaphragm rotating in the Ordinary stator of a turbine, the following results were obtained: thickness of the membrane: mm speed of rotation: 1400 t / m Flow rate: 2 1 / sec.
 EMI16.1
 
<tb> diameter <SEP> of <SEP> the <SEP> membrane <SEP> Yield,
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 250 <SEP> mm <SEP> 22.75 <SEP>%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 252 <SEP> mm <SEP> 25.0%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 254 <SEP> mm <SEP> Il, 0 <SEP>% <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Flow: <SEP> 1.6 <SEP> 1 / sec.
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>



  250 <SEP> mm <SEP> 21.5 <SEP>% <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 252mm <SEP> 22.3%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 254mm <SEP> 20.8%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Flow <SEP>: <SEP> 2 <SEP> 1 / sec. <SEP> diameter <SEP>: <SEP> 252 <SEP> mm
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> speed <SEP> t / m <SEP> Efficiency
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1450 <SEP> 22.3 <SEP>%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1800 <SEP> 15.8%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 2000 <SEP> 19.4%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 2400 <SEP> 16.9 <SEP>% <SEP>
<tb>
 
The tests with a circular membrane are carried out without modifying the existing usual equipment, so that it was not possible,

   although the efficiency which approaches 25% is rather favorable compared to that of 40% of a turbine, to establish certain and rapid rules for determining the shape and parameters of the membrane. The motor mechanism of the rowboat, however, has been specially constructed and it is believed that an undulating membrane, made in accordance with the first arrangement which is the subject of the invention but having one of the profiles shown in Figs 23 to 30a, should have been constructed in such a way that its radius has a length of 4 to 10 times greater than the thickness of the membrane near the oscillating shaft.



   For all of the embodiments described above, it has been assumed that the undulating member or the corrugating membrane is supported so as to occupy a constant angular position relative to the oscillating or driving shaft. We can therefore say that these devices have a fixed pitch. It may be advantageous, however, to be able to vary the pitch during operation and figs 34 and 35 show a variant of the device of figs 22 and 23 with means for varying the angular position of the membrane relative to the diaphragm. drive shaft.



  The device comprises, as a member, a pump housing 221 in which rotates a diaphragm 222 shown on a rigid ring 223 which can pivot about a transverse axis 224 mounted on the drive shaft 225.



  The free end of this shaft 225 is freely engaged in one end of a sliding sleeve 226 and the other end of this sleeve is made integral with a control member 227, preferably by means of a anti-friction or ball bearing 228. The actuator 227 can be adjusted axially relative to the pump housing 221 using a thread 229 to adjust the axial position of the sleeve 226 relative to the shaft. 225.

   On the sleeve 226 is fixed a radial arm 230 connected by a

 <Desc / Clms Page number 17>

   connecting rod-.ce 231 to ring 223. The branches of a compass 232 are articulated respectively to the shaft 225 and to the sleeve 226, which forces the latter to rotate with the shaft 225. This device can be replaced by a mechanical equivalent such as a linkage to long key.



   The angular displacement of the control member 227 relative to the casing 221 of the pump makes it possible to obtain the axial adjustment of the sleeve.
226 and of the link 231 to modify the angular position of the diaphragm 222 and the ring 223 relative to the shaft 225, for example from a to!}; '. This modification of the angular position results in a corresponding variation in the pressure exerted on the liquid delivered by the pump.



   Fig. 36 shows a pump similar to that of FIGS. 15 and
16 but without the flexible sleeve 119 incorporated in the flexible membrane Ils and without the annular wire 120 housed in the support rods 117. For this latter embodiment, the flexible membrane 118 occupies an intermediate position between the parts 111 and 112. of the box and it is forced to move to either side of this position as a result of the reciprocating movement of the shaft 121. A pump of this kind can be used, for example, to deliver liquids having a higher viscosity. larger than those discharged by the pump of figs. 15 and 16 and the flexible member is subjected to less wear by the absence of a fixed pivot at the point where the first complete knot begins.



   Fig. 37 shows a device similar to that of FIG.



   21 as regards the shape of the semi-spherical flexible member, but this device comprises a control shaft 121, with reciprocating movement, analogous to that of FIGS. 15 and 16. The reference figures of FIGS. 15,
16 and 21 denote the same members in fig. 37.



   Figs. 38 and 39 show a device, established in accordance with that of Figs 1 to 10 and comprising means for improving the efficiency as well as auxiliary members for fixing the device on a boat and for operating it from there so that it can be used for its propulsion.



  On the hull 241 of the boat is fixed a vertical tubular shaft 242, which can be displaced angularly in a bearing 243. In the shaft 242 can slide a shaft 244 whose lower end is articulated to a link 245 of which the the other end is connected to an arm 246 attached to the oscillating shaft 247 for moving the flexible member 248 in an undulating motion.



  The lower end of the hollow shaft 241 supports a box 249, 249 'having an aerodynamic profile, preferably the profile of an airplane wing. This box is open at its front and rear ends to form a duct in which is housed the flexible member 248 and in which passes the liquid delivered by this member. Is the duct closed on the sides? by end plates 250 and 250 '. It is clearly seen in fig. 39 that the entire duct can be moved angularly with the shaft 241 in the direction of arrow A or A 'so that the thrust exerted by the liquid discharged by the flexible member 248 can be oriented in any direction desired to act like a rudder.



   Figs 40 to 42 show a variant of the device of fig. 12 to actuate the tubular flexible member 49 of f ig. 11. In figs. 40 to 42, the member 261 is supported at its front edge by a flexible ring 262, formed by a piano wire or the like, which can rotate in a helical spring 263 covered with a sheath 264, in rubber, molded into or glued to the front edge.

   A ring 265, in the form of a spiral and of variable diameter, is located at a certain distance beyond the leading edge and serves to move the member 261 in a wave motion. The spiral ring 265 includes an inner wire 266 which can slide axially in a helical spring 267 housed in a sheath 268, of rubber, which is molded into or glued to the flexible member 261. The ends of the coil spring and of the rubber sleeve 268 as well as one end of the wire 266 are secured to each other by a ring 269 trave.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 18>

   @ ée freely by the other end of the wire 266, the latter being connected to a control by Bowden cable or the like.

   By sliding the wire 265 in the fixing ring 269, one obtains the variations of the periphery of the flexible member at the place which is at the aforementioned distance from the front edge of the flexible member, so that the latter pivots around said edge which creates an undulating movement towards the rear edge 270 of said organ.



   In fig. 43 shows, in axial section, a flexible tubular member 231, similar to that of FIGS. 12 and 41 but established according to a variant? the front edge 282 exhibiting a permanent asymmetry which is a little exaggerated in the drawing. The member 281 is supported at 283 by several supports 234 distributed angularly around said member 281 and engaged in slots or. openings 285 which are formed therein and which are traversed by a Bowden cable 286 or the like.

   The member 281 therefore pivots, so to speak, about an annular axis * established at level 283 if pressure acts on the leading edge 282 in the direction of arrow 287. Alternately reversing the direction of this. pressure, it causes de = - formation of the member 281 between the position shown in solid lines and the position 288 shown in broken lines.



   In figs. 15, 16, 36 and 37, the pump bodies have a liquid inlet which is located on one side of the diaphragm. If desired, the pump can have only one inlet for the liquid, as in figs. 17,21 and 22. In this case, means must be provided to allow the liquid, which enters the pump body from one side only, to also reach the other side of the membrane. For this purpose and as shown in figs. 44 and 45, the rod 21 of figs. 15, 16, 36 and 37 is replaced by a rod 291 provided with radial arms 292 which support a ring 293. The membrane 118 of FIG. 15 has a central hole, the edge of which is housed in a peripheral groove 294 of a ring 293.

   In the case of a pump with several membranes, it is possible to have recourse to several rings 293a, 295b, 295c, etc., each ring carrying a membrane 118. In this way, the liquid is obtained, which penetrates on one side only in the box, can have access to both sides of each membrane 118. If desired, the number of arms 292 can also correspond to that of ribs 116 and these arms can be aligned with the ribs, to facilitate current guidance .



   For the embodiment shown in fig. 37, the membrane 130a is articulated at 119 to the rods 117 but it is also free to float in a manner analogous to that of the membrane 118 of FIG. 36.



   It is obvious that the devices, shown in figs. 15 36, 37 and @@ as well as the other embodiments for which the motor member is driven in a reciprocating motion, are particularly suitable for being connected to an electromagnetic source of mechanical power.



    CLAIMS
1) Device for producing a relative movement of a material which can propagate by flowing, characterized in that it comprises a flexible or flexible member which is in contact with the substance as well as means suitable for moving a part of said organ alternately in opposite directions from the plane of said member to produce corrugations along said member from the aforesaid part to force the substance swept by said corrugations away from said part, the length of said organ and its resistance to bending in the direction in which the undulations propagate, as well as the frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating movements of said part of the organ being proportioned in such a way that the undulations form at least one sinusoidal node.


    

Claims (1)

2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the useful elongation ratio of said member is given a value <Desc / Clms Page number 19> at least equal to 1.0. 3) Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means suitable for limiting the quantity of the substance, on which said member acts, substantially to the volumes swept by the corrugations of said member. 4) Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises several spaced apart and parallel members, which are separated from each other at distances which are substantially equal to the amplitude of their undulations so that any the substance, which passes between these organs, is swept by said undulations. 5) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reciprocating movements are obtained by the lateral reciprocating movement of said part of the flexible member. 6) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reciprocating movements are obtained by the angular oscillation of said part of the flexible member. 7) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said part is constituted by the end part of the flexible member, the corrugations produced at this end part being propagated towards the opposite end of said member. 8) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said end part is mounted so as to be rectilinear. 9) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible member has the shape of a cylinder open at its opposite ends, so that the useful aspect ratio is infinite 10) Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the reciprocating displacements are obtained, at least in part, by alternately varying the camber of said end part of the flexible member in opposite directions . 11) Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said end part of the flexible member has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the neutral position of said member. 12) Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises means for deforming, in a varia- ble manner, said end part of the flexible member to obtain the desired asymmetry of this part by relative to the neutral position of said organ. 13) Device according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that the flexible member has a circular and flat shape, the aforesaid part being at the center of said member, the corrugations being produced at said central part and being propagated towards the periphery of said organ. 14) Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the flexible member is constituted by a flat disc. 15) Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the flexible member has a semi-spherical shape. 16) Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the corrugations progress radially in said flexible member. 17) Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the corrugations progress in a spiral in said flexible member. 18) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the flexible member is thin and has parallel plane faces, the length of this member being sufficient to obtain the formation of several nodes sinusoidal during the movements. @ <Desc / Clms Page number 20> 19) Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the member has a reduced or no tendency to return to its initial shape after it has been deformed by bending from the latter. 20) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the member has a cross section whose thickness decreases towards its free end, its length dimension being such that it does not substantially, no more than a full sine knot during movement. 21) Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the cross section of the body is delimited by flat surfaces which form an angle between them. 22) Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the cross section of the body is delimited by two convex surfaces. 23) Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the cross section of the body is delimited by two curvilinear surfaces each of which comprises a convex part and a concave part in the direction of the progression of the corrugations. 24) Device according to claims 5 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a shaft, bearings in which this shaft can oscillate about its axis, two parallel arms, mounted radially on said shaft in the same direction., For supporting the front edge of said member and a mechanism for moving said shaft in an oscillating motion. 25) Device according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a shaft, bearings in which said shaft can oscillate about its axis, means mounted radially on said shaft, the front edge of the flexible member being wound around said means and said shaft so as to form an airfoil body, and a mechanism for moving said shaft in an oscillating motion. 26) Device according to claims 6, 8 and 10, charac- terized in that it comprises a shaft, an eccentric fixed on this shaft two articulated and parallel assemblies mounted in spaced and parallel planes which are perpendicular to said shaft, bearings supporting said shaft and said articulated assemblies, means connecting these assemblies so that they move at the same time, a connecting rod connecting the eccentric to said assemblies and a deformable body, flexible and of aerodynamic profile which is connected to the articulated assemblies while having a thickness which decreases from these assemblies, the flexible member being connected, by its front edge, to the free end of said body. 27) Device according to claims 24 to 26, characterized in that it comprises means for angularly moving the bearings to vary the location of the mean axis of the corrugations of said member. 28) Device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that it comprises means for moving the shaft angularly. 29) Device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that it further comprises means adapted to prevent angular displacement of said shaft, an oscillating shaft supporting the bearings and a mechanism for angularly moving said oscillating shaft. 30) Device according to claims 3, 6 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a duct open at its front and rear ends and the shape of which substantially corresponds to that of the volumes of the substance swept by the flexible member. . 31) Device according to claim 30, characterized in that the duct comprises an upper wall and a lower wall <Desc / Clms Page number 21> having a transverse section of aerodynamic shape to delimit the marginal lines of the undulatory movement of said organ, end walls connecting said walls together. 32) Device according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that it comprises a hollow rotary shaft for connecting the duct to the hull of a boat, said member occupying a position such that it can undulate relative to an axis substantially horizontal, a mechanism intervening to cause the front part of said member to oscillate angularly, this mechanism comprising a connecting rod which passes through said hollow axis. 33) Device according to claim 32, characterized in that it comprises means for moving the shaft and the conduit in an angular movement to steer the boat, an oscillating shaft supporting the front edge of said member to oscillate that here, a radial arm being mounted on said oscillating shaft and a universal joint being established between said connecting rod and said arm. 34) Device according to any one of claims 8 and 18 to 33, characterized in that the flexible member comprises spaced reinforcing elements which are incorporated in this member and extend in the direction of the width of it. 35) Device according to claims 6 and 9, characterized in that it comprises an annular element, the front edge of said flexible and cylindrical member being folded around this element and rigidly fixed thereto, means specific to supporting said annular member to allow its oscillation, by rolling, about its internal axis, several arms being mounted on the annular member being oriented radially inwardly and a head being moved in a reciprocating motion along the same. axis of the cylindrical member while links connect the head to said arms. 36) Device according to claims 6 and 9, characterized in that it comprises an annular element, the front edge of said cylindrical member comprising a first tubular housing in which is engaged - freely the annular element, means for supporting the 'annular element in a fixed position, a second housing formed in said cylindrical member at a point spaced from the front edge of this member, a tube being engaged in the second housing and being rigidly fixed to the walls thereof, a res - helical spell being engaged in the aforesaid tube and being fixed by its ends to the latter, a Bowden cable being accommodated in the spring having one end fixed to the latter and to the cylindrical member while its other end comes out of said member, a mechanism being provided for moving this other end of the wire in a reciprocating motion to modify the periphery of the cylindrical member with respect to the front edge thereof to produce the angular oscillation of the part of this member which is between the two aforementioned housings 37) Device according to claims 5, 9 and 10, charac- terized in that the cylindrical member comprises a front marginal portion inclined inwardly and an internal tubular housing spaced from said marginal portion, an annular member being engaged in said housing being supported by means at a fixed position while a mechanism is provided for compressing, in an intermittent manner, the marginal portion in the direction of said annular member. 38) Device according to claims 3 and 13; characterized in that it comprises a box consisting of two spaced parts whose shape matches that of the flexible member and the volumes of the substance swept by the latter. 39) Device according to claim 38, characterized in that said box comprises at least one inlet orifice. axial and a side discharge opening 40) Device according to claim 39, characterized in that the discharge opening comprises a peripheral passage. <Desc / Clms Page number 22> 41) Device according to claim 39, characterized in that the discharge opening comprises a volute into which opens at least one tangential duct. 42) Device according to claims 5 and 38-40, charac- terized in that the means for obtaining the displacement of a-part of said flexible member comprise a shaft penetrating axially into the box, means for connecting said shaft at the central part of said shaft and a mechanism for moving said shaft in an axial reciprocating motion. 43) Device according to claim 42, characterized in that the box comprises two opposite inlet ports, said shaft being engaged in one of said ports. 44) Device according to claim 42, characterized in that the box comprises a single inlet orifice, the means for connecting the arb @@ to said flexible member comprising braces carried by this shaft and interconnected by a ring provided with an external peripheral groove in which the edge of a central opening formed in said member is clamped. 45) Device according to any one of claims 38 to 44, characterized in that it comprises means established between the center and the periphery of said member for connecting the latter, by pivots, to said box. 46) Device according to claims 6, 38, 39 and 4 !? characterized by the fact that the means for effecting the displacement of a part of said member comprise a shaft housed axially in the box, means inclined on the axis of said shaft to connect the latter to said member and a motor for rotate said tree. 47) Device according to claim 46, characterized in that it comprises a shaft end inclined relative to the axis of the shaft, a head mounted on said shaft end by means of a bearing anti-friction and means for firmly fixing the head to the edge of a central opening made in said member. 48) Device according to claim 47, characterized in that it comprises means for preventing rotation of the head relative to the shaft end. 49) Device according to claim 46, characterized in that it comprises a head which can rotate with the shaft which supports it, clamping means being established on said head in a plane slightly inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, these clamping means being firmly fixed to the edge of a central opening made in the flexible member. 50) Device according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that it comprises passages formed in the said head to establish communication between two volumes swept by one flexible member in the box. 51) Device according to claim 46, characterized in that it comprises a pivot housed transversely in said shaft and a ring mounted on said pivot and comprising an outer groove in la- which is clamped the edge of a central opening formed in the flexible organ. 52) Device according to claim 51, characterized in that it further comprises a sleeve which can slide axially on the shaft in the extension thereof and by rotating with it, a link being articulated to said sleeve and the ring, means being provided to adjust the axial position of the sleeve relative to said shaft.