Patent ID: 6591873
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: B63C,F01D,F04D,Y02T

Abstract:
An aspirator assembly adapted for attachment to an inflatable article, comprising:an open-ended housing having opposite upstream and downstream ends; a source of a first pressurized fluid and at least two exit nozzles for directing said first pressurized fluid downstream therefrom; a central shaft extending longitudinally within the housing, said shaft being disposed along the longitudinal axis of said housing; at least a pair of primary and secondary impeller arrangements, said primary impeller arrangement rotationally mounted upon said central shaft and having integral central inner vane portions and outer blade portions; and, said secondary impeller arrangement rotationally mounted upon said central shaft adjacent to and downstream from said primary impeller arrangement, said secondary impeller arrangement having central inner vane portions and outer blade portions, wherein during operation, said first pressurized fluid is introduced into said housing and directed through said at least two exit nozzles toward the central internal vane portions of said primary impeller arrangement to effect rotation thereof in the first direction, the rotating outer blade portions of said primary impeller arrangement effecting entrainment of a secondary fluid into said housing through the open upstream end thereof, the rotation of said primary impeller arrangement causing corresponding counter-rotation of said secondary impeller arrangement in the second direction which is counter to the first direction.