.~ Fluid force on opposite face of blade or blade support member
DEFINITION
Classification: 415/106
(under subclass 104) Apparatus in which there is a fluid force acting in an axial direction on one side of a member, a blade* being supported on the other side of the member.
(1) Note. Subject matter under this definition typically includes radial flow-type runners* in which there are passages to communicate fluid to the rear side of the transverse blade* support disc to balance axial thrust acting on the front side of the disc.
(2) Note. Excluded under this definition is a runner* having a blade* on each side of a common wall or shroud plate, for which search subclass 198.1, unless a port transfers fluid from one side of the wall or plate to the other.
(3) Note. To qualify under this definition, there must be provided means for conveying the fluid to the rear side of the runner*, e.g., a port conduit or axially moving runner*; the mere presence of leakage fluid on the rear side of the runner*, even though disclosed for thrust balancing, is excluded under this definition.
