Abstract: A diaphragm pump housing is designed for molding out of plastic and utilizes a ribbing design which allows a high degree of strength while using a minimal amount of material and/or material having lesser strength. The rib design has an outer circumferencial rib about the periphery of the pump housing and a plurality of radial extending ribs extend outwardly from the center of the housing to the outer circumferencial rib. Fastener apertures are used to tie together the parts of the pump and the fastener apertures are located between the radial extending ribs in the outer circumferencial rib. An intermediate circumferencial rib is provided adjacent the outer circumferencial rib. The height of the ribs increases from the center of the housing outwardly to the outer circumference. The radial and the circumferencial ribs are the same height at locations where they intersect. This high strength design also allows use of one piece inlet and outlet manifolds without undue flexing or leakage.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump operated by selectively switching pressurized air into either of two diaphragm chambers; the air actuator valve is a cup valve which is slidable over orifices in a valve plate, and actuable by air pistons; the air pistons are coupled via passageways to a pilot valve which is a second cup valve slidable over orifices in a valve plate, the cup valve being actuable by pins extending into the diaphragm chambers and into contact with diaphragm members at predetermined positions.

Abstract: A device for smoothing pressure fluctuations from a liquid pump, the device having a liquid chamber connectable to the pump and having an air chamber connectable to a source of pressurized air through an internal valve, the liquid chamber being separated from the air chamber by a diaphragm, the diaphragm connected to the valve, to permit pressurized air to equalize liquid pressure surges and to supplement liquid pressure drops, and to automatically adjust for changes in average liquid pressure delivery conditions.

Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.

Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.

Abstract: A silencing system is provided for an air-operated pump which also eliminates icing of the pump at higher cycle rates and humidities. The exhaust from the air motor powers an air flow inducer to induce a flow of relatively warm ambient air. The induced flow of ambient air is drawn across cold components of the air motor, and the mixed (ambient and exhaust air) exit stream routed away from the air motor. The relatively warm mixed air exhaust flow also allows noise reduction by conventional acoustical techniques without suffering performance degradation due to icing.

Abstract: The hydraulically powered fluid pump has a spool valve which controls the direction of travel of the pump. The spool valve is designed to switch between positions relatively slowly so that in between pump cycles, the ball checks associated with the pump may return under the force of gravity to their seats. This natural gravity return produces greatly decreased noise levels and increased seat life compared with the slamming action present in current pumps. The spool valve is viscous damped and of a closed centered construction to allow the relatively slow switchover to take place.