Abstract: A prime mover includes a shaft assembly that is supported for reciprocal movement between first and second ends of a stroke, and that includes first and second portions having a first material, and a third portion in between the first and second portions, having a second material, different from the first material. A single inductive proximity sensor makes a first indication when proximate the first material, and makes a second indication, when proximate the second material. A portion of the sensor is proximate the first portion when the shaft is at the first end of the stroke, the same portion of the same sensor is proximate the second portion when the shaft is at the second end of the stroke, and the same portion of the same sensor is proximate the third portion the entire time the shaft is in between the first and second ends of the stroke.

Abstract: A reduced icing valve for an gas-driven motor and a reciprocating double diaphragm pump is provided having a shiftable valve for alternatively supplying a motive gas through first and second supply ports to opposed first and second power pistons in opposed motive gas chambers, respectively, and for effecting alternating exhaust of the chambers. The shiftable valve is provided with an insert that deflects, away from the shiftable valve, air entering from each of the bypass valves until the bypass valves are fully actuated by the exhaust gas from the motive gas chambers. The shiftable valve is further provided with bypass valves independent of and intermediate the shiftable valve and each of the first and second motive gas chambers for bypassing the shiftable valve by exhaust gas from the motive gas chambers. The bypass valves are further actuated in an opposing direction by a supply source of motive gas to the chambers.

Abstract: A reduced icing valve for an gas-driven motor and a reciprocating double diaphragm pump is provided having a shiftable valve for alternatively supplying a motive gas through first and second supply ports to opposed first and second power pistons in opposed motive gas chambers, respectively, and for effecting alternating exhaust of the chambers. The shiftable valve is provided with an insert that deflects, away from the shiftable valve, air entering from each of the bypass valves until the bypass valves are fully actuated by the exhaust gas from the motive gas chambers. The shiftable valve is further provided with bypass valves independent of and intermediate the shiftable valve and each of the first and second motive gas chambers for bypassing the shiftable valve by exhaust gas from the motive gas chambers. The bypass valves are further actuated in an opposing direction by a supply source of motive gas to the chambers.

Abstract: A selectively bonded two-ply diaphragm for a diaphragm pump having adjacent first and second layers of the diaphragm which are selectively bonded at the interface between the layers in at least one attachment portion, which is adapted for attachment to a pump. A working portion is provided in which the first and second layers are free to move relative to one another at the interface. The attachment portion may include a central portion which is adapted for attachment to a diaphragm rod of a pump and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion which is adapted for stationary attachment to a pump housing. The working portion joins the peripheral portion and the central portion. Selective bonding of the diaphragm is by at least partially bonding or substantially bonding the first and second layers at the interface in the peripheral portion, the central portion, or both.

Abstract: Insulation is provided in the form of wall insulation, piston or diaphragm insulation and/or piston rod and/or diaphragm washer insulation to increase the temperature in the working air chamber of an air motor of the piston or diaphragm type to reduce the formation of ice on exhaust.

Abstract: Provision is made for an air control valve to bypass the ice forming exhaust of a reciprocating pressure activation chamber in a reciprocating double diaphragm pump utilizing the supply pressure to close a check valve in line between the valve and the chamber which is then opened to exhaust by exhaust fluid flow from the chamber.

Abstract: An open path low back pressure muffler for reciprocating air motor pulsing exhaust providing an increased area inlet orifice, double flow path reversal with directional flow assistance and a turnable sound absorbing lined duct exit.

Abstract: A pneumatic assist valve receives constant air pressure from supply air to provide the pneumatic assist to shift the pilot, eliminating false signals acting on the trip rod and the design also assures the pilot has completely shifted before diaphragm reversal occurs.

Abstract: The design of an air operated double diaphragm pump provides improved assembly, mounting flexibility, multiple plumbing combination including check valves which allow the pump to be mounted in any position without effecting its ability to prime or pump. A two shell housing design provides an enclosure for the air motor and includes structural ribbing, internal baffling, and all connections are made on the end of the pump in line with the diaphragm centerline allowing the pump to be installed in any access in line with the plumbing system.

Abstract: A reversible check valve cartridge wherein a sealing disk is urged to the shutoff position by means of a cage mounted umbrella spoke-like spring which is secured to the cage and is fully recessable therein so as to permit full travel of the sealing disk within the cage, thereby permitting increased flow for a given thickness of the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus having a casing constructed of a conductive corrosion resistant plastic material formed from acetal resin impregnated with conductive stainless steel wool. When grounded through use of a convenient bonding strap, the apparatus eliminates the buildup of electrostatic charge which may occur in combustible fluid transfer.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump is disclosed. The pump utilizes duckbill and ball-type check valves interchangeably. The check valves are held in place by intake and exhaust manifolds that are convertable to single or dual inlet or outlet manifolds.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention comprises a combined mechanical shifting mechanism and pneumatic pilot valve construction to contrl the cycling of a double diaphragm pump. The mechanical cycling or shifting mechanism is positioned between pressure chambers of the diaphragm pump in the pump housing and extends axially into one or the other pressure chamber. The shifting mechanism moves axially in response to engagement by one of the pump diaphragms. Upon engagement by a diaphragm, the mechanical shift opens fluid pressure passageways to a pneumatic pilot valve which controls fluid flow to the respective pressure chambers associated with the diaphragm pump. A positive pilot signal is thus supplied through the entire stroke or cycle of the diaphragm pump. The mechanical shifting mechanism is not connected directly to a diaphragm or to the connecting rod which connects the diaphragms.