Abstract: A compressor has an air inlet valve for controlling air intake when demand for service air from the compressor changes. The valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet which is connected to a compressor. A rod in the housing is movable relative to the housing and has a shoulder and a piston. A movable valve member is mounted on the rod and a spring is interposed between the piston and the housing for moving the shoulder into engagement with the valve member and biasing the valve member toward the closed position. The housing has a chamber on each side of the piston for receiving air that discharges from the compressor. Air pressure is connected to one of the chambers to move the valve member toward the closed position when the pressure of air in the receiver tank exceeds a set-point.

Abstract: A squib valve which has an inlet port associated with a pressurized fluid source, an outlet port, flow initiation apparatus for initiating a flow of the pressurized fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port, apparatus for activating the flow initiation apparatus, and flow control apparatus for permitting an increase in the flow at no more than a predetermined maximum rate of increase such that a maximum volumetric flow via the outlet port is reached only after a predetermined minimum period of time has elapsed, thereby reducing the occurrence and magnitude of shock and hammering downstream of the outlet port that would be provided by an uncontrolled outflow of the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A single-lever mixer valve for liquids, for example hot and cold tap water. The valve comprises a housing, which is provided with an inlet for each of said liquids and a common outlet. A lever is provided for controlling the amount and the temperature of the liquid flowing out through the outlet. The lever is connected to an actuator in the valve housing that cooperates with a valve member. The actuator is provided with a built-in closing damper for reduction of hydraulic shock waves related to rapid closing of the mixer valve. The closing damper includes at least one sealed chamber and a movable piston for forcing an amount of fluid from the chamber via a throttling member when the lever is closed. When the fluid pressure in said chamber exceeds a certain value, the throttling member is adapted to be elastically deformed and pressed progressively against a sealing face in the actuator.

Abstract: A suitable design is given of a closure damper for a sanitary water fitting, especially in the form of a single-handle mixing unit, with a casing, an activation handle, and with a control unit presenting a disk, piston, balls, or the like, as well as a closure damper to extend the closure time and reduce the closure rate arranged between the handle and the fitting casing, whereby the closure damper is designed as a piston and cylinder unit. It is provided for watertight membrane (20) to surround piston and cylidner unit (16, 17) outside, connected with cylinder (16) on the one hand and piston (17) on the other, watertight in both cases, which forms membrane chamber (24) when piston (17) is pushed in, and a flow connection exists between inside space (25) of cylinder (16) sealed against piston (17) and the outside of cylinder (16) encircled by membrane (20).

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments of the invention described comprise systems for pulse distribution of irrigating fluid. The systems described include a header that feeds at least one irrigating line in which an array of emitter valves are connected in series to a header. Elastic tubes between each of the emitter valves serve as reservoirs for the irrigating fluid between pulses. A pulser connects the irrrigating fluid conduit to the header in response to activation from a pilot valve. An optional accumulator bellows that is joined to the header collects surplus irrigating fluid and returns it to the system at the appropriate time in the pulse cycle. The pilot valve, moreover, responds to pressure fluctuations by activating and deactvating the pulser. An adjustable spring biased variable capacitance chamber and a fluid diode, moreover, that are coupled to the pilot valve combine to determine the irrigation pulse repetition rate.

Abstract: A device works according to the displacement principle, i.e., at least two displacers are provided in a common displacer working chamber or in displacer working chambers communicating with one another, and are drivingly coupled together by a pressure transmission medium. Elastomer material is disposed as the pressure transmission medium, at least in the region of one displacer.

Abstract: The coil arrangement of an electromagnetic valve has a stationary core that is provided with a stop face for having one end of an armature abut thereagainst. The stop face and the one end of the armature is located in a damping chamber, the other end of the armature mounting a closure member for abutting against a valve seat to block fluid flow therethrough. Between the armature and the guide member there is a throttle path that fluidly connects the damping chamber with the valve seat chamber. The electromagnetic valve is especially suitable for conveying contaminated media.

Abstract: An absorber is position on the back or opposite side of a solenoid to receive the kinetic energy of the armature. The energization of the solenoid attracts the armature to the solenoid core and upon striking the core, the kinetic energy of the armature is transferred through the core and to the absorber. The absorber is launched into flight for the purposes of dissipating the kinetic energy and returns to rest on the core without effecting the movement of the armature. The absorber dissipates the kinetic energy by transferring it to a spring means and also may dissipate the energy by means of viscous damping or the flow of fluid from one side of the absorber to the opposite side.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid detergent solution using a timing fluid is disclosed. A preferred cleaning system (10) includes a fluid-operated solvent metering apparatus (38). The metering apparatus (38) preferably includes a normally-closed valve (16) and a timing device (40). The timing device (40) preferably includes a cylinder (52) and a piston (54), wherein the piston (54) forms a pair of subchambers (56, 58) which are interconnected by a flow control device (68). The flow control device (68) serves to restrict the flow of a timing fluid from one subchamber (56) to the other subchamber (58) so as to hold the valve (16) in its open position for a period of timing following its initial manual opening. A return spring (48) in the normally closed valve (16) urges the valve (16) toward its closed position, and the spring (48) also acts against the piston (54) to cause the timing fluid to flow from the first subchamber (56 ) to the second subchamber (58).

Abstract: A damping control device which can be used to control the rate of movement or prevent the movement of a handle or other control means, such as a handle which is used to operate valves. This invention relates to control devices such as handles generally, and is more specifically directed to a damping means which can be used in conjunction with control devices, particularly those used to operate valves, to control the rate of actuation of said control device.

Abstract: A slow closing faucet assembly having hot and cold water inlets, a spool valve capable of rectilinear movement for controlling water flow volume and rotational movement for controlling relative amounts of hot and cold water, a tubular housing mounted on the faucet, a hydraulic damper in the tubular housing having an extended piston rod attached to a valve stem of the spool valve, a compression coil spring around the hydraulic damper between an upper retainer and a lower retainer, the upper retainer being threadably attached to the housing, and adjustable to vary the spring compression, the lower retainer being rectilinearly movable within the housing toward the upper retainer to compress the spring and hydraulic damper, and a lever having an end within said housing engaged with the valve stem for rotation thereof allowing water temperature control, and operable on said lower retainer for moving said lower retainer toward said upper retainer.

Abstract: This magnetically operated valve and timer assembly (30) can be used to open a feed line (14) leading to a spray head (22) within a chemical feed block (12) to dispense a chemical solution. The assembly (30) includes a valve (34) having a valve closure plunger (52) which is moved into the open position for a predetermined time under the attraction of a magnet assembly (66) mounted to the valve (34). The time period is determined by timer (36) which is connected to the magnet assembly. The timer (36) includes a cylinder (80) receiving a piston (100) in sliding relation, the piston including a head (102) a rearward shaft (104), having a knob (108), and a forward shaft (106) connected to the magnet assembly. The piston head (102) includes a tapered groove (122) for an annular cup seal (126) which moves into a position in the groove during the forward stroke to facilitate fluid flow past the seal ( 126) from one side of the piston to the other.

Abstract: A slow acting pneumatically operated valve which uses gas pressure and/or pneumatic pressure acting on a diaphragm to counteract the force of a coiled spring, thereby activating a double tapered fluorocarbon plastic poppet against a fluorocarbon plastic valve seat. Actuation of the poppet must be extremely slow and uniform such that fluid in the affected supply line does not experience shocks which can be transmitted to other supply line components. Actuation speed is restricted by use of a damping piston attached to the opposite end of the poppet stem, which restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid to opposite sides of the piston chamber during an actuation cycle. The double taper poppet incorporates an extremely low angle of incidence to the valve seat. Valve opening increases very slowly during the initial opening travel and decreases slowly during final closing travel, thereby further reducing the potential for fluid system shocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for minimizing water hammer and/or shock waves resulting from closure of a valve member disposed for movement into and out of closing arrangement in valve means included within a fluid flow system. The apparatus comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement having a circular path of travel, the cylinder being formed in part as an incised channel means in a body means, within which body means a rotatable sleeve means is disposed in a longitudinal bore. The inner portion of the cylinder is the outer surface of the rotatable sleeve, and a fluid chamber is formed by said combination. The piston means projects outwardly from the sleeve and is disposed within the channel means, so that the piston means sweeps the cylinder volume as the sleeve is rotated. An adjustable orifice is provided in the cylinder means to constrict the flow of fluid in said cylinder on rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: A flush control valve (10) for metering a predetermined amount of flush fluid, or other liquid, to a facility, such as a urinal, to be flushed. The flush control valve (10) has a push button cap (166) that is actuated to cause the primary valve assembly (33) to open and distribute the flush fluid from the inlet chamber (35) of the flush control valve (10) to the outlet chamber (36) of the flush control valve (10). Depressing the push button cap (166) activates a timing assembly (109), the interior working components of which do not come in contact with the flush fluid controlled by the flush control valve (10), thereby eliminating corrosion to that critical portion of the valve (10). The timing assembly (109) is pneumatically operated and is effective through a diaphragm (108) to actuate a pilot valve assembly (83) which controls the opening and closing of the primary valve assembly (33).

Abstract: A bistable electromechanical transducer is disclosed having an armature reciprocable between first and second positions, a permanent magnet latching arrangement for maintaining the armature in the respective positions, and an electromagnetic repulsion arrangement operable when energized to dislodge the armature from the position in which the armature was maintained and causing it to move to the other of the positions. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer takes the form of an electronically controllable valve mechanism for use in an internal combustion engine and has an engine valve with an elongated valve stem along with the electromagnetic repulsion arrangement for causing the valve to move in the direction of stem elongation between valve-open and valve-closed positions.

Abstract: In a sanitary valve with a tilting adjusting lever, which moves the closure member, the two wedge-shaped areas, which open and close in opposite directions on opposite sides of the adjusting lever, as it tilts, are used for locating a damping device, which retards the closing movement of the closure member in order to avoid water hammering. For this purpose, a liquid-filled chamber of variable volume is located in each of the two wedge-shaped areas; the two chambers are connected to each other by a restrictor channel. The damping device located in this way, which can be enclosed hermetically, necessitates no alterations to the valve itself.

Abstract: A damping means for controlling the closing action of a sanitary fitting to lengthen its closing time and, thereby, reduce its closing speed, is disclosed. The damping means is operatively mounted between the handle and valve control unit assemblies.

Abstract: An actuating device is proposed which is used to adjust a throttle valve disposed in the intake tube of an internal combustion engine. The actuating device includes a gas pedal adapted to engage an actuating lever, which is supported rotatably relative to a throttle valve shaft, so as to pivot counter to the force of a restoring spring. Connected to the actuating lever is a follow-up drawing spring, which is secured with one end to an intermediate lever provided with a cam disk having a curved camming surface which surface a lever arm is supported so as to operate a damper element. The intermediate lever is rotatably supported with respect to the throttle valve shaft and with a coupling stop engages a throttle valve lever, which is connected to the throttle valve shaft such that relative rotation between them is prevented. The throttle valve lever is drawn against the coupling stop by means of an uncoupling spring disposed between the intermediate lever and the throttle valve lever.

Abstract: An oil or gas well flapper-type safety valve is joined in the tubing string and has a cylindrical valve body with a valve seat therein. A flapper valve is hingedly supported from the valve body for movement between a closed position wherein the valve is seated against the seat and an open position wherein the valve is pivoted from the seated position. A control link is attached to the flapper valve at a point removed from the hinge. Control structure is provided for applying a force to the valve through the control link to selectively pivot the valve between its closed and open position. The control structure includes an hydraulically operated piston moveable in a valve control cylinder. The piston is attached to one end of the control link and is biased by a compression spring toward the valve to seat the valve.

Abstract: A device with use in combination with an expansible sleeve-type gas flow control valve in a production gas supply between a compressor and a delivery line provides pressure differential control as between the valve inlet and the valve outlet by relating hydraulic control pressure around the resilient sleeve of the valve to valve outlet gas flow pressure through a primary piston and cylinder assembly. The primary piston is linked to a secondary piston in a secondary cylinder of smaller diameter which in turn communicates with an accumulator for dampening pulsations in the valve.

Abstract: A time-delay valve is adapted to be used in association with a source of pressurized first fluid, such as CO.sub.2. When CO.sub.2 is admitted to the inlet of the time-delay valve, an entrapped liquid is pressurized to a known level. Such pressurized liquid is constrained to flow through a restricted orifice, to enter an expanding chamber having a movable piston. The piston is thereafter displaced from a first position to a second position, between which the CO.sub.2 is not permitted to pass from the inlet to the outlet. However, after the piston passes beyond the second position, pilot and main valve elements are moved off their respective seats, and first fluid is permitted to flow directly from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: An improved, delayed closing plumbing valve of the type having a cartridge with hydraulic fluid in a sealed chamber retained between an upper and lower diaphragm positioned about a longitudinally movable valve stem assembly. The chamber has a one-way piston which divides the chamber into an upper and lower section, and there is a restricted fluid flow path between the two sections. A water shut off gasket is at the base of a valve stem and has a removable gasket ring to permit the replacement of the gasket. The valve seat may also be removable for replacement. The lower diaphragm is provided with a sealed chamber to prevent its degradation by particles in the water. The diaphragms at the upper and lower end of the chamber are retained and sealed to the valve stem by retaining rings having a conical upper end which holds the inner part of the diaphragm against the valve stem. The diaphragms preferably permit the turning of the valve stem with respect to the cartridge without damage to the diaphragms.

Abstract: A timer-controlled valve comprises a valve member movable from a home position to an actuated position with respect to a passageway in the valve housing, an operator manually movable from a home position to a plurality of preselected actuated positions to preselect a predetermined time interval, the operator being coupled to the valve member so that the latter moves therewith, and a dashpot device for returning the operator from its preselected actuated position to its home position after the elapse of a predetermined time interval, the valve member also being returned to its home position with the operator.

Abstract: A cyclically-operable valve comprises a timer including a reciprocatable member driven by the pressurized fluid through forward strokes, return means for driving the member through return strokes, and a dashpot device coupled to the member and retarding its movement through one of said strokes.

Abstract: An expanding gate valve (10) provided with a piston type pneumatic powered actuator (40) for opening and closing the valve wherein the actuator piston (54) is adapted to be driven by fluid pressure in one direction to operate the valve but is returned by spring means (63, 64) when the pressure is removed. The actuator includes a hydraulic choke means (71) comprising a hydraulic piston (80) and cylinder (72) wherein the hydraulic piston is fixed to the actuator stem (23) and is provided with an orifice (89) which imposes a constant velocity control on the actuator stroke by producing a throttling effect on the hydraulic fluid moving from one side of the hydraulic piston to the other. The hydraulic cylinder (72) is filled with a fluid which maintains substantially uniform viscosity in the range of minus 40.degree. Centigrade to 204.degree. Centigrade whereby the valve is adapted for consistent operation during rapid cycling conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve includes a spool valve intermittently movable between a neutral position and a more preselected axially spaced position. The spool valve is latched in said preselected position. The valve further includes a fluid dampening system. The system includes a fluid receiving chamber in said control valve. A piston is movably disposed within the chamber. A fluid supply is connected to the chamber for delivering fluid thereinto. A fluid flow control device regulates the flow of fluid from said chamber. As the spool valve is moved towards its neutral position from the preselected position, the piston is displaced to discharge fluid from the chamber through the fluid flow control device. A fluid reactive force is generated by the discharge of fluid from the chamber, with the fluid reactive force acting on the spool valve to dampen movement thereof towards its neutral position.

Abstract: An expelling mechanism adapted for use with discharge tubes and drain tubes of submarines for ejecting a weapon by compressed air includes a chamber formed with an outlet opening, and adapted to substantially communicate selectively with a storage container holding compressed gas, a discharge valve which may be moved towards the opening in a closing direction, and away therefrom in an opening direction at a selectable opening velocity, and a hydraulic control device for controlling the movement of the discharge valve. The hydraulic control device includes a cylinder adapted to be filled with hydraulic fluid, a piston reciprocally movable along a stroke within the cylinder, and partitioning the cylinder into two cylinder chambers, an overflow channel establishing communication between the cylinder chambers, and a connecting device connecting the discharge valve with the hydraulic control device.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling opening and closing movement of a door including manual actuation for opening the door and then biasing the door toward its closed position. A device for slowing and impeding movement of the door in the closing direction includes a flexible sealed container with a high viscosity fluid arranged to reciprocate in one direction responsive to opening the door and in the opposite direction to closing the door. A channel has a first section and a second section with the side walls and a sloping bottom wall between the sections providing a roller guide. A roller in contact with the sealed container is freely movable and has rotary and reciprocating motion within the roller guide of the stationary channel upon engagement with the flexible sealed container.

Abstract: A recloseable auxiliary valve includes a cylindrical housing having a central flow passage disposed therethrough. A flapper valve is disposed in the housing and is movable between a closed position wherein the central flow passage is closed and an open position wherein the central flow passage is open. An operating mandrel is provided for operating the flapper valve upon telescoping movement of the mandrel relative to the housing. A releasable locking system is provided for locking the mandrel and the flapper valve in their open position. A time-delay system is provided to prevent premature telescopingly collapsing movement of the mandrel relative to the housing as the auxiliary valve is run into the well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid metering valve unit, particularly for water. The unit uses a dash-pot mechanism filled with metering liquid such as water, silicone oil or a mixture of water and glycerine. The dash-pot mechanism is a closed system. The unit comprises a sleeve member having an axial bore and a transverse bore communicating with the axial bore. One end of the axial bore connects to a liquid supply and the transverse bore connects to an outlet. A valve stem in the axial bore is slidable between an open position and a closed position in which a resilient seat washer seals the end of the axial bore. A spring biasses the stem toward the closed position and the stem can be manually moved to the open position. Movement of the stem to the closed position is controlled by a dash-pot mechanism or regulating means comprising a cup washer secured to the stem and disposed within a liquid-filled chamber betwen the stem and sleeve.

Abstract: A safety valve for isolating a portion of a service conduit from a vacuum generator should a leak occur in that portion of the service circuit. The safety valve has a housing with a chamber therein. The chamber has an inlet port connected to the service circuit and an outlet port connected to the vacuum generator. A wall member located in the chamber is biased by a spring toward a first position whereby the vacuum generator is connected to the service circuit. Should a leak occur in the service circuit, air flow through the chamber acts on the wall to overcome the resistance of the spring and moves the wall to a second position to seal the chamber and thereby interrupts air flow through the chamber to the vacuum generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid power system includes an accumulator which stores a reserve of pressure fluid at pump standby pressure. The charging and discharging of the accumulator is controlled by an emergency steering valve which is operable in response to a predetermined minimum fluid pressure outputted by the steering pump to discharge the stored fluid for emergency steering. The emergency steering valve also has components which serve as a pressure switch which is actuated to complete a circuit through an indicator light whenever the emergency steering valve moves to effect the discharge of the accumulator. The steering valve components are arranged so that premature actuation of the indicator light during pressure drops of short duration are avoided.

Abstract: The valve mechanism is of the type which is provided with a device for automatically controlling the motion of the valve body.The motion of the valve body is determined by the presence of pressure of medium at the outlet end of the valve and is adapted to be controlled by hydraulic damping means connected to the valve body and acting in one direction, manual adjusting means being adapted during opening of the valve, to effect a restricted initial displacement of the valve body in opening direction to permit pressure build-up at the outlet side of the valve.

Abstract: A liquid metering flush valve to be installed in connection with plumbing fixtures such as water closets, urinals, service sinks, and other equipment and to supply said fixtures with a predetermined amount of water; which may be potable water, contaminated water, sea water, corrosive and/or unfiltered water, and water and/or oil combinations; at controlled pressures, flow rates and volumes. The basic valve design is on the hydraulic principal of proportional flow through orifices, regardless of pressure fluctuation but employs the use of four chambers, two of which are sealed and contain not only an orifice therebetween but a filtered, non-corrosive captive liquid to assure the orifice of protection from corrosive action and dirt which may damage the orifice or clog it and prevent it from working properly.

Abstract: A thermal timer valve for temperature-dependent operation of accessory devices of a fuel mixture preparation system of a combustion engine. The valve has a membrane chamber acted upon by intake pipe or manifold negative pressure. The membrane is connected to a rod which on one end has a valve closure element and on the other end a piston located in an oil chamber. The oil chamber may have an adjustable overflow channel. A disk check valve may be associated with the piston. Also there may be an overflow channel with a compensation chamber.

Abstract: A fluid supply system wherein a first valve is controlled to deliver a predetermined amount of fluid in series flow arrangement with a second flow valve which is automatically actuated by said fluid flow to terminate the flow of fluid after a predetermined quantity of fluid flow in the event the first valve does not terminate the flow of fluid after the preselected amount of fluid is delivered.

Abstract: A damping valve for a pressure regulator wherein the valve is actuated by a valve diaphragm and coacts with an inlet orifice formed in the transverse wall separating the inlet from the outlet. An outlet chamber is formed on the outlet side of the wall. A damping chamber is formed in the housing below the valve and separated from the outlet chamber by a flexible seal. A connecting rod passes through the central aperture in the seal, and has one end connected to the valve and the other end connected to a piston slidingly disposed in the damping chamber. The piston has a hexagonal head having six circular segmented openings or flats which provide passages for a hydraulic liquid which fills the damping chamber to pass from one side of the piston to the other whenever the piston is moved responsive to a corresponding movement of the valve.

Abstract: An improved liquid-filled dashpot mechanism for use with a spring-biased, axially-displaceable valve stem, comprising: a housing having a passageway therein, a stem in the passageway adapted for reciprocation therein, a pair of annular rolling diaphragms disposed in spaced-apart, face-to-face relationship within the passageway in the housing, each diaphragm being respectively secured in fluid sealing relationship to the housing and the stem to collectively form an enclosed container for the dashpot liquid, a piston fixedly mounted on the stem intermediate the rolling diaphragms adapted for operative displacement within the housing and dividing the container into two chambers, a liquid metering passageway in the piston for providing fluid communication between the two chambers, and a check valve secured to the piston to permit the unidirectional flow of liquid therethrough, and when the dashpot liquid is not permitted to flow through the check valve, to direct the flow of dashpot fluid through the liquid meter

Abstract: A tamperproof hydrant lock with a controlled shock absorber. Power transmitting means are mounted on an operating rod extending within a chamber in the hydrant housing. A spring is mounted between the power transmitting means and the hydrant housing. First and second hydraulic means operatively associated with the power transmitting means control gradual opening and closing of the hydrant valve over first and second delay intervals of time respectively.

Abstract: A hydrant for controlling the flow of water from an underground supply includes a casing connected at its lower end to the supply and its upper end to a nozzle for delivery of water from the casing. The flow of water from the supply to the casing is controlled by a main valve operated by a handle on the hydrant casing. An ejector purge apparatus drains the casing after the flow of water through the casing has been terminated by the main valve in order to prevent frost damage. The ejector purge apparatus includes a purge valve controlling flow from the supply through a conduit to a location outside of the hydrant casing. The conduit includes a flow constricting element and a port adjacent the flow constricting element that is in fluid communication with the casing. Flow through the purge valve and the flow constricting element results in venturi evacuation of the water within the casing.

Abstract: An improved plunger type solenoid comprises a solenoid coil, a plunger to be attracted into the solenoid coil, a piston directly or indirectly connected to the plunger and a cylinder filled with oil for containing the piston. The piston is subject to the pressure of the oil, such that the speed of movement of the plunger is widely controlled.

Abstract: A valve for use in conjunction with a testing string in an oil well is disclosed in which the valve is maintained in the open position until the valve is placed in sufficient compression to collapse any slip joint which also appears in the testing string. A pressure piston is present in the valve having one surface exposed to the well annulus and a second surface exposed to a pressure in a flow passage through the testing string. The valve includes a rotatable ball valve and a bypass around the ball for equalizing the pressure above the ball with the pressure below the ball for use in opening the valve from the closed position. A spring means in the valve biases the closed ball toward the open position for opening the ball when a pressure difference across the ball is reduced sufficiently to allow the ball to rotate to the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for use in fluid systems. In one embodiment the fluid is a liquid. A substantially cylindrical housing has therein a symmetrical cavity. The cavity is divided in upper and lower chambers by a circular and planar diaphragm. The upper chamber housing wall has protruding therefrom a cylindrical boss having a port for admitting a liquid. The boss forms a valve seat. The diaphragm has a plurality of concentric corrugations surrounding a central planar integral valve member. A media port in the lower chamber housing admits media for putting pressure on the diaphragm. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the valve member closes upon the seat and entraps liquid between the diaphragm and upper chamber housing. The liquid acts to cushion, conforming to the shape of the diaphragm, thereby preventing damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An improved liquid-filled dashpot mechanism for use with a spring-biased, axially-displaceable valve stem, comprising: a housing having a passageway therein, a stem in the passageway adapted for reciprocation therein, a pair of annular rolling diaphragms disposed in spaced-apart, face-to-face relationship within the passageway in the housing, each diaphragm being respectively secured in fluid sealing relationship to the housing and the stem to collectively form an enclosed container for the dashpot liquid, a piston fixedly mounted on the stem intermediate the rolling diaphragms adapted for operative displacement within the housing and dividing the container into two chambers, a liquid metering passageway in the piston for providing fluid communication between the two chambers, and a check valve secured to the piston to permit the unidirectional flow of liquid therethrough, and when the dashpot liquid is not permitted to flow through the check valve, to direct the flow of dashpot fluid through the liquid meter

Abstract: A valve actuator employs a torsion spring type clutch to engage and disengage a drive motor and an output shaft. The torsion spring normally engages and is connected to a gear which may be engaged by a dog to cause disengagement of the clutch. The output shaft carries a pinion which is engaged with a rack carried on a piston which is slidable in a closed fluid containing cylinder. The piston includes an axial passageway with a metering orifice therein which smoothes the operation of the actuator and provides positive stops for the output shaft with a minimization of impact between the piston and the ends of the cylinder.

Abstract: A tamperproof lock with shock absorber for a fire hydrant. A spring is mounted at one end on the fire hydrant housing. Power transmitting means are mounted on a threaded operating rod extending within the housing chamber. Hydraulic means operatively associated with the power transmitting means prevents sudden closing of the hydrant valve. The power transmitting means transmit power to the threaded rod against the spring and the hydraulic means. A swivel plate is freely mounted on the power transmitting means for rotational movement thereon. The swivel plate has a contoured hub portion adapted to fit within an aperture within the fire hydrant bonnet. The hub portion is exposed to the exterior of the bonnet. Power means for applying power substantially along the axis of the threaded rod to move the rod against the spring and the hydraulic means are removably mounted on the bonnet.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a rotary valve by remote control comprising a cylinder having a main bore in which a movable unit is slidably mounted in fluid tight manner and which can be displaced in opposite directions by a pressurized fluid supplied by either of two pressurized fluid sources which can be remotely actuated in independent fashion. A sequencing mechanism is mounted in the cylinder for simultaneously applying the pressurized fluid from an activated source to a corresponding end face of the movable unit while connecting the other end face with the atmosphere. The movement of the slidable unit is transmitted to the rotary valve through a rack and pinion arrangement and a linkage composed of cranks and a connecting rod so arranged that when the valve is in either of its end positions it cannot produce movement of the linkage due to alignment of the axis of rotation of the pinion and the connection points of the rod to the cranks.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in a fluid controller for a power steering system which includes a housing having a fluid A for connection to the discharge side of a main fluid pump, an outlet for connection to the suction side of the main pump and a pair of ports for connection to the opposite sides of a dual acting hydraulic device such as a balanced cylinder of the power steering system for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to the device. The controller includes a gear set which serves as a fluid meter or as a manual pump, depending upon the operativeness of the main fluid pump, and a spool valve shiftable axially to control the flow through the inlet, the gear set, the cylinder ports and the outlet. A control shaft is mounted for rotation on the housing responsive to movement of a steering wheel and is coupled to the spool valve for effecting axial shifting of the spool valve in response to rotation of the control shaft.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic control means for check valves to prevent slamming of a clapper against a seat. The clapper of the check valve is connected via a crosshead to an hydraulic cylinder and a piston contained therein controls the closing of the check valve. The hydraulic cylinder has means restricting flow of fluid from below the piston in the hydraulic cylinder to above the piston in the hydraulic cylinder, but permits unrestricted flow in the opposite direction. Relief valves are included to prevent overpressurization in the hydraulic cylinder. A precharged accumulator allows for fluid expansion and contraction in the hydraulic cylinder, plus replacing fluid lost by leakage.