Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage during pumping cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying thick matter is provided including a delivery line, a thick matter pump connected to the delivery line for conveying thick matter from the pump through the delivery line in an output direction, and a restraining member positioned in the delivery line. The restraining member includes a first group of finger lamellae that are radially arranged and have openings therebetween. Each of the finger lamellae of the first group includes an end secured on the inner surface of the delivery line and an unattached end extending diagonally in the output direction and toward the inside of the delivery line. The finger lamella thereby define a pass-through opening therein for enabling flow of thick matter through the restraining member such that the pass-through opening increases in size when thick matter flows in the output direction and decreases in size when there is no flow of thick matter or when thick matter moves in a direction opposite to the output direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a viscous material pump. According to the invention, a pressure sensor is associated with the hydraulic drive cylinder of the fixed displacement pump for generating a pressure signal when a first sudden pressure increase occurs after the drive piston moves out of its end position. The volume subsequently displaced by the conveying piston corresponds to the actual delivery volume during the pumping stroke. A processor calculates the actual delivery volume for each pumping stroke using the ratio between the stroke time, as defined by the occurrence of the pressure peak and the maximum available conveying volume of the cylinder, as defined by the stroke time the piston needs to move from its first to its second end position. The present invention further provides for adjusting the supply volume of a supply means discharging the material to the viscous material pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a sludge material handling system is disclosed. The sludge material handling system includes a positive displacement piston/cylinder pump, a sludge material feed system which delivers sludge material to the pump, and a sludge material disposal system which receives and disposes of sludge material from the pump. A first parameter is sensed, the first parameter bearing a known relationship to an actual volume of sludge material delivered during a pumping cycle. An output value is determined from the first parameter. A control signal is provided as a function of the output value.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump includes a vertical pump cylinder or body formed from an extruded tube or pipe of rigid plastics material, and the pump body has a lower end portion connected by an annular compression coupling and a set of bolts to a mating portion of a pump base supported by a fabricated tubular frame. The pump base includes a smaller horizontal conduit having opposite ends removably connected to a set of flapper-type check valves. The upper end portion of the pump body is connected to a support flange by a set of tie rods extending from the coupling and pump base, and a piston is moved axially within the pump body by an offset connecting rod and an eccentric drive mounted on the output shaft of a motor-reducer drive unit. The drive unit is mounted on a platform which rests on the support flange and is pivotally supported by the frame.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the transport of concrete includes a computer, pump sensors, and a positive displacement pump for pumping concrete through a pipeline. The monitoring system senses and records the number of pump strokes and the pumping pressure during each pump stroke. The actual volume and instantaneous pumping rates of concrete pumped during each pump stroke are calculated. Based upon a calculated velocity and upon the pressure of the concrete being pumped, the monitoring system provides predicted component wear information for maintenance scheduling and warranty verification.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids materials such as concrete includes a positive displacement pump, a pipeline connected to the pump and a valve in the pipeline located downstream from the pump for preventing material flow through the pipeline when the valve is in a closed position. The valve is closed at the end of each pumping stroke to prevent material flow through the pipeline. The pressure of material on the pump side of the valve is sensed. During a subsequent pumping stroke, the valve is opened when sufficient pressure exists on the pump side of the valve to ensure that material will flow in a positive direction through the pipeline.

Abstract: A metering pump for highly viscous fillings has a crankshaft-type drive for a back-and-forth movement of a piston (1) in a cylinder (2) and a drive for a forward-and-backward rotational movement of a rotary slide valve (4) derived from this. The rotary slide valve (4) has openings and the housing of said rotary slide valve has connections for a suction line (7) and a discharge line (8) for the piston/cylinder unit (1, 2). A plate cam, coupling assembly (14) and clamping lever (25) engaging with the turntable (4) are provided for the rotational movement of the rotary slide valve (4). The coupling assembly (14) has a pivoted lever (20) having an articulated joint (21) formed on one end which in turn is formed on a bearing block (19), arranged locally fixed and slideable. An adjusting drive (30) for altering the position of the bearing block (19) is provided independent from the crankshaft-type drive.

Abstract: A method for the start up of a concrete pump using a small amount of an aqueous suspension of polymers, amorphous silicone dioxide and water-reducer rather than a conventional cement slurry.

Abstract: A slurry pump for mixing concrete includes a charge funnel, a pair of discharge cylinders, and a discharge line operable with each other to form a slurry flow control. A control valve has an exit port connected with the discharge line and an entrance port that is alternatively positioned in front of an opening of each discharge cylinder. A pair of gate valve disks are positioned one on each side of the entrance port. The size of each gate valve disk conforms to a surface between the discharge cylinder openings such that in a change-over midpoint of the control valve the openings of the discharge cylinders are sealed off by the gate valve disks, and the entrance port and the control valve is sealed off on the surface between the discharge cylinders for the execution of a partial stroke a discharge cylinder piston which compresses the drawn in slurry. A compensation cylinder prevents slurry interruptions during the change-over the control valve.

Abstract: The objects of the invention are to prevent the backflow of slurry by first enclosing it in a closed space and then using air to force it along a discharge channel, and at the same time to ensure the smooth throughput of the slurry by causing any foreign bodies in the slurry to be broken up en route. To this end, the invention is provided with a casing enclosing a circular cross-section rotor chamber and a rotor which fits inside said rotor chamber and which is caused to rotate by a drive means. The rotor is also fitted with blades en bloc which extend radially from the rotating center section and which form moving chambers that rotate along with the rotor inside the rotor chamber. The casing is also provided with an intake port that connects with the moving chambers at the slurry intake point and a discharge port and air supply port, each of which connects, with the moving chambers at the slurry discharge point.

Abstract: A tube switch for a double-cylinder sludge pump is provided including a swing pipe, a wearing ring and an elastic member. The swing pipe is adapted to swivel in front of a center plate and includes an extension portion having an inner surface. The wearing ring is supported between the end of the swing pipe and the center plate and is axially movable relative to the swing pipe. The wearing ring has a recess formed at one end thereof, defined by a sloped boundary surface. The swing pipe is adapted to receive the end of the wearing ring including the recess therein. The recess thus defines an annular space between the swing pipe and the wearing ring with the inner surface of the extension portion of the swing pipe facing the annular space. The elastic member includes a radial inner surface and a sloped front end surface that corresponds to the boundary surface of the wearing ring. The elastic member is supported between the swing pipe and the wearing ring within the annular space.

Abstract: In a thick materials pump with paired, preferably parallel, feed cylinders, which alternatingly deliver and intake, and with a slide, which pivots on the axis of a central channel and, for each pair of feed cylinders, connects, by way of a branch channel, the given feed cylinder with a fixed feed conduit connecting to the central channel, while, simultaneously and by means of a sealing control surface provided on the inner wall of the slide housing for each branch channel receiving the thick material and provided with an aperture for each branch channel, closing a second branch channel of the slide and freeing the intake feed cylinder, while identical pressures are developed in the branch channels of equal length, the invention is characterized by the facts that the branch channels (7, 8) are essentially aligned and, in each case, form a right angle with the central channel (9), and that the sealing control surfaces (18, 20) on the slide housing (21) are cylindrically arched.

Abstract: A conveyance pump having a substantially constant output pressure. The pump includes a chamber having a circular periphery. A vane is mounted within the pump chamber for oscillation through an arc and a valve chamber includes opening to each boundary of this arc, and with input and output conduits. Within the valve chamber is a valve which may move between two positions, allowing communication between alternate pairs of openings and conduits. An hydraulic motor is connected to the vane to cause its oscillation between the limit positions, and a motor rotates the valve between its positions. In operation the vane will rotate, drawing material from the input opening into the pump chamber behind the advancing vane, and pushing, and thus pressurizing, the material out of the pump chamber in front of the advancing vane and out of the output opening. Reversing the vane continues this process.

Abstract: A two-stage pumping apparatus is provided with a pump housing through which gross movement of material occurs generally from an infeed opening to a discharge opening. The first stage includes two non-positive displacement helical flight augers which each rotate about respective, spaced-apart, parallel axes. The upstream end of one of the first stage augers terminates axially downstream of the downstream end of the other first stage auger helical flights. The helical flights of the upstream first stage auger extend laterally over at least a portion of the adjacent first stage auger. The first stage augers are coaxial with, and cooperate with, a pair of second stage augers which each have a positive displacement helical flight for engaging the material and for being respectively intermeshed to provide positive displacement pumping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-cylinder thick matter pump having a piston storage which is filled during the thick matter feed with the feed cylinders and evacuated by the hydrocontrolled storage piston into the feed pipe between the strokes of the feed pistons to reduce the pressure drop and the undelivered amount in the feed pipe. The inventive proposal is that the hydrocontrol of the storage piston (10) is served by a working piston (8) to be acted upon hydraulically on both sides, that is controlled with the feed cylinders and whose limits of travel, with the limits of travel of the storage piston (10), are fixed on the storage driving cylinder (7) when the storage cylinder (4) is fully evacuated and is filled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for pumping a fluid into a common pressure outlet. The system contains a plurality of reciprocating pumps. A separate sensor coupled to one cylinder of each pump provides an electrical signal each time the piston in that cylinder is at a predetermined position. A speed control circuit is provided to independently adjust the speed of each pump. Manual speed control for each pump is provided through a separate throttle for each pump. A pump control circuit coupled to each of the throttles, sensors and speed control circuit controls the operation of the system. An operator determines which of the pumps to operate by closing appropriate bypass switches provided at the pump control circuit, turns on the first (master) pump and adjusts its associated throttle to operate the pump at a desired speed. The operator then turns on each of the remaining (slave) pumps.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage during pumping cycle.

Abstract: A control system for a pump for thick materials in which the pump has a hydropump with a delivery-volume regulator for adjusting the delivery volume of the hydropump in response to a setpoint signal. A baffle member is coupled between the delivery cylinders of the pump and a delivery line, and a reversing member is coupled to the baffle member for reversing the baffle member to alternately couple the delivery cylinders to the delivery line and to a material dispenser container. A sampling device responsive to the end of the pressure stroke of the delivery cylinders transmits an end-position signal for initiating the reversal of the baffle member by the reversing member. A switching member is coupled by an output to the delivery-volume regulator of the hydropump and coupled by an input to the sampling device for receiving the end-position signals and for transmitting setpoint signals to the delivery-volume regulator.

Abstract: Wallboard compound is fed by gravity from a reservoir to the inlet of a positive displacement pump which pressurizes the compound and feeds it to a wallboard taping applicator. The pressure of the compound fed to the applicator is controlled within predetermined limits so as to provide an even and near instantaneous flow of compound to the applicator.

Abstract: A double piston pump mechanism includes two pistons operated out-of-phase by respective fluid-actuated cylinders. The pistons suck-in fluid through suction valves and discharge pressurized fluid through pressure valves. The actuation of the cylinders is regulated by two change-over valves which are mechanically connected to respective cylinders. Each change-over valve is actuated when its respective cylinder reaches a fully extended position or a fully retracted position. The change-over valves are connected to a control mechanism which operates to reverse the direction of actuating fluid supplied to the cylinders, the suction valves, and the pressure valves only in response to actuation of both of the change-over valves.

Abstract: A slurry pumping method and an apparatus to deliver slurry waste from factories to a filter press for solid-liquid separation. In this apparatus, a pair of laterally or vertically arranged diaphragm type pumping devices are activated by hydraulic cylinders, each consisting of a main cylinder and a subcylinder directly connected to the main cylinder, to introduce slurry from the slurry tank and deliver it under pressure by a resilient diaphragm of each pumping device to the filter press where it is processed for solid-liquid separation. One of the diaphragm type pumping devices is first started, followed by the other, thus alternately and repetitively activating the two pumping devices to achieve continuous operation of the slurry pumping process. When the processing is completed, the two hydraulic cylinders of both diaphragm type pumping devices are stopped by controlling the sleeve valves. In this way, an effective slurry pumping can be achieved.

Abstract: A two cylinder thick matter pump has two hydraulic drive cylinders, two pistons supported and driven within each respective drive cylinder, and two feed cylinders. Each feed cylinder is adapted to receive a respective piston therein to pump the matter therethrough. A hydro-pump is coupled to the drive cylinders to supply hydraulic fluid thereto. A reversing valve is coupled to the hydro-pump to reverse the direction thereof. Two pressure switching valves are coupled to one of the drive cylinders and to the reversing valve to actuate the reversing valve upon a change in cylinder pressure. Two electronic proximity switches are supported adjacent to the pistons and coupled to the reversing valve. The proximity switches actuate the reversing valve in parallel with the switching valves.

Abstract: A material-feeding container is disclosed for two-cylinder thick-matter pumps having feeding cylinders that open into the container. Inside the container is arranged a switchable guide-tube linked to the feeding line and alternatively movable between the openings of the feeding cylinders. A cleaning and servicing opening that can be closed with a cap provided with an agitator is arranged in each side wall. When the closing cap hinged on the material-feeding container is opened, the agitator pivots out of the container through the servicing opening, making the switchable guide-tube and its wearing parts freely accessible from the outside.

Abstract: A pressure sealing assembly for a swing tube-type concrete pump. The assembly provides a fluid-tight seal between the intake end of the swing tube and the ports of the pumping cylinders. Pressure faces are formed in the bearing assembly where the discharge end of the swing tube passes out of the concrete hopper, and a lubricating medium, such as grease, is positioned in this assembly adjacent the pressure face which is directed toward the intake end of the swing tube. Pressure is selectively supplied to the lubricating medium in the bearing assembly, so that this pressure applies the force toward the intake end of the swing tube, which forces the intake end of the swing tube into sealing abutment with a cylinder port.

Abstract: A viscous fluid pressure-feed apparatus which feeds and drains a slurry of a highly viscous fluid in a casing to a filter press, or the like inside, or outside, an elastic film by pressurizing the elastic film through the feed/drain operation by an oil pressure generation apparatus outside, or inside, the elastic film which is supported by the casing. Particularly, a mechanical press-in apparatus such as a screw feeder is disposed at a suction port of the viscous fluid into the elastic film disposed in the casing so as to operate in synchronism with expansion and contraction of the flexible film and to compulsorily supply the slurry having a high viscosity from a slurry tank. Furthermore, a gas reservoir chamber is added to the casing and a gas exhaust valve is disposed in the gas reservoir chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for periodically drawing accumulated sludge (12) from a settlement tank (10) includes a hydraulically powered ram type positive displacement pump (14), operation thereof being controlled automatically in a timed or other sequence in response to signals derived from a pressure transducer (34), conveniently in the hydraulic supply line (24), said signals being a function of the pressure exerted by the pump ram (22) in operation and hence the density or other properties of the material being handled by the pump, a higher pressure showing the presence of sludge and a lower pressure its absence.

Abstract: A dual piston alternately reciprocating pumping apparatus utilizing, in part, a pressure based precompression stroke to provide product at a substantially uniform discharge pressure. In operation, a first feed piston is advanced through a first feed cylinder to discharge product therefrom, during which time a second feed piston is retracting within a second feed cylinder to obtain a product charge therein. The second feed piston reaches bottom dead center and thereafter advances through the second feed cylinder on a precompression stroke, during which no product is discharged from the second feed cylinder. After a predetermined pressure related to that within the second feed cylinder is detected, further advancement of the second feed piston is terminated and is not reactivated until the first feed piston nears top dead center. Therefore, a product having a substantially uniform discharge pressure is provided.

Abstract: A thick matter pump has two feed cylinders, each including an opening coupled in fluid communication with a material feed tank containing matter to be pumped. A tube switch is adapted to be alternately coupled on its intake side to the openings of the feed cylinders, and on its output side to a delivery pipe to permit the passage of pumped matter therethrough and into the delivery pipe. A shutoff device is supported between the output side of the tube switch and the delivery pipe. The shutoff device is adapted to open to permit the passage of pumped matter therethrough and to close to prevent the passage of pumped matter therethrough in accordance with the difference between the pressure on the input side and the pressure on the output side of the shutoff device, which difference is adjustable by hydraulic or pneumatic means.

Abstract: A pump capable of shear mixing and supplying high density grout over long distances and through relatively narrow conduits. The pump includes a hopper, a series of agitators in the hopper and a coincident auger and rotor/stator disposed below the hopper. The pump is held together by a pair of side bars having quick release bear clamp clasps for expeditious disassembly.

Abstract: Concrete-pumping device comprising a frame, a number of pump cylinders mounted on the frame which comprise a pump opening close to one end, sealed pump pistons which are guided slidably in the pump cylinders toward and away from the pumping device and which are each coupled to reciprocal driving to the plunger of a coaxially arranged hydraulic jack, hydraulic switching means for cyclically feeding to and discharging from the jack hydraulic oil under pressure such that the plunger causes the reciprocating movement of the pump piston and concrete switching means for alternately placing the pump opening in communication with a feed funnel and a pressure conduit for concrete synchronously with the movement of the pump piston in order to pump concrete out of the feed funnel into the pressure conduit.

Abstract: A slurry filter apparatus in which a pump mechanism having a valve and a valve seat, each of which is made of a wear-resisting metal material, is capable of moving a slurry of high density and containing hard particles, under pressure, the flow of slurry being injected so as to strike the face of the filter at an a predetermined, non-tangential angle. Coarse particles contained in the slurry are uniformly dispersed by the shearing forces due to cavitation generated through the high pressure injection of the slurry and abrupt speed changes of the flow of slurry. A caked layer of particular material is thereby prevented from forming on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage by using a material flow signal, measured time intervals, hydraulic fluid pressure, or hydraulic fluid flow rate during each pumping cycle.

Abstract: Dosing apparatus for adding a metered quantity of liquid additive to slurry or other flowable material handled by a ram-type positive displacement main pump (10) includes a positive displacement metering pump (32) whose outlet (44) connects into a material carrying portion of the main pump e.g. its inlet (22). The metering pump is driven by a rocking lever (48) connecting it to the main pump ram (14) through adjustment means comprising a lead screw (62) along an arm (50) of the lever for selectively shifting a slide block (68) linked to the metering pump piston rod (42); the slide block being secured against movement on the lever arm once adjustment has been effected by clamping means (74).

Abstract: An agitator and pump assembly adapted to be trailed behind a vehicle and to be moved into a manure pond, wherein the apparatus includes a pump housing at the end of an elongated frame supported on a wheeled sub-frame. The wheeled sub-frame is pivotally connected near one end to a midpoint of the elongated frame. The pump housing includes a rotating bladed impeller having an axis of rotation which is at an acute angle to the elongated frame, and a screw pump extends above the housing for thrusting the material downwardly through the housing upon rotation thereof.

Abstract: A pump for liquid or slurry is valve controlled to fill a pumping chamber to an upper predetermined level; valve controlled to supply gas under pressure to the top of the liquid to force it out a lower outlet port down to a lower predetermined level and to alternate such cycles with all valves being located outside the chamber.

Abstract: A dual-acting, reciprocating piston pump is provided which comprises a pump body formed with a passageway having an inlet and a discharge outlet which receives a piston assembly including a plunger rod carrying a valve plate or spider, a shovel rod carrying a shovel disc and a rod connector formed with a valve seat which interconnects the plunger rod and shovel rod. A tubular check valve is carried on the rod connector between the valve seat and the valve plate in sliding contact with the internal wall in the pump body formed by the passageway, which divides the passageway into an upper pumping chamber communicating with the discharge outlet and a lower pumping chamber communicating with the inlet. A second check valve is located at the inlet to the passageway in the pump body and is movable between an open and closed position relative thereto.

Abstract: In an apparatus for pneumatically discharging concrete fed hydromechanically in a dense stream, using for the hydromechanical feed a concrete pump having a hydraulic drive comprising at least two cylinders with opposed pistons, said pump having synchronization control by a displacer circuit conducting the working medium displaced by a piston, and having a dosing means for an additive serving as an accelerating agent, whose drive is connected to the hydraulic circuit of the concrete pump drive, the inventive proposal is that the drive of the dosing means is connected to the displacer circuit and designed as a reciprocating piston drive whose absorption amount corresponds to the displacement amount of the working pistons and is added in both directions to the displacement amount of each working piston.

Abstract: Improved apparatus (10) for pumping of a viscous, flowable material which minimizes the problem of large pressure fluctuations in downstream conduits (16). The apparatus (10) preferably includes a twin piston cement pump (12) and a flexible material delivery conduit (16). A surge control apparatus (14) operatively couples the pump (12) and the conduit (16). The surge control apparatus (14) includes a primary material-conveying body (40) with an elongated surge chamber (46) extending outward from the primary body (40). The surge chamber (46) includes a slidable piston (48) and means for filling a portion of the chamber with a pressurized fluid (62).

Abstract: A multi-cylinder piston pump of rotary slide valve design for conveying free flowing materials, in particular concrete, comprises a rotary slide valve (33, 36) connected to the piston (48, 49) and their cylinders (44, 45) with which it pivots. The feeder hopper (4) of the pump is equipped with a stirrer (5) which is actuated only when the pump is in operation. The rotary slide valve (33, 36) is located outside the feeder hopper (4). During the delivery stroke, the axis of the delivery cylinder is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the adjacent conical pressure pipe (18). This pump is of simpler design than known pumps and is therefore more reliable and requires less maintenance.

Abstract: A pipe switch for two-cylinder thick-material sludge pumps comprises a pivot pipe (1) pivotable in front of a wear plate (8). A wear ring (22) is disposed axially slidable to a limited amount against the spring force of a rubber-elastic sealing ring (3) on the cylinder-side end of the pivot pipe (1). At least one stabilization ring (26', 26"), made of steel, is connected and attached to the sealing ring (3). Said stabilization ring (26', 26") is disposed in the region of one of the two front faces of the sealing ring (3). This measure achieves a permanently sealing and wear-balancing effect even in case the sealing rings exhibit an elongated extended cross-sectional form in the axial direction.

Abstract: A sanitary material moving pump having a ram mounted for rreciprocal movement in a pumping chamber. An elongte tubular housing is connected at one end to the ram for purposes of reciprocal movement of the ram to move material through the pumping chamber. A piston shaft is mounted in stationary relationship relative to the pumping chamber in alignment with the design pumping axis of the pumping chamber. The end of the housing opposite the ram extends outward of the pumping chamber and is installed on the working end of the piston shaft. A piston is mounted on the inside end of the piston shaft. Hydraulic fluid lines communicate with opposite sides of the piston to reciprocate the housing on the piston shaft and the ram in the pumping chamber. Apparatus is provided for correctly adjusting the alignment of the hydraulic power unit to be as coincident as possible with the design pumping axis of the machine.

Abstract: A pump unit comprising co-operating, push-pull connected reciprocating pumps for the pumping in portions of contents to packing containers on a packing machine. The reciprocating pumps (1) each comprise a control piston (4) connected to the pump piston (6) in control cylinders (18), which are joined together in pairs by means of a connecting pipe (20). The pipe is provided with a flow regulating valve (21) for regulating the flow rate of the hydraulic oil and hence the piston speed. The quantity of hydraulic oil in the connecting pipe can be regulated with the help of a supply tank (23) so that the length of stroke of the pistons can be adjusted.

Abstract: A pumping system for a top loading manure wagon utilizing dual augers interconnected by a hose with both augers being independently driven with one auger extending into a manure pit, lagoon or the like and the other auger extending to the top loading manure wagon. The augers include support structures, an inlet and an outlet and the auger extending to the top of the wagon is driven at a slightly higher speed than the auger extending into the pit in order to prevent plugging as well as to help create a vacuum therein. The auger which extends to the tank wagon includes a stand and a shoe at the lower end to keep the auger drive means from coming into contact with a supporting surface.

Abstract: An inherently flushing piston rod is provided for use with a reciprocating pump. A piston rod having a rod portion and a piston portion is mounted for reciprocating movement within the housing of the reciprocating pump. An axial bore is defined through the piston portion and the rod portion and fluidly connects the external environment of the rod portion to an internal chamber within the piston portion. Throughout the stroke of the piston, a flushing fluid is inherently drawn through the axial bore and into the internal chamber of the piston portion, and is subsequently delivered to a flushing space defined about the perimeter of the piston portion.

Abstract: A two-stage pumping apparatus is provided with a pump housing through which gross movement of material occurs generally from an infeed opening to a discharge opening. A first stage non-positive displacement helical flight auger is provided in a first stage region above, and coaxial with, one of a pair of second stage augers each having a positive displacement helical flight for engaging the material and for being respectively intermeshed to provide positive displacement pumping.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting pressure from hydraulic fluid to a slurry material includes a housing having a piston chamber defined therein surrounded by a piston chamber wall. The housing also contains an inlet port and an outlet port, through which ports slurry material enters and leaves the piston chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber so that sliding movement of the piston produces pressurization of the slurry material and movement thereof through the outlet port. A hydraulic fluid channel is disposed in the housing so that pressurized hydraulic fluid therein produces a force on the piston which causes sliding movement thereof, so as to produce a pressure in the slurry material which is proportional to the pressure in the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A pumping system for sludge including hazardous waste material and other viscous material includes a vacuum pump for drawing sludge into and through an intake line to a separator where the heavier components of the sludge descend into a closed tank hopper. A positive displacement pump discharges the sludge from the closed tank hopper through a delivery line to a remote point of disposal or storage. A centrifugal pump attached to the sludge receiving end of the intake line and being hydraulically driven acts as a booster for the vacuum pump by pushing sludge into and through the intake line while helping to overcome the head pressure therein as well as friction in the intake line. The vacuum in the intake line created by the vacuum pump enables the submerged centrifugal pump to feed itself. The centrifugal pump also functions as a cutter head helping to liquefy heavy sludge.

Abstract: A practical method of forming foundation structures for buildings or the like is provided which allows economical and convenient formation of foundation piles and pile caps. In the preferred method hereof, an auger is drilled to a desired depth in the soil whereupon grout is pumped through the hollow shaft of the auger while the auger is removed to form a pile having an upper surface generally even with the initial grade level. A grout pump then removes grout from the pile down to a lower level generally slightly above the desired base level of a pile cap. After the grout hardens, the soil in the vicinity of the pile is removed to a level generally even with the upper surface of the pile whereupon a pile cap is poured onto the pile for at least partial support thereby.

Abstract: An inherently flushing piston rod is provided for use with a reciprocating pump. A piston rod having a rod portion and a piston portion is mounted for reciprocating movement within the housing of the reciprocating pump. An axial bore is defined through the piston portion and the rod portion and fluidly connects the external environment of the rod portion to an internal chamber within the piston portion. Throughout the stroke of the piston, a flushing fluid is inherently drawn through the axial bore and into the internal chamber of the piston portion, and is subsequently delivered to a flushing space defined about the perimeter of the piston portion.