Abstract: A valve assembly for a bilge pump system having first and second bilge pumps each connected to a single hull outlet includes a valve body having a first inlet port for connection to the first bilge pump, a second inlet port for connection to the second bilge pump, and an outlet port for connection to the hull outlet. A first one-way valve operates at the first inlet port for allowing flow into the first inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the first inlet port from the second inlet port and/or the outlet port. A second one-way valve operates at the second inlet port for allowing flow into the second inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the second inlet port from the first inlet port and/or the outlet port. The valve assembly enables the second bilge pump to be connected to the single hull outlet and eliminates the need to cut an additional outlet opening in the hull.
Abstract: A vertical wave powered air compressor where different parts of the structure are at different depths (and hence static pressures). A plurality of compression stages are stacked one below the other. Each level has two or more chambers. The chambers have a series of check valves or water seals between them. Each passing wave raises and lowers the entire stack. As the stack moves downward, increased water pressure causes water to enter the first chambers at each level compressing the air inside. As the stack returns upward, the decreased water pressure causes water to leave the first chambers allowing the air therein to expand. However, the check valves prevent the air in the second chambers from expanding or escaping back into the first chambers. Another set of check valves allow the air in the second chambers, as it expands, to be forced downward into the next lower first chamber.
Abstract: An electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission of a machine is provided. The control mechanism includes a control assembly that has rotational motion. A plurality of contactless sensors detect the amount of rotational movement of the control assembly and responsively produce signals that are indicative of a desired speed and/or direction of the transmission. A coupling arrangement couples the rotational motion of the control assembly to the contactless sensors to isolate the contactless sensors from mechanical loading that is imposed on the control assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 19, 1995
Date of Patent:
August 26, 1997
Assignee:
Caterpillar Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen W. Rector, Douglas D. Schumann, Robert R. Siegler