Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The vacuum source can include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, a flexible diaphragm dividing the first chamber and the second chamber; and a check valve permitting gas transport into and out of the first chamber, the check valve comprising an inlet and an outlet. The system can also include a distillation unit having a distillation chamber, a saline liquid in the distillation chamber, and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The inlet of the check valve can be fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit.

Abstract: A valve (100) includes a housing (111) and the fluid port (121). A plunger (125) is configured to seal the fluid port (121) in a first position (91) and to unseal the fluid port (121) in a second position and to displace along a displacement direction (259) from its first position (91) towards its second position. The valve (100) also includes at least one shape memory alloy, SMA, actuator (151, 152) extending along the displacement direction (259) for at least 50% of its length and configured to exert an actuation force (155) on the plunger (125) to displace the plunger (125) from the first position (91) towards the second position.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems for storing compressed air and extracting energy from the compressed air are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: compressing air; storing the compressed air in a first storage tank at a first pressure; transferring the compressed air from the first storage tank to a second storage tank; storing the compressed air in the second storage tank at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; discharging the compressed air from the second storage tank; and extracting energy from the compressed air discharged from the second storage tank. The method may also comprise adding heat to the compressed air between the first storage tank and the second storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (20) provided to a spray bar (10) mounted on a carrier (1) at an angle (?10) adjustable relative to the carrier (1), the control system (20) comprising an actuator for changing the angle (?10) of the spray bar (10); a control device for controlling the actuator; and a damping device connected to the actuator to damp vibrations and oscillations of the spray bar (10) and thus stabilize the angle (?10). The invention is characterized in that the control system (20) further comprises a recharging device operating simultaneously with the control device to compensate for a pressure change in the damping device during a change in the angle (?10) of the spray bar (10). The invention also relates to a spray bar (10), a carrier (1) and a method of implementation.

Abstract: An automatic shutoff system for a hydraulic hammer is disclosed. The automatic shutoff system may include an inlet groove formed around a piston associated with the hydraulic hammer and configured to receive pressurized fluid, and an outlet groove formed around a piston associated with the hydraulic hammer and configured to discharge the pressurized fluid. The automatic shutoff system may also include an annular passage configured to allow the pressurized fluid to flow between the inlet and outlet grooves. The automatic shutoff system may further include a valve disposed upstream of the inlet groove and configured to selectively block the pressurized fluid from flowing into the inlet groove based on an operational state of the hydraulic hammer.

Abstract: A fuel pump for a direct injection internal combustion engine having a housing defining a pump chamber. Driven and idler toothed gears are rotatably mounted within the pump chamber so that the driven and idler gears are in mesh with each other at a predetermined location in the pump chamber. A fluid inlet is formed through the housing and open to an inlet subchamber in the pump chamber. A fluid outlet is also formed through the housing and open to an outlet subchamber in the pump chamber. A pressure relief passageway fluidly connects the inlet subchamber to the outlet subchamber and a valve is disposed in series with the pressure relief passageway. A control circuit controls the actuation of the valve to control the pump pressure at the pump outlet.

Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing bi-directional piston movement within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include a first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, and a hydraulic controller. The first pneumatic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first working piston. The second pneumatic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second pneumatic cylinder. The hydraulic controller is fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator and is operable in a compression mode and an expansion mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing bi-directional piston movement within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include a first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, and a hydraulic controller. The first pneumatic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator is coupled to the first working piston. The second pneumatic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second pneumatic cylinder. The hydraulic controller is fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator and is operable in a compression mode and an expansion mode.

Abstract: An actuator related to the present invention includes a cylinder that has a tubular shape and is filled with a fluid; a piston that divides the inside of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber in an axial direction of the cylinder, is reciprocable inside the cylinder, and opens and closes a main valve; a fluid supplying device for supplying the fluid to the second chamber; biasing device for biasing the piston in the axial direction toward the second chamber; a flow passage that communicates between the first chamber and the second chamber; and a pilot valve that cuts off the flow passage communicating between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: In a traditional hybrid air engine it is complicated to adjust valve timing to compensate for different engine operating modes. Provided is an air compression method and apparatus. The air compression method can be carried out in a single stage with a plurality of air tanks (61, 63) coupled to a compressor (51). The compressor (51) may be a cylinder Air is added to the compressor (51) at atmospheric pressure. Pressurized air is then added to the compressor (51) from a low pressure air tank (61). The compressor (51) compresses the air and transfers a portion of it to a high pressure air tank (63). The remaining portion of the compressed air is transferred to the low pressure air tank (61) for use in the next compression cycle A cam shaft (27) having a two stroke cam (93) and a four stroke cam (95) for each intake valve (59) and exhaust valve (55, 57) is provided to control valve timing during different operating modes.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air and liquid heat exchange is improved via control of the system operation and/or the properties of the heat-exchange liquid.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic-electric pumping unit (12) with downstroke energy recovery is disclosed which is operated in a conventional flow mode to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic ram (26), and then is operated in a reverse flow mode to receive the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic ram (26) and turn an electric motor (16) to generate electric power. A single hydraulic hose (48) connects the pump (18) to the hydraulic ram (26), and is used for both passing the hydraulic fluid from the pump (18) to the hydraulic ram (26) and from the ram (26) to the pump (18). The potential energy of the weight of sucker rods (10) lifted in operating the pumping unit (12) is recovered by operating the pump (18) and motor (16) with return of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic ram (26) through the pump (18), which turns the motor (16) to generate electric power.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven elevator or lift is provided with counterbalance means to at least partly counterbalance the load imposed by the load carrier or lift car. Operation of the counterbalance means, which includes a source of hydraulic fluid communicating with an accumulator, does not involve any interference with the working fluid of the hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic accumulator with a flexible porous filler intended for fluid power recuperation in hydraulic systems with a high level of pulsations includes a shell where a gas port and a fluid port are connected, respectively, with a gas reservoir and a fluid reservoir of variable volume separated by a movable separator. The flexible porous filler fills the gas reservoir so that the separator movement reducing the gas reservoir volume compresses said filler. The filler is connected with internal walls of the gas reservoir with the possibility of stretching the filler at the separator movement increasing the volume of the gas reservoir. The accumulator contains means of protection of the filler boundary layer against rupture made with the possibility of reducing local deformations of the boundary filler layer in case of jerks of the separator.

Abstract: An assembly for the hydraulic actuation of safety equipment includes a hydraulic actuator disposed between a fluid feed line and a supply line in fluid communication with the safety equipment. A pump valve in the supply line downstream of the hydraulic actuator is adjustable between open and closed positions for providing hydraulic fluid to supply line. A fluid source communicates with a bypass line in fluid communication with the supply line. A bypass valve is disposed between the fluid source and the supply line and is lockable between open and closed positions for providing other hydraulic fluid to supply line.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack system is described, suitable for lifting heavy loads such as automobiles. The jack system is operable by a powered driver fitted with a socket for coupling to a nut rotationally fixed to the jack system, wherein the driver is removable directly after use. As such, no handle is required for activating the hydraulic jack system. The jack system has a low profile, reducing the danger of being accidentally knocked into during operation. When operated by a powered driver, the driver rotates a camshaft mounted to the jack system, the camshaft reciprocally drives a push rod that activates a plunger for hydraulically elevating a piston ram.

Abstract: A winch system, typically used in a roller coaster system, includes a hydraulic pump, a variable speed motor connected to the hydraulic pump, a first pipe connected to the hydraulic pump; a second pipe connected to the hydraulic pump comprising a second pressurized fluid; an accumulator system connected the pipes; a motor connected to the accumulator system; and a winch drum connected to the motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprised of a toroidal piston within a toroidal enclosure, with differential fluid pressure alternatively applied to upper and lower surfaces of the piston to cause a reciprocating motion, and with plural double ended piston rods extending in parallel above and below the piston, and slidably extending in fluid sealed relation through end caps of the toroidal enclosure to distribute the vibrational force produced by the reciprocating piston over plural points of a surface area of the mass to be vibrated, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress, strain, or harmonics in the mass.

Abstract: A gas driven oscillator (10) comprising an engine (11) having a cylinder (12) and a pair of expansion chambers (13, 14) on either side of a floating piston (15) adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder (12). The piston (15) is mounted on a piston rod (16) extending through the cylinder (12) and into a compressor (17). Compressed air is delivered from a tank (20) to the engine (11) via a pair of valves (22, 23) mounted on an adjustment screw and slidably disposed on the piston rod (16). The spacing between the valves (22, 23) can be adjusted in order to vary the amplitude of the piston (15) within the cylinder (12). The piston rod (16) includes spaced slots (24, 25) which alternate align with passages inside the respective valves (22, 23) to deliver a pulse of compressed air to the respective chambers (13, 14) of the cylinder (12). Mercury is added to or discharged from a tank (42) which is rigidly secured to piston rod (16) to vary the inertia of the oscillator (10).

Abstract: A reversible flow variable rate hydraulic swashplate pump furnishes hydraulic fluid to stroke a piston supporting a subsurface pump. The controller determines reversal of pump flow and timing and speed of upstroke and downstroke of the subsurface pump. No valving restricts hydraulic fluid flow, and energy from the falling mass of the beam and sucker rods is accumulated during downstroke to be utilized during upstroke. The invention also includes the method steps of pumping hydraulic fluid to a cylinder containing a piston supporting the subsurface pump piston at a constant increasing rate until a maximum preset flow is reached, decreasing the flow to zero at a rate different than the increasing rate, reversing the hydraulic fluid flow to flow from the cylinder to the hydraulic pump at a constant increasing rate until maximum preset reverse flow is reached, and reducing reversed flow to zero at a rate different than the increasing flow rate.

Abstract: A Hydraulic Pumping Unit equipped with a flywheel, a high-slip electric motor and a reversible hydraulic pump such that during the downstroke of the Unit, the hydraulic pump operates as a hydraulic motor, accelerating the flywheel and accumulating in this way the energy of the downgoing rodstring in the form of kinetic energy.The interaction between the flywheel, electric motor and weight of the rodstring adjusts automatically the range of speed variation.The upward and downward speeds of the Hydraulic Pumping Unit can be adjusted by hand or automatically by electronically commanded step motors, in such a way that the Hydraulic Pumping Units adjusts itself to the varying conditions of the oilwell.

Abstract: A pulse hydraulic system is disclosed comprising, in combination a hydraulic sump for supplying the system with hydraulic fluid, one or more hydraulic pumps taking suction on the sump for increasing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid exiting the sump, a pulse generator fed by the discharge from the pump(s) for creating pulsed pressure of the hydraulic fluid output therefrom, an actuator coupled to the pulse generator for doing work, and one or more accumulators coupled between at least one of the pump(s) and the pulse generator, between the pulse generator and the actuator, and between the pulse generator and the sump for storing and supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the system. The addition of one or more pulse intensifiers to a pulse hydraulic system increases the overall system efficiency.

Abstract: A hydraulic press of the type having at least one hydraulic pump driven by a rotary shaft and a hydraulically operable ram is provided with an improvement comprising a flywheel connected to the pump shaft. According to another aspect, the ram is reciprocated between retracted and extended positions by rotating the pump shaft and the flywheel at a predetermined rotational speed so as to operate the pump(s) and deliver fluid to the hydraulically operable ram.

Abstract: An energy saving electromagnetic motor in which a pressure tank provides pressurized fluid to a turbine, rotating the turbine and a crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected via a clutch and axle to a skin comprising a plurality of magnets, which thus revolve about the axle. The magnet's revolution causes electromagnets to operate piston-driven pumps, which serve to partially replenish the pressure lost by the pressurized fluid after the fluid rotates the turbine.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a plurality of cylinders, with each cylinder having an expansion chamber (15), defined in part by a piston plate (2); and a diversion chamber (16) which is divided into two chambers by a slide plate (11), with the diversion chambers connected to a pressure supply line (27) and to a pressure diversion line (28). The piston plate is connected to a piston rod (5) by a lock (3). The expansion chamber holds an amount of compressed air held constant throughout the operation cycle. Expansion of the expansion chamber moves the piston plate and piston rod (5) to rotate a crankshaft (5a). At the end of the expansion stroke, the piston rod is disconnected from the piston plate. The expansion chamber is compressed by pressurizing the diversion chamber below the slide plate (11), forcing the slide plate and push rods (7) upwards, which pushes the piston plate upwards, until the piston plate can be held at a top position by a lock (3').

Abstract: A reciprocating pneumatic motor for hydraulics has a pair of guide grooves on the inner wall of a cylinder provided, together with a pneumatic piston and a shuttle valve to function pneumatically. The piston has a seal ring which passes the guide grooves to allow air to flow into the shuttle compression chamber, pushing the shuttle valve and opening up a channel for the venting of air. This continuous air flow and venting causes the piston to reciprocate. In addition, the piston is integrated with a ring plate using plastic ultrasound technology which simplifies the structure of the pneumatic motor.

Abstract: Controls for operating fluid pressure fueled reciprocating piston engines are simplified by passing fuel directly to a cylinder inlet port from a synchronously timed rotary distributor. This permits a snap acting diaphragm transfer valve normally opening the inlet fuel path to the cylinder to respond to a decrease in fuel pressure to quickly snap open an exhaust port and close the inlet port. Several embodiments include a battery operated fuel supply source, recycling of spent fuel, and auxiliary exhaust paths from bottom dead center cylinder positions, to increase efficiency, speed and reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing liquid under pressure having a first volume containing a liquid at a first pressure and a second volume containing liquid at a second, lower, pressure and energy storage means to receive and store energy derived from said first volume as a result of said first volume containing liquid under said first pressure and using said stored energy to increase the pressure in the second volume.

Abstract: A single rod three chamber fluid motor is driven in a forward stroke which includes a rapid initial advance followed by a relatively short and slow feed stroke under high pressure. The rapid advance is performed by a closed loop system in which a high displacement main pump, pumps fluid to act against a first equal area at the head side of the piston and receives fluid expelled from a second equal area at the rod side of the piston while an accumulator maintains the third chamber exposed to a third area of the head side of the piston filled with fluid. Upon shifting to the feed stroke, the main pump is disconnected and a feed pump applies pressure to both of the first and third areas at the head side of the piston and receives fluid expelled by the second equal area and from a charge pump. The access fluid added to the feed pump circuit by the charge pump is returned via the accumulator to the charge pump sump during the return stroke of the piston.

Abstract: A wellhead mounted pneumatic actuator for bottom hole oil pumps designed for operation by compressed air or gas. The preferred embodiment utilizes a single action cylinder with the downstroke actuated by the weight of the sucker rods and the fluid contained therein. Sufficient relatively high pressure air or gas from an external source is supplied under the piston of the cylinder to lift the piston at all times. A pressure or solenoid control floating piston bleeder valve selectively routes air or gas into the power cylinder on both sides of the piston to accomplish the downstroke. First and second contactors are mounted to cables suspended from a spreader reciprocating with the piston to contact respective first and second pivot arms to pivot the pivot arms into engagement with the respective first and second activator buttons of the bleeder valve to shift the bleeder valve from one position to the other to effectuate the selective routing of air or gas to the top of the piston as well as under the piston.

Abstract: A pick device is incorporated in a weaving machine for the shuttles. The device comprises an accumulator for a working medium which can be filled into and emptied out of the accumulator and a pick-executing unit is incorporated, which performs its pick operation upon actuation by the working medium during emptying of the working medium out of the accumulator. A regulating member varies the effect of the working medium on the unit as a function of signals received for a controlling unit, thereby providing a predetermined pick force to the pick-executing unit.

Abstract: A long stroke deep well pumping unit which employs a fluid motor connected with a polish rod by using a plurality of belts, fixed at either end, to reciprocate the sucker rod through repeated long strokes with a minimum of stress and shock to the sucker rod during directional change.

Abstract: A variable displacement, hydraulic pump/motor has its rotatable cylinder block concentrically affixed to a drive shaft segment of a self-propelled vehicle, the pump/motor has selected pump and motor modes. An hydraulic accumulator is charged and discharged from the pump/motor when it is in its pump and motor modes, respectively. A fluid reservoir supplies and receives low pressure fluid when the accumulator is being charged and discharged, respectively. Preferably the reservoir is a combination of an aft chamber of the accumulator, a low pressure chamber defined by the pump/motor cylinder block and its housing, and a low pressure fluid path between the two. The pump/motor is unloaded when the vehicle is being operated in reverse or when neither the brake nor accelerator is being actuated. The pump/motor is in the pump mode whenever the vehicle is moving forward and the brakes are applied, and it is the motor mode whenever the vehicle is in forward gear and the accelerator is actuated.

Abstract: Hydrostatic drives for wave generating apparatus in swimming pools require a large amount of energy. A hydrostatic drive for the wave generating apparatus is provided which allows that part of the kinetic energy of the rearwardly moving water to be transformed into hydraulic energy, which in turn is used to impart onto the water a forward movement.

Abstract: A high-pressure source of hydraulic fluid and a sump are connected to a cyclically operating user of hydraulic fluid having a hydraulic accumulator by a high-pressure feed line having one end connected to the source and an opposite end connected to the accumulator and user. A pressure-limiting valve has an input side connected to the high-pressure line between the ends thereof and an opposite output side connected to the sump. This valve opens only when pressure in the line exceeds a preset maximum to allow flow between its sides. A detector is connected to the output side of the valve for measuring the peak pressure thereof over several operating cycles of the user and a controller is connected to the detector for operating when the peak pressure detected over several operating cycles exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A compressed air power plant which includes a piston disposed within a cylinder and connected to a drive shaft. The piston is operated through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke upon each rotation of the drive shaft. The power plant includes compressed air means for supplying compressed air at a high pressure and at a second pressure lower than the high pressure. A distributing means is operatively associated with the compressed air means for selectively communicating the high pressure compressed air to the cylinder at the initial portion of the power stroke of the piston. An intake means is operatively associated with the cylinder and the compressed air means for selectively admitting compressed air at the second lower pressure to the cylinder at a predetermined time in the power stroke after the communication of high pressure air to the cylinder.

Abstract: A fail-safe electric actuator, for use with a control mechanism such as a valve, is disclosed. The actuator device eliminates the possibility of the control mechanism being locked in operative position by the interruption of electric power, by automatically and mechanically returning the control mechanism to its inopertive position as soon as current is cut off. This is accomplished by the release of a torsion spring, wound previously by the rotation of a fluid-driven vaned torque actuator in turning both the control-mechanism and the electric fail-safe actuator into operative position.

Abstract: A motor driven hydraulic lift pump assembly for oil wells includes a mechanical flywheel connected to a hydraulic pump/motor combination in turn incorporated in the hydraulic circuit of the well lift cylinder. The pump/motor and flywheel assembly with associated hydraulic control can be separately mounted on a skid and connected into the hydraulic and electrical circuitry for the well lift cylinder. The combination pump/motor reverses in mode as the vertically mounted well cylinder piston moves upwardly and downwardly to pump from a deep well. As the well cylinder piston moves downwardly the pump/motor is in motor mode storing energy by increasing the rotational speed of the flywheel. As the well cylinder piston moves upwardly the pump/motor is in the pump mode and energy is taken from the flywheel to assist in raising the well cylinder piston to pump crude oil from the deep well.

Abstract: For use with a pumped well having a string of sucker rods connecting to a downhole pump, hydraulic pumping apparatus is disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a polished rod is surrounded by a selectively located sleeve. The sleeve locks to a piston in a hydraulic cylinder. The piston is forced upwardly. The length of stroke is adjusted. The location of the sleeve on the polished rod is likewise adjustable. This enables the device to be adjusted so that any length of sucker rods can be accommodated without requiring cutting sucker rods to achieve a particular length. Moreover, the length of stroke is adjustable to take into account the stroke of the pump and sucker rod elongation during operation.

Abstract: Manipulator apparatus is provided with an energy efficient control arrangement. The control arrangement in a point-to-point mode of operation utilizes a servo valve to selectively admit fluid from a pressurized source to one end of a cylinder. A piston is slidably mounted within the cylinder and connected to move a manipulator arm that is movable in a plurality of axes. The servo valve is closed when a predetermined arm velocity is reached and a bypass valving arrangement is opened to interconnect the ends of the cylinder. At a predetermined position of the manipulator arm, the control arrangement closes the bypass valving arrangement and the manipulator arm is decelerated as the arm approaches the desired final position.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly including a valve member maintained on a seat by a tensioned wire or filament which is heated to permit the valve member to move off of its seat. A piston and cylinder assembly including a conduit therein for permitting pressurized fluid to actuate the piston when an electrically operated valve of the type described above is actuated. A self-contained system including a reservoir, compressible liquid in the reservoir, a squib for pressurizing the compressible liquid, a piston and cylinder, a conduit between the reservoir and the cylinder, and a valve of the above-described type in the conduit for selectively admitting pressurized compressed liquid to the cylinder. A piston and cylinder system including a plurality of the above-described valve assemblies and associated conduits for selectively admitting hydraulic liquid to opposite sides of the piston to move it in opposite directions.

Abstract: A pumping unit for wells which is hydraulically powered and adapted to replace or used in lieu of conventional pump jacks. The hydraulic system utilized with the hydraulically operated pumping unit includes an accumulator system which stores energy produced by gravity induced downward movement of the pump rod and other pump components during the down stroke and automatically utilizes this stored energy to assist in lifting the pump components and the column of production fluid thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping unit.

Abstract: A compressed fluid reciprocating piston engine provides for cylinders radially disposed about a crankshaft and coupled thereto by means of piston rods engaging a disc rotatable with the crankshaft. Exhaust fluid feedback is merged into higher pressure fuel at a venturi throat section in the fuel conveyance line where the pressures are temporarily substantially equalized. A timer distributor mechanism consists of a disc rotatable by a shaft as journalled between two outer panels thereby with a rotating aperture hole to provide pressurized fluid through a scanned sequence of outlet lines serving to operate fluid input valves coupling a fluid pressure source selectively to power the reciprocating pistons.

Abstract: A magnet attracts succeeding sites distributed about the periphery of a disk causing the disk to rotate. The resulting centrifugal force pulls radially outwards a plurality of piston-like weights mounted on the disk lowering the pressure within a housing for the weights and in a vacuum tank to which the housing is communicated via a check valve. When the weights are all the way out, they operate a trip which renders the magnet temporarily ineffective. Springs return the weights back toward the center of the disk. The vacuum tank is communicated to an opposed piston engine via timed valves which alternately communicate the engine cylinders to the vacuum, for oscillating the opposed pistons. A crank shaft connected to these pistons converts the reciprocating motion to rotary motion.

Abstract: A hard compact material, such as rock, is broken by forcing a longish mass body of relatively incompressible fluid, such as water, against the material to be broken. The mass body is caused to impact the material at a momentum necessary for breaking the material. The momentum is generated by supplying the fluid to a storage chamber against the effect of a thrust load acting upon the fluid in the storage chamber. When a sufficient amount of fluid has been supplied the fluid in the storage chamber is forced toward the material to be broken by the effect of the thrust load.

Abstract: A hydraulic pumping unit for vertically actuating a downhole pump including first and second hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies. The first assembly is connected to the downhole pump and the second assembly is connected to a counterweight. A hydraulic line is connected between the first and second assemblies so that the counterweight counterbalances the downhole pumping equipment. A hydraulic pump is connected to the first and second assemblies through switching means for alternately supplying hydraulic fluid to and from the first and second assemblies. A check valve is provided between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic line for replenishing the assemblies with fluid. A safety valve is connected between the first assembly and the hydraulic line for preventing the first assembly dropping in the event of a hydraulic line failure. A return valve in parallel with an orifice closes in the event the hydraulic pump stops for preventing free fall of the first assembly.