Abstract: A variable stroke control system for a hydraulic hammer is disclosed. The variable stroke control 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 the piston associated with the hydraulic hammer and configured to discharge the pressurized fluid. The variable stroke control system may further include a valve in fluid communication with the inlet groove and the outlet groove, and configured to selectively adjust a stroke length of the piston based on a change in pressure differential between the inlet groove and the outlet groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a uniflow fluid engine having at least one cylinder having at least one high-pressure input and at least one low-pressure output. In some embodiments, the engine includes piston-operated valves that are related to the piston shaft and pistons that may also act as exhaust valves. In some embodiments, a valve is slidably positioned within the cylinder on the piston shaft, the valve being movable between a first position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through a first passage and blocking input fluid from a second passage, and a second position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through the second passage and blocking input fluid from the first passage.

Abstract: A percussion apparatus driven by a pressurized incompressible fluid includes a body with two coaxial bores for slidably mounting of a tool, and separately slidably mounting a striking piston having a stepped configuration. A control device varies a stroke of the striking piston between a long and a short stroke, and is connected to the directional flow valve and to a bottom chamber of the piston cylinder. The control device includes a cylinder in which a spool is mounted. A first face of the spool is situated in a first chamber permanently subjected to a determined pressure, and a second face of the spool is situated in a second chamber connected to the braking chamber for controlling the varying of the stroke of the striking piston.

Abstract: A control system for a reciprocating device includes a switching valve, a toggle for operating the valve, a trigger associated with the reciprocating device to actuate the toggle, and biasing means disposed on the trigger for applying a biasing force to the toggle. The valve includes a first drive line, a second drive line, a fluid supply inlet and a fluid exhaust outlet. The valve switches between the first and second drive lines upon actuation of the toggle by the trigger, to switch direction of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A method for opening a mobile cowl actuated by a motor and equipping a turbojet thrust reverser that includes at the start of the opening phase, a bridling step whereby the speed of the mobile cowl is maintained lower or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.

Abstract: A gas-actuated reciprocal drive apparatus has a double-acting piston in a pneumatic cylinder having a chamber at each end. Gas from an area of higher pressure in a compressed gas system flows into a first chamber, while the second chamber is in fluid communication with an area of lower pressure in the gas system. The piston moves toward the second chamber, purging gas therein back to the lower-pressure area in the gas system, without any venting to the atmosphere. A four-way gas valve reverses the piston motion after each stroke, by reversing the chambers' gas connections.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprises a body and a piston able to slide in a reciprocating movement in a cylindrical housing of the body. A chamber (C1, C2) is formed on each side of the piston and hydraulic switching means are provided for feeding and evacuating the respective chambers (C1, C2), these switching means being able to adopt two stable positions. Control means (H) having elastic means for abruptly bringing about changes in the position of the switching means are included. There are triggering means (13, 15) able, at the end of the stroke of the piston (9), to bring about the change in position of the switching means (G). The piston (9) has a closed cross section and the switching means (G) are arranged in the body (1) of the machine, redially on the outside of the cylindrical housing (7) in which the piston (9) slides.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus comprising a body (1) containing a cylinder wherein is mounted sliding an impact piston (1) of a tool, the motion of the piston being controlled by a distributor (15) which, arranged coaxial to the impact piston, is mounted inside a distribution box (3). The distribution box (3) comprises a part axially overlapping the piston (1) and arranged concentric thereto, and the distribution box (3) defines with the piston a control chamber (13) which, successively put under the high (9) and the low (12) pressure of the fluid, communicates through a passage (16) arranged in the distribution box (3) with a chamber controlling (14) the movement of the distributor (15), to generate alternately low pressure and high pressure.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive system that utilizes energy available from pressure changes in flowing fluid systems, said drive used for the injection of additives into pipelines. The reciprocating drive includes a hydraulic accumulator having a gas chamber connected to a gas pipeline to contain said gas, whereby variation in the elevated pressure of the pipeline is reflected in the pressure applied to an incompressible fluid in a hydraulic conduit. The drive is capable of recycling gas used to drive the system back into pipelines.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump is equipped with an air motor, which is disposed in a housing and oil reservoir of the hydraulic pump, connected to an air source, and has a piston movable in a tube so that pressured air from the air source can cause reciprocation the a piston to pump hydraulic oil to other equipments such as a jack. The air actuated hydraulic pump is equipped with a pilot operated guided poppet valve comprised of several parts in separable connection, and a muffler so that the user doesn't have to replace the whole piston with a new one if only one of the parts is damaged, and that noise can be reduced when the pump is working.

Abstract: A percussive hydraulic apparatus includes a body inside which is mounted a cylinder in which an impact piston is guided. Fluid distribution providing the motion of the piston is produced by a distributor housed in a distribution box mounted in the body. The cylinder and the distribution box are entirely contained in the enclosure defined by the body, with the cylinder being mechanically supported by one of its ends of the body. The distribution box is mounted coaxial to the cylinder and is mechanically supported thereon. Surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the apparatus, subjected to pressure, are arranged and dimensioned such that the resultant hydraulic forces applied on the cylinder and distribution box during all the phases of the operating cycle thereof are directed in the same direction towards a support located in the body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive system that utilizes energy available from pressure changes in flowing fluid systems, said drive used for the injection of additives into pipelines. The reciprocating drive includes a hydraulic accumulator having a gas chamber connected to a gas pipeline to contain said gas, whereby variation in the elevated pressure of the pipeline is reflected in the pressure applied to an incompressible fluid in a hydraulic conduit. The drive is capable of recycling gas used to drive the system back into pipelines.

Abstract: A high efficiency not polluting engine comprises at least a cylinder and at least a piston movable therein, the cylinder including, alternately, a pre-chamber in the cylinder head and/or a chamber for a direct injection mode of operation, the pre-chamber forming a plenum chamber having a size proportional to the swept volume of the engine and to the power to be obtained, the pre-chamber of the chamber being continuously supplied from the outside by pressurized air at a variable pressure controlled by at least two adjustment controls.

Abstract: A reversing valve for a compressed air membrane pump in which an equilibrium state of the main piston in the neutral position, leading to stoppage of the pump, is prevented by disposing the main system piston and the pilot system piston immediately adjacent to one another.

Abstract: The impact hammer comprises a working piston (22) exerting impacts onto an impact surface (23). The hydraulically driven working piston (22) is reciprocatingly controlled by a control means (40,41). At the rearward end of the working cylinder (21), there is a rear chamber (50) into which the projection of the piston (51) immerses. Connected to the rear chamber (50) is a pressure gas reservoir (52) which is charged with each return stroke of the working piston and discharges with the subsequent working stroke.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic driving device having a cylindrical housing in which a piston element is axially displaceable. The piston element has at its ends a front piston and a rear piston which are connected to each other by a connecting pipe. A switch element is mounted in the housing between the pistons and defines a variable front chamber with the front piston and a variable rear chamber with the rear piston. Two inlet openings acted on by pressure are formed in the housing and can be connected with the front and rear chambers respectively. The switch element, in a first position, frees the inlet opening to the rear chamber so that the rear piston travels axially outward and the front piston axially inward and, in a second position, frees the inlet opening to the front chamber so that the front piston moves axially outward and the rear piston axially inward. The inwardly moving pistons reverse the switch element between the two positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic percussion hammer comprising a piston (1), a pressure accumulator (7) in the high pressure circuit, a main valve (8) alternately conducing a high and low pressure to at least one of the pressure surfaces (2,4) of the piston (1) for making the piston (1) move reciprocally, and a tool (3) which the piston (1) strikes, and, for the purpose of controlling the main valve (8), a control pressure valve (9) which opens when the pressure exceeds a set value. According to the invention, the control pressure valve (9) is placed in such a way that the spindle (27) of the control pressure valve (9) is connected from one end to the high pressure circuit of the hydraulic percussion hammer.

Abstract: A device for distributing oil under pressure including a head (2) within which, inside a chamber (24), a shuttle (5) slides provided with a shank (5a) sealingly sliding within an end cap (6) and on whose head surface (19) oil at the feed pressure acts coming from a switch duct (18). The head (2) is provided with a feed hole (8) connected to the chamber (24) and is closed at the other end by a shutter (7) connected to a drain hole (9), while the shuttle (5) is provided with an inner cavity (26) and end ducts (25) and it is shaped so as to have in the chamber (24) opposite transverse surfaces (22, 23) whose difference of area in favour of the surface (23) at the end where the shank (5a) is located is smaller than the area of the head (19) of the latter. A hydraulic hammer including the device is provided with a pair of outflow orifices (17, 20) located so that the first orifice (17) is uncovered by the ram (4) at the end of the return travel and the second orifice (20) at the end of the descending travel.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a striking piston driven hydraulically in a reciprocating fashion by an incompressible fluid inside a cylinder and striking against a tool, of the type in which the piston slides in a cylinder having two concentric piston bearing surfaces of different sections, of which that situated on the tool side has a section smaller than that remote from the tool, the piston and the cylinder delimiting two antagonistic chambers, an annular bottom chamber and a top chamber of larger section.According to the invention the interior of the top chamber is permanently at a regulated pressure of a value intermediate between the inlet or high pressure and the outlet or low pressure, and the annular bottom chamber is connected alternately by a distributor to the high pressure supply circuit during the upward phase of the piston and to the top chamber during the accelerated downward phase of the piston.

Abstract: A compressed gas engine (20) has a piston (25) mounted for reciprocating movement within a cylinder (22). A valve (29) is slideably mounted on the cylinder head (31) to control the flow of compressed gas from a source (24) through an inlet (23) to a plenum chamber (28). The valve is arranged to be selectively engaged and opened by the piston to permit flow of compressed gas into the plenum chamber. When the valve is closed, compressed gas within the plenum chamber is permitted to flow into the variable-volume chamber (26). Spent gases are exhausted through ports (69) as the piston approaches its bottom dead center position. Residual gases in the variable-volume chamber are recompressed into the plenum chamber (28) as the piston moves upwardly toward its top dead center position.

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 compressed air pump comprising a compressed air piston motor (11) having a cylinder housing (12) and a low pressure piston (22) moveable between first and second end wall parts (13, 14) and a hydraulic piston pump (15) in the second end wall part (14). One side of the low pressure piston and the first end wall part together define a working chamber (21) and the other side of the piston (22) abuts and drives the hydraulic piston (24). A pilot piston (25), which is controlled by the low pressure piston (22) controls the supply of compressed air to the working chamber (21). A spring powers the return stroke of the low pressure piston and the hydraulic piston. The pilot piston (25) is housed in a pilot cylinder (35) incorporated in the first end wall part (13) and is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position compressed air can be passed from an inlet (17) in the end wall part to the working chamber.

Abstract: Hydraulic drive mechanism for a machine element with rapid feed movement and under-load feed movement, comprising a double-acting hydrocylinder power drive and a pressure switching valve responding to the pressure at least in a larger operating chamber of the hydrocylinder when the pressure in the operating chamber exceeds a threshold value higher than 1/4 of the operating pressure of the pressure supply source, but lower than half the operating pressure thereof, switches to under-load feed operation and, when the pressure in the drive pressure or operating chamber falls below the threshold value, switches back to rapid feed operation. The pilot valve for the main control valve is equipped with two windings effective in opposite directions.

Abstract: A uniflow engine has a plurality of cylinders disposed symmetrically around a common crankshaft connected to pistons reciprocating in the cylinders. In response to the availability of a working fluid vapor at a predetermined condition, such as a high pressure or temperature, incoming vapor is supplied to those cylinders in which the respective pistons are in their working strokes to thereby initiate rotation of the crankshaft in a predetermined direction regardless of the position in which the crankshaft has stopped last. Once rotation is initiated and a predetermined mode change speed attained in a "start-up mode" by engine operation from start, vapor inlet valves are controlled to change engine operation over to a "running mode". In the "start-up mode" incoming vapor is admitted over a substantial portion of the piston working stroke, whereas in the "running mode" vapor inflow is terminated relatively early in the working stroke so that a vapor change does work in expanding against the piston.

Abstract: A uniflow engine has a plurality of cylinders disposed symmetrically around a common crankshaft connected to pistons reciprocating in the cylinders. In response to the availability of a working fluid vapor at a predetermined condition, such as a high pressure or temperature, incoming vapor is supplied to those cylinders in which the respective pistons are in their working strokes to thereby initiate rotation of the crankshaft in a predetermined direction regardless of the position in which the crankshaft had stopped last. Once rotation is initiated and a predetermined mode change speed attained in a "start-up mode" by engine operation from start, vapor inlet valves are controlled to change engine operation over to a "running mode". In the "start-up mode" incoming vapor is admitted over a substantial portion of the piston working stroke, whereas in the "running mode" vapor inflow is terminated relatively early in the working stroke so that a vapor change does work in expandiing against the piston.

Abstract: This invention provides a valving arrangement for a reciprocating engine in which there are two valve assemblies, each with a pressure responsive valve member. As the piston approaches the end of its stroke in either direction, the exhaust port is closed, such as by an extension on the piston, causing fluid pressure to build up in the end of the cylinder. This pressure is conducted to the valve assemblies through fluid lines, causing the pressure-responsive valve members to move in response to the pressure build-up in the end of the cylinder. These valve members control the inlet and exhaust connections to the cylinder so that the piston is caused to reciprocate by the working fluid as the valve members are moved pneumatically to open and close the lines.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated impacting device includes a differential piston slidably disposed in a bore, and having an impacting surface and a piston rod facing at the other end a valve sleeve circumscribing the piston rod, there being an annular space between the rod and the valve, the valve having a first and a second position; a first duct leads from a pressure source to the bore and is governed by the valve for acting or not acting on the larger one of the two piston surfaces respectively in the first and second positions of the valve; a second duct leads from the source to the bore for acting on the smaller one of the piston surfaces; a third duct leads from the bore at a location below the valve to a ring chamber adjacent the valve, the valve having a collar which is movable in the ring chamber, the piston has a portion which depending on the position of the piston permits or prevents communication between the annular space and the third duct to obtain or not obtain pressurization of the ring chamber for s

Abstract: A compressed-air operated dispenser for continuously dispensing a substance enclosed in a container, and in particular a viscous or paste-like substance, comprising an outlet passage extending from container to an outlet; a valve which normally closes the passage; a compressed-air operated piston arranged to exert pressure on a substance in the passage and to open the valve; and a trigger means for initiating the supply of compressed air for the purpose of operating said piston.In accordance with the invention there is provided a second valve arranged to move the piston to a starting position in which a pressure-actuating chamber is closed on one side of the piston with the exception of a passage through which compressed air can be forced into the chamber to cause the piston to move to a first terminal position. In this position the substance is subjected to pressure and the valve is opened and the piston ceases to act on the second valve.

Abstract: An oil well pump jack with dual hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assemblies for pivoting the walking beam of the pump jack and including a unique control arrangement for controlling operation of the piston and cylinder assemblies. The pump jack includes a unique base or skid and an adjustable knee brace assembly to facilitate positioning of the pump jack in properly supported relation to the oil well at the oil well site. The control arrangement for the piston and cylinder assemblies includes a reversing valve, a linkage mechanism for operating the reversing valve to cause controlled oscillation of the walking beam and a cushioning device for controlling acceleration and deceleration of the oscillating walking beam to reduce abrupt tension forces exerted on the polish rod and sucker rods and impact forces imparted to the pump jack during oscillation of the walking beam.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for driving the pump rod of a deep well pump. The drive system includes a lift cylinder having a piston movable therein connected to the pump rod of the well pump. The lift cylinder piston is driven by fluid pressure provided from a motor having a piston slidable within a cylinder. The motor piston is driven by fluid pressure provided by a pump. A control valve is operated in response to the movement of the lift piston to control the flow of fluid from the pump to the motor. A pressure relief valve is connected between the pump and the motor and diverts fluid pumped by the pump from the motor when the fluid pressure between the pump and the motor exceeds a predetermined level. A vent is provided in the lift cylinder above the piston to permit the free movement of the lift cylinder piston during operation and to accommodate movement of the lift piston caused by expansion of fluid and gases in the system.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston motor has the piston biased in return stroke direction and driven in power stroke by air pressure introduced between the head of the piston and a closure across the end of the working chamber cylinder. A valve which closes an exhaust port leading from the working chamber, is opened at the end of the power stroke by working chamber air pressure and the air pressure is evacuated from the working chamber. The valve is returned to closing relation to the port by the returning piston, thereby resetting the motor for another cycle of operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic percussion or an impact apparatus for driving rock-breaking tools, drill bits and ramming or tamping tools comprises a body in which an end of the tool is received and a reciprocating mass formed as a piston which is axially displaceable in a cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a distributor member slidable above the piston and of the same diameter as the latter, the distributor being formed as a sleeve having a central portion engaging a collar of a plunger which extends into a piston and forms therewith a suction chamber. The plunger has an extension which is slidable in a bore of the body and is acted upon by the high-pressure fluid.

Abstract: A rock drill having a hydraulic pressure reservoir formed by the drill housing, and an anvil rotation mechanism enclosed in the housing. A piston of substantial length and a mechanical hydro-operated valve means, provide favorable pulse duration and low impact velocity. The piston has only two sliding seal diameters which permits simplified valve and cylinder configuration. The friction surfaces of the fronthead drill assembly are lubricated and cooled by integration with the circulating hydraulic system. A floating seal cartridge between the piston and anvil, tends to rotate the piston with the anvil to minimize rotative scrubbing at impact.

Abstract: An impact tool is described which is capable of developing percussive forces for rock drilling, pile driving, seismic exploration and other repetitive high force applications. The tool contains a hammer and a valve which may be hydraulically actuated so as to oscillate; repetitively executing forward and return strokes during each cycle of oscillation. The valve is actuated in the forward stroke direction by being engaged by the hammer, and in the return stroke direction by fluid pressure means so as to switch the pressure in a cavity in which both the valve and the hammer are disposed for developing forces on the hammer so as to sustain its oscillation. A fluid filled pocket is provided into which the valve enters as it moves in the forward stroke direction, after having switched the pressure in the cavity. A passage is provided on the hammer which is dimensioned so that fluid in the cavity is either connected to a channel, the cavity, or entrapped in the pocket, depending on the position of the hammer.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated oil well pump jack utilizing a double acting hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assembly for pivoting the walking beam of an oil well pump jack, a linkage mechanism for operating a reversing valve to cause extension and retraction of the piston and cylinder assembly for oscillating the beam about a saddle bearing at the upper end of a stanchion or samson post together with a crossover cushioning device for controlling acceleration and deceleration of the oscillating walking beam to reduce abrupt tension forces exerted on the polish rod and sucker rods and also reduce impact forces on the oil well pump jack during oscillation of the walking beam.

Abstract: Impact tools are described which are capable of developing percussive forces for rock drilling, seismic exploration and other repetitive high force applications. Each of the tools contains a hammer and a valve which may be hydraulically actuated so as to constitute a hydroacoustic oscillator. The valve is actuated in one direction by being engaged by the hammer and in the other direction by fluid pressure means. The fluid pressure means may be controlled by varying the fluid pressure magnitude which applies forces to the valve to effect the movement thereof so as to control the frequency of oscillation of the hammer (i.e., impact blow frequency). Control may also be provided over the hammer stroke and the blow energy.

Abstract: A fluid operated hydraulic pump of the type using air pressure to produce high pressure hydraulic fluid wherein an air pressure driven motor and a hydraulic pump are positioned in adjacent axially aligned relationship and the air motor drives the hydraulic pump, the air motor including a reciprocable check valve for preventing air flow into the pump during the exhaust stroke of the pump thereby increasing the efficiency of the pump and reducing air flow through the pump. The check valve is disposed in the air inlet passage and is positioned in axially aligned relationship and adjacent to a reciprocable shuttle valve controlling exhaust air flow from the motor. Movement of the shuttle valve to a position permitting air to be exhausted from the air motor chamber also facilitates movement of the reciprocable check valve to a position wherein it prevents air flow into the motor.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated percussion apparatus comprising a housing in which a reciprocating impact piston is arranged to transfer impact energy to an impact tool, pressure chambers defined between said housing and said piston, and a channel system including a high pressure and a low pressure branch for conducting hydraulic pressure fluid to and from the pressure chambers, a first one of said chambers containing a movable distribution valve member responsive to the movements of the piston for alternately connecting said first chamber to said high pressure branch and said low pressure branch, respectively, characterized in that said valve member is arranged to be transported by the piston when moving in one direction, and responsive to the movement of the piston in the other direction to be acted upon by the pressure fluid to move in said other direction by means of hydrostatic pressure, said valve member having a longer path of movement than the impact piston and being arranged, at its movement in said one dir

Abstract: Impact tools are described which are capable of developing percussive forces for rock drilling and other repetitive high force applications. A hydroacoustic oscillator contained in such tools includes a hammer and a valve mechanism which is actuated by the hammer for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid so as to establish pressure variations which sustain the oscillation of the hammer. A number of alternative valve mechanisms are disclosed, each including a valve element, the motion of which is controlled by controlling the flow of fluid with respect to the valve element as the hammer and valve element move relative to each other. Such flow control is afforded by chambers defined by the valve element; hydraulic fluid flow with respect to which is controlled so as to determine the deceleration of the valve element and the motion of the element in its actuation by the hammer.

Abstract: A machine having a housing wherein are arranged a hammer piston adapted for reciprocation in said housing to effect forward and return strokes and a stepped pressure difference ring valve fitted over the hammer piston and also reciprocating in said housing. A tool rotation mechanism is linked kinematically with a gear arranged on an anvil and has at least one twin hydraulic cylinder comprised of two different diameter cylinders and located at the front portion of the machine. The twin hydraulic cylinder is divided by a lateral partition and accommodates a pusher piston which carries a spring-loaded pawl and forms with the partition and the different diameter cylinder barrels two chambers, the smaller diameter chamber being the pressure one, the larger diameter chamber being the return chamber.

Abstract: A pumping device secured to a well head adapted to be counter balanced and operated by well head gas pressure. The pumping cylinder and the counter balance cylinder are positioned on a prolonged axis and employ a common polished piston rod operably mounted on the axis of the cylinders. The counter balance piston is pressurized through a volume tank receiving gas through a pressure regulator from the well head. The pumping piston is powered up and down by direct pressure from the well head gas. The flow of gas to and from the pumping cylinder is controlled by a floating piston five-way valve admitting directly well head gas to drive the piston and exhausting the gas to the gas flow delivery line. Snifter valves control the floating piston five-way valve and pressure regulators positioned between the well head and the gas flow delivery line maintain operable differential pressure in the system.

Abstract: An improved closed loop pneumatic system for driving a piston in a cylinder which employs a low pressure tank for receiving exhaust gases, a booster compressor transferring the gases to a high pressure tank which drives the piston on the up stroke. The constant interconnecting of a low pressure tank through a piston pressure equalizing the line improves the efficiency of the actuator. The larger, deep-well system utilizes an improved means for recovering and recirculating lubricating oil within the closed loop. Two species of the invention are described in this application. One primarily designed for deep wells and one designed primarily for shallow wells.

Abstract: Impact tools are described which are capable of developing percussive forces for rock drilling and other repetitive high force applications. A hydroacoustic oscillator contained in such tools includes a hammer and a valve mechanism which is actuated by the hammer for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid so as to establish pressure variations which sustain the oscillation of the hammer. A number of alternative valve mechanisms are disclosed, each including a valve element, the motion of which is controlled by controlling the flow of fluid with respect to the valve element as the hammer and valve element move relative to each other. Such flow control is afforded by chambers defined by the valve element; hydraulic fluid flow with respect to which is controlled so as to determine the deceleration of the valve element and the motion of the element in its actuation by the hammer.