Spring Biased Patents (Class 91/346)
  • Publication number: 20140318363
    Abstract: A reciprocating-piston uniflow engine includes a harmonic oscillator inlet valve capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into the engine. In particular, the inlet valve includes an inlet valve head and a spring arranged together as a harmonic oscillator so that the inlet valve head is moveable from an unbiased equilibrium position to a biased closed position occluding an inlet. When released, the inlet valve head undergoes a single oscillation past the equilibrium position to a maximum open position and returns to a biased return position close to the closed position to choke the flow and produce a pressure drop across the inlet valve causing the inlet valve to close. In other embodiments, the harmonic oscillator arrangement of the inlet valve enables the uniflow engine to be reversibly operated as a uniflow compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Charles L. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130255479
    Abstract: A compressed air single-action actuator includes an actuator body, a solenoid valve is provided in the actuator body, a solenoid valve plate is provided between the actuator body and the solenoid valve, a gas chamber is provided on the side face of the actuator body, an O-ring seal is provided between the gas chamber and the actuator body; a first inlet passage communicated with the gas chamber is provided on the actuator body, a check valve is provided at one end of the gas chamber of the first gas inlet passage, the other end of the outlet is provided at a right back side of the Namur interface; a second gas inlet passage is provided on the actuator body communicated with the gas chamber, the outlet of the second gas inlet passage is provided at an upper left side of the Namur interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Chunxiu Liu, Yanke Guan, Guihua Li, Baolin Tian
  • Patent number: 8464525
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering power fluid used to power a device under water and for pumping the recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the method in certain aspects including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including a pump system for selectively pumping recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the pump system having at least one pump and, in some aspects, a first pump, a second pump, and a valve system; the valve system controlling the first pump and the second pump to allow only one pump of the first pump and the second pump to pump recovered power fluid to the fluid container above the surface of the water; and pumping recovered power fluid to the fluid container with only one pump at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Eric Trevor Ensley
  • Patent number: 8132497
    Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes a casing with a body and a cover; a separation member which can make a reciprocating movement and defines two chambers; hydraulic switching elements including a distribution member; a compartment in the body of the casing connected to a pressurized-liquid inlet, and initiating elements including a pusher connected to the separation member, these initiating elements being able, at the end of the stroke, to cause a sudden change in the position of the switching elements, under the action of an elastic member to reverse the stroke. The distribution member has a distribution slide valve applied against a flat plate which is fixed relative to the body of the casing, the slide valve being able to slide in a fluid-type manner, without a seal, against the plate, which has orifices connected respectively to the chambers and to a liquid outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dosatron International
    Inventors: Matthieu Darbois, Grégory Lucas, Gilbert Barras, Dominique Berton
  • Patent number: 7975597
    Abstract: Hydraulic machine includes: a casing; a piston slidable therein and separating two chambers; hydraulic switching elements for supplying liquid to and for evacuating the chambers, including at least one connecting rod acting on a distribution member which can adopt two stable positions; and initiating elements having a pusher which, at the end of the piston stroke, can cause a sudden change in the position of the switching elements, under the action of an elastic member to reverse the stroke. Each end of the elastic member is secured to an articulation member respectively accommodated in a housing provided on the connecting rod and on another moving part, each housing being open in a direction substantially opposed to the direction of the force exerted by the elastic member, such that each articulation member can be removed from its open housing against the action of the force, thereby simplifying assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dosatron International
    Inventors: Matthieu Darbois, Sébastien Furet, Philippe Duquennoy, Dominique Berton
  • Publication number: 20100154625
    Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes a casing with a body and a cover; a separation member which can make a reciprocating movement and defines two chambers; hydraulic switching elements including a distribution member; a compartment in the body of the casing connected to a pressurized-liquid inlet, and initiating elements including a pusher connected to the separation member, these initiating elements being able, at the end of the stroke, to cause a sudden change in the position of the switching elements, under the action of an elastic member to reverse the stroke. The distribution member has a distribution slide valve applied against a flat plate which is fixed relative to the body of the casing, the slide valve being able to slide in a fluid-type manner, without a seal, against the plate, which has orifices connected respectively to the chambers and to a liquid outlet orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: DOSATRON INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Matthieu Darbois, Grégory Lucas, Gilbert Barras, Dominique Berton
  • Patent number: 7481268
    Abstract: A collar assembly for inclusion with, or for a retrofit of, a chemical injection pump and method for manufacturing same. The collar assembly secures to a thrust rod of the chemical injection pump and may include a circular member having a central opening and a second opening offset from the central opening. The second opening receives a central portion of a continuous U-shaped member, wherein fingerlike extensions at opposite ends of the U-shaped member flank a toggle element of a switching mechanism. The fingerlike extensions actuate the toggle element so as to stroke the chemical injection pump. The collar assembly includes a reduced number of parts and a simplified manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Harold Middleton, David Eugene Lemier
  • Patent number: 7207260
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dosatron International
    Inventors: Gaetan Thierry, David Higham, David Vacher
  • Patent number: 6729860
    Abstract: Applicant provides a novel liquified booster pump. The pump takes high pressure boosted gas to a higher pressure. The pump is a pneumatically driven liquified gas booster pump with a shuttle valve enclosed within a body of the pump. Furthermore, the gas which is use to be boosted is carried from an inlet on the body of the pump to an outlet on the body of the pump, the boosted gas being carried entirely within the body of the pump with no external tubing. The pneumatically driven booster pump has a double ended piston within the central body and at least one shuttle valve incorporated in the piston for transferring gas from one side of the piston to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Trevor K. Markham, Glen M. Arnott
  • Patent number: 6453793
    Abstract: A motor comprising a shaft with four racks which translate linear actuation of the racks to rotational motion of the shaft through pinions secured to sprag clutch assemblies. Motion of the rack assemblies is preferably offset to maintain a substantially constant rotation of the shaft during operation of the motor. The motor uses a pair of primary fluid expansion chambers to generate linear actuation of a first pair of racks, and a pair of secondary expansion chambers to generate linear actuation of the remaining racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Thermal Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Simonds
  • Patent number: 6263777
    Abstract: A control system for a reciprocating device. The control system includes a switching valve having a fluid supply inlet, an exhaust outlet, a restrictor on the exhaust outlet, a drive line, a valve operable to connect one of the exhaust outlet and the fluid supply inlet to the drive line and a toggle for operating the valve, the toggle being movable by motive force through an arc between a first position in which fluid flow is from the fluid supply inlet to the drive line and a second position in which fluid flow is from the drive line to the exhaust outlet, the toggle passing through a middle position where fluid flow may flow from the drive line to the exhaust outlet and from the fluid supply inlet to the drive line. A reciprocating device is provided that is operable to move in a first direction due to fluid pressure in the drive line and a second, opposed, direction due to a motive force activator when pressure in the drive line is reduced (exhausted).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Plainsman Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Lauder
  • Patent number: 5951265
    Abstract: A fluid driven reciprocating engine includes a main body having an inlet for receiving a primary fluid and an outlet for discharging the fluid. A drive piston is sealingly mounted in the main body for reciprocating movement in response to flow of the primary fluid through the body. The drive piston divides the body into first and second chambers. A first valve selectively transmits the primary fluid from the inlet to the first and second chambers and a second valve selectively transmits the primary fluid from the first and second chambers to the outlet. An overcenter linkage mechanism that operably interconnects the drive piston and the first and second valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Diemold International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5758563
    Abstract: A fluid-driven reciprocating pump includes a housing and a reciprocating assembly defining first and second working fluid chambers. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet for introduction and exhaustion of the working fluid. A valve member slidably moves against a valve surface between a first position, in which communication is established between the first working fluid chamber and either the power fluid inlet or outlet, and a second position in which communication is established between the second working fluid chamber and the same inlet or outlet. The reciprocating assembly includes a rod which moves in response to the introduction and exhaustion of the power fluid into and out of the first and second working chambers. A control valve actuator shifts the valve member between the first and second positions in response to the movement of the reciprocating rod and also urges the valve member toward the valve surface to form a fluid-tight union therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Holcom Co.
    Inventor: Ronald Lee Robinson
  • Patent number: 5588813
    Abstract: The dosing arrangement comprises two first pumps for a liquid medium B whose pistons are mutually connected by a piston rod, and two other pumps and for a liquid medium A which are positioned outside in continuation of and coupled to the pumps for liquid B. The two pumps for liquid B are firmly fixed to a central body which is hollow and filled up with liquid B, and in which are mounted two mutually connected suction valves which are activated by the pistons by means of a push rod and switched over momentarily from one extreme position to another by a spring mechanism and two exhaust valves whose movements are derived from the valves. Furthermore, the central body incorporates an opening/closing arrangement, which can admit a variable volume of liquid B through a valve into the cylinder for liquid A, which is under a suction pressure, whereby the proportion of mix can be regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Jorgen Berke-Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 5505593
    Abstract: A reciprocable device comprising a reciprocable member mounted for reciprocating movement within a chamber and a valve system for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of the member. The valve system comprises a spool valve, a coupling mechanism for joining the reciprocable member and the spool valve, and a bistable spring, which is actuated by the reciprocable member, for driving the spool valve through the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley
  • Patent number: 5490441
    Abstract: A fluid pressure piston-cylinder drive unit is reciprocated automatically by coupling the opposite ends of the cylinder through delivery conduits to a source of fluid pressure and exhaust through a switching valve in which a longitudinally reciprocative spool has a pair of passageways which reversibly couple one end of the cylinder to the source of fluid pressure and the other end of the cylinder to an exhaust conduit. The opposite ends of the switching valve contain shift pistons each of which engages an end of the spool through a coil spring. The shift pistons abut the opposite ends of an elongated rod which extends freely through a bore in the spool. Bypass conduits couple the opposite ends of the cylinder through the delivery conduits one to each end of the valve body such that fluid pressure in one delivery conduit from the source is coupled to one end of the valve body while exhaust fluid pressure from the other delivery conduit is coupled to the other end of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventors: Olof A. Hallstrom, Steven A. Hallstrom, Daniel C. Hallstrom
  • Patent number: 5399071
    Abstract: A liquid pressure booster includes a head member with a low-pressure inlet connectable to a liquid source at mains pressure, a high-pressure outlet connectable to the object to be tested, and a central bore, a compound cylinder constituted by a first, upper, relatively small-diameter portion fluid-tightly attached to the head member and a second, lower, relatively large-diameter portion contiguous with the upper portion and closed off at its lower end by a bottom plate having a drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventors: Moshe Abraham, Zeev Stahl
  • Patent number: 5388725
    Abstract: A fluid-driven proportioning pump for dispensing precise volumes of at least three different fluids includes a drive cylinder housing a correspondingly formed drive piston which divides the drive cylinder into first and second drive fluid chambers and is propelled in a reciprocating motion by a pressurized drive fluid. The housing for the drive cylinder is comprised of two identical hollow housings mutually matingly engaged at the open ends thereof. The face of the drive piston is provided with projecting proportioning pistons which extend into proportioning cylinders that open into each drive fluid chamber. An over-center mechanism triggered by movement of the drive piston at the extremes of the strokes of the reciprocating motion thereof operates valving that admits the pressurized drive fluid into turn it of the drive fluid chambers. The over-center mechanism is activated by hoop springs and is housed entirely within the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Fountain Fresh International
    Inventor: William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5363739
    Abstract: An external air valve for a reciprocating air motor is provided with a the ability to transfer heat from incoming compressed air into the valve cups to prevent icing and a low friction mechanism for the valve slide to enhance reliability. The design has a housing which forms an air chamber, and located in the air chamber is a slide member containing two cups which alternately cover ports leading to the upper and lower chambers of the air motor piston. The slide has slotted rollers to reduce pneumatic loading and decrease friction during sliding. The shift rod is provided with a central valve spring located in an aperture in the slide, along with spring retaining plates to provide and assist in shifting the valve in conjunction with a detent to assure that the valve is positioned in one of two operating positions. The pressurized chamber, in conjunction with fins, apertures and other heat transfer apparatus in the slide assures that heat is applied to the cups of the slide in order to prevent icing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventor: Chris W. Sydow
  • Patent number: 5240390
    Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kvinge, Marlin R. Melquist, Steve P. Plager
  • Patent number: 5137436
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the generation of auxiliary pressure, and has control valves (2) arranged in a control housing (1) of a control unit. The control valves (2), depending on their position, actuate several control channels (4) leading into severan control pressure chambers (3) so that, depending on the position of the control valves (2), communication can be established between an energy source (5) and s spring-loaded servo piston (6) which, via an adjoining working cylinder (7) sealed by the servo piston (6), delivers a medium of low pressure level to an energy level of high pressure by means of a pressure piston (8), with the servo piston (6) having elastic means (11) which influences a change-over point of the control valves (2) and which, for the purpose of switching the control valves (2), can be clamped in position between a servo element (9) connected on the servo piston (6) and control rod (10) engaging the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Alfred Teves GmbH
    Inventor: Guenther Vogel
  • Patent number: 5092746
    Abstract: A lubricant pump that includes a pneumatic piston motor operated by compressed air, and is equipped with a control device that utilizes a slide valve mounted for reciprocal axial movement on the piston rod. A radially acting spring locking mechanism includes two index grooves spaced from each other axially along the piston rod, separated by the same predetermined distance that separates a first air inlet position and a second air inlet position of the piston slide valve. A helical compression spring is contained in a cavity within the piston slide valve. Axial movement of the reciprocating piston rod in one direction compresses the spring and releases the locking mechanism, whereupon the compressed spring immediately expands and moves the slide valve from one of its air inlet positions to the other of those positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Pressol Schmiergerate GmbH
    Inventor: Franz O. Henke
  • Patent number: 5083906
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved gas-driven pump for pumping products, such as beverage syrups. A piston is mounted to a piston shaft for reciprocal movement within a housing. Cavities corresponding to the piston are alternately vented and pressurized to intake the product into a first chamber and to drive the piston to pump the product. A valve stem is included within the housing and is adapted such that the piston performing intake and exhaust strokes moves the valve stem between intake and exhaust positions. A valve body is disposed about the valve stem which is also movable between two positions for alternately venting and pressurizing a second chamber. The valve stem which is operable to move the valve body is biased toward the intake or exhaust position by an overcenter spring disposed within the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Du
  • Patent number: 5058768
    Abstract: A fluid-driven proportioning pump for dispensing precise volumes of at least three different fluids includes a drive cylinder housing a correspondingly formed drive piston which divides the drive cylinder into first and second drive fluid chambers and is propelled in a reciprocating motion by a pressurized drive fluid. Each face of the drive piston is provided with projecting porportioning pistons which extend into proportioning cylinders that open into each drive fluid chamber and being directed toward the drive piston. An over-center mechanis triggered by movement of the drive piston at the extremes of the strokes for its reciprocating motion operates valving which admits the pressurized drive fluid into alternate of the drive fluid chambers. The over-center mechanism is activated by loop springs or preferably by pairs of C-shaped springs, and is housed entirely within the drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Fountain Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5055008
    Abstract: A proportioning pump for liquid additive metering having a housing with a diaphragm piston therein and inlet and outlet primary fluid lines to said housing for moving said diaphragm piston up and down. Additive pistons for pumping an additive liquid into said primary fluid with said additive pistons being moved by said diaphragm piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Chemilizer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Daniels, Norman W. Scheid, Donald C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5024142
    Abstract: Presented is a fluid drive motor that may be attached to a conventional garden hose, for instance, to effect reciprocating motion of a drive shaft that may be connected to a utilitarian device, such as a scrub brush. The fluid drive motor is provided with a piston assembly that responds to the pressure of the fluid to translate the piston assembly from one position to another and in so doing imposes rotational reciprocation on a drive shaft that extends out of the motor block of the fluid drive motor. The reciprocating characteristics of the piston assembly are controlled by the imposition of fluid pressure, and the imposition of fluid pressure is controlled by a valve assembly cooperating with a reciprocable magnetic bar to channel fluid under pressure alternately to opposite ends of the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventors: Thomas Vrhel, Sr., Thomas Vrhel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5012643
    Abstract: A pressure-driven engine is provided therein with an intake valve and an exhaust valve the opening and closing operations of which are controlled by a combination of the urging force of the respective springs and the attractive force of the respective magnets. The engine automatically repeats reciprocating motion merely by supplying a pressure source such as steam or various kinds of compression gas. The reciprocating motion or the rotational motion converted from the reciprocating motion is utilized as a power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Masanobu Higami
  • Patent number: 5002469
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a reciprocation switching device for a pump which will solve problems of conventional devices such as that, because coil springs are used for activating by their snap action valve operators or switching operators serving to control the pressure of pump working fluid in relation to reciprocating action of the pump, such devices require the numerous number of parts including spring fitting shafts, the structure to attach such fitting shafts, parts for spring holders, etc.; and that the assembling of those parts is troublesome. A device according to the present invention uses one or two springs made into a C-like shape as the springs for the aforementioned purpose and calls for fitting said springs directly between the spring fitting section(s) and the valve operator or the switching operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Yamada Yuki Seizo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Murata, Kazumasa Yamada
  • Patent number: 4923168
    Abstract: A spool type switching valve to be used for the switching operation of a diaphragm pump or a similar device, which simultaneously insures both preventing abrasion of the detent mechanism and obtaining thorough operation of switching the spool. A spool is movably fitted inside a sleeve and is prevented from standing still at a neutral point by a detent mechanism provided at one of its ends. The detent mechanism comprises a spool operator fitted around a shaft section at one end of the spool as one body, a spring holder at the end of the sleeve retains a pair of C-shaped wire springs of a circular cross-section fitted between the spool operator and the spring holder. As the spool passes the neutral point, spring forces snap the spool to the extremity of its range, thereby preventing stopping of the spool in the neutral position. An axial clearance permits the spool operator to begin moving before the spool moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: 501 Yamada Yuki Seizo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Murata, Kazumasa Yamada
  • Patent number: 4899638
    Abstract: An automatically-reversing, fluid-actuated piston-and-cylinder unit includes a cylinder with a first section reciprocably receiving a piston and a second section reciprocably receiving a spool valve member. The piston is connected to a piston rod that extends slidably through the valve member. The valve member includes a plurality of lands that subdivide the cylinder second section into a plurality of fluid chambers. In a first position the valve member directs fluid to one side of the piston and in a second position it directs fluid to the other side of the piston. The valve member is automatically shifted between its first and second positions when the piston reaches its limits of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Harold D. Brown
  • Patent number: 4879943
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air motor having a snap-acting overcentering spring mechanism for snapping the valving of the air motor between first and second positions as the piston completes each stroke in the cylinder to ensure reliable stall-free operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: McNeil (Ohio) Corporation
    Inventor: Ayzik Grach
  • Patent number: 4827832
    Abstract: A reciprocable device comprising a reciprocable member mounted for reciprocating movement within a chamber and a valve system for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of such member. A motor is enabled by the reciprocable member to operate the valve system whereby at least some of the force for driving the valve system is obtained from the motor and not from the reciprocable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Product Research and Development
    Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley
  • Patent number: 4807515
    Abstract: An airfoil deicer and method for deicing an airfoil wherein the deicer has an outer skin having an elevated modulus of elasticity and a means for introducing a small deflection into the outer skin thereby creating substantial chord-wise tension in the outer skin, the deflection being induced in less than 0.250 seconds. In the method of deicing, the deflection is induced periodically and being completed within a time span of about 0.250 seconds to remove accumulations of ice as thin as 0.06 centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: James A. Briscoe, James C. Putt, Ronald W. Phillips, II
  • Patent number: 4792291
    Abstract: The hydraulically powered fluid pump has a spool valve which controls the direction of travel of the pump. The spool valve is designed to switch between positions relatively slowly so that in between pump cycles, the ball checks associated with the pump may return under the force of gravity to their seats. This natural gravity return produces greatly decreased noise levels and increased seat life compared with the slamming action present in current pumps. The spool valve is viscous damped and of a closed centered construction to allow the relatively slow switchover to take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kvinge, Frederick A. Powers
  • Patent number: 4733599
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of a pressure fluid in a motor includes an arm which cooperates with a locking device to regulate the flow of the pressure fluid through a shut-off member or valve. The arm is connected to a lever which is pivotable about the same axis as the arm. Through resilient means, the arm and the lever are prestressed so that upon movement of the lever into a predetermined position, the arm which is locked in its end positions by a respective lock pawl is released and impelled from one end position into the other. During the movement of the arm, the shut-off valve is actuated so as to regulate the pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Ing. Waldhauser Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Siegbert Knieschek
  • Patent number: 4705458
    Abstract: A fluid operated pump comprising a housing including first and second cylinders. First and second pistons are rigidly fixed to each other and situated in their respective cylinders, the cylinders alternately receiving pressurized fluid for operating the pump. The pump includes novel valving means and novel seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Bellofram Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfred St. Laurent, Christos Athanassiu
  • Patent number: 4684332
    Abstract: A ratio pump for delivering first and second liquid beverage components in a desired ratio comprising a motor and a pump driven by the motor. The first beverage component is pressurized and is used as the driving fluid for the motor. The second beverage component is pumped by the pump. The first beverage component is exhausted from the motor and delivered along with a second beverage component delivered by the pump. The motor, which may include a piston, requires a predetermined amount of the first beverage component in order to drive the pump to deliver a known volume of the second beverage component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Product Research and Development
    Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley
  • Patent number: 4666376
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting low level thermal radiation into mechanical work. The apparatus incorporates a collector (11) to receive and concentrate low level thermal energy to generate a pressure by vaporizing a working fluid. An expansible chamber (70), having at least one movable wall, defined by a diaphragm (54), is selectively in fluid communication with the collector (11). A movable piston (61) is operatively associated with the movable wall of the expansible chamber (70). A connecting rod (71) is secured at one end to the movable piston (61); the other end of the connecting rod (71) is suitable for connecting to a mechanical load. A valve spool (73), slidably associated about the surface of the connecting rod (71) effects fluid communication of the expansible chamber (70) alternately with the collector (11) and an exhaust chamber (124), the latter having a pressure substantially less than the work pressure of the collector (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Fred D. Solomon
  • Patent number: 4610192
    Abstract: A reciprocable device comprising a reciprocable member mounted for reciprocating movement within a chamber and a valve system for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of such member. The valve system includes first and second valve elements, a connector joining the valve elements and a bistable spring, which is actuated by the reciprocable member, for driving the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Product Research and Development
    Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley
  • Patent number: 4550642
    Abstract: A fluid pressure operated piston engine assembly, such as a pump assembly, including a fluid pressure operated piston engine and a fluid valve for coupling fluid under pressure to alternative portions of the piston chamber of the piston engine. As disclosed, as the drive shaft of the piston engine approaches each end of its stroke, fluid under pressure is coupled by the fluid valve to a portion of the piston chamber to effect reversal of direction of travel of the drive shaft. The fluid valve includes a valve rod which is translated to effect the alternative modes of coupling pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. To accomplish this a drive frame is mounted for limited translation on the valve rod and driven by a pair of pins, attached to the piston engine drive shaft, at the ends of the drive shaft stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred Langer
  • Patent number: 4540349
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved air driven pump for pumping products such as beverage syrups. Two opposed pistons are mounted on a common piston shaft for reciprocal movement within a housing. Cavities corresponding to the pistons are alternately vented and pressurized to intake the product into a pair of cylinders and to drive the pistons to pump the product. A spool valve stem extends into the cavity being vented so that the piston performing an intake stroke moves the valve stem into the other cavity. A pair of axial passages and corresponding side openings in the valve stem provide fluid flow paths for venting and pressurizing the cavities. A valve body biased toward the cavity being vented includes a vent passage for alternately venting the cavities through the side inlets. While one cavity vents, pressurized fluid flows into the other cavity through the corresponding side inlet and axial passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Du
  • Patent number: 4519293
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil well jack having a walking beam mounted on a frame for motion in a vertical plane; and a plurality of hydraulic actuators connected to move the walking beam. The amplitude of movement of the beam as well as the frequency of the stroke are adjustable through regulation and control of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Inventor: Joe E. Dooling
  • Patent number: 4416593
    Abstract: Double acting, gas operated pumps for lifting formation fluids from a well are disclosed as comprising a housing connectible to the lower end of a production string suspended within a well, and a pump assembly which may be lowered into and raised from a landed position within the housing. Upper and lower pump chambers are formed in the pump assembly and a piston is reciprocable in each chamber in response to the alternate supply and exhaust of a pressurized gas to one side thereto for alternately admitting formation fluid to the other side of one piston while pumping it from the other. The spool of a reversing valve for controlling the flow of gas to and from the chambers is connected to one of the pistons in such a manner that it is shifted into its alternate positions with a snap action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Inventor: Leslie L. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4325285
    Abstract: A compressed air motor comprises a cylinder with a piston slidable in said cylinder and connected to a compressed air inlet through a slide valve mechanism which alternately admits respective opposite sides of the cylinder with compressed air for driving the piston in the opposite direction, and which also alternately vents the side of the cylinder in which the piston is moving. The construction includes an action rod mounted for movement in a direction parallel to the piston on each side thereof which is contacted by the piston after predetermined movement thereof. A snap-action lever mechanism is connected between the action rod and the slide valve mechanism so that the action rod, through the snap-action lever mechanism reverses the slide valve during each motion of the piston. The action rod member is returned to its starting position during the return movement of the piston by means of a stop member connected to an extension of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: Rudolf Hubner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Erich Roser
  • Patent number: 4220284
    Abstract: A snap-action toggle valve reverses the direction of an oscillating sprinkler powered by a paddle-piston motor. Adjustable stops on the sprinkler tube trip the valve at the end of each sweep, alternately opening left and right motor chamber channels interconnected to a sprinkler supply channel feeding the sprinkler tube without interruption. A special vane on the sprinkler tube where it intercepts the sprinkler supply channel prevents vortex action. The edges of the paddle-piston are sealed to the motor chamber by a flanged slip-on wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Burgess Vibrocrafters, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Beiswenger, Frank A. Smiesko, Dhananjay V. Chaphalkar
  • Patent number: 4181066
    Abstract: An air motor comprising a cylinder, a piston, and a valve mechanism for controlling the supply and exhaust of air to and from opposite ends of the cylinder, the valve mechanism comprising a D-valve and an actuator for the D-valve operable by the pressure air for driving the piston, movement of the actuator being controlled by valves at opposite ends of the cylinder for exhausting air from opposite ends of the actuator, these exhaust valves being operated by the piston, and the motor having means operable by the piston at each end of its stroke for restricting the exit of air from the cylinder to cushion the piston and prevent it from striking the ends of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: McNeil Corporation
    Inventors: Clarence E. Kitchen, Jerome B. Wegmann
  • Patent number: 4172698
    Abstract: A pressure gas operated pump, comprises, a housing which has two spaced apart double pump chambers, with diaphragms stretched across each pump chamber so as to define a driving fluid chamber and a pump fluid chamber and a rigid coupling interconnects the diaphragms. There are valve inlet and outlet passages connected into the respective pump fluid chambers for handling the pump fluid during the movement of the diaphragm. A control valve is mounted in a control valve chamber, and it is connected to the fixed coupling by means of a bar spring which has its center portion fulcrummed on a contact with the wall of a bore through a transverse thin member of the housing. The driving gas is directed onto the valve chamber and it flows through the center of the valve member and, depending upon the position of the valve, which is regulated by the diaphragm, it will flow into respective ones of the two driving fluid chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus-Dieter Hinz, Edmund Kruger
  • Patent number: 4166411
    Abstract: A linear fluid-operated actuator includes a casing having a piston assembly slidingly movable in a main cylinder within the casing and provided with force transmitting means adapted to transmit the motion of the piston to the outside. A linear flow control assembly is provided including two valves which are each slidable within a valve cylinder positioned on either side of the main cylinder in coaxial relation and merging therewith. The valves are connected to each other for simultaneous movement and the size of the valve member, the extent of its movement and the position of an inlet and outlet port provided in each valve cylinder is such that the inlet in one cylinder is closed while its outlet is open, and the inlet of the other cylinder is open while its outlet is closed and communication between them is prevented. A retainer is provided for the valve assembly in either of its end positions and a spring is positioned between the piston and each valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Inventor: Dan Bron
  • Patent number: 4164166
    Abstract: A solar energy device for producing a continuous mechanical motion to drive apparatus such as a well pump comprises a frame made of conduit sections that supports a heat collector to receive the sun's rays. Heat generated within the collector is transferred to a network of conduits therein through which an evaporatable fluid is circulated as it is heated to its vaporous state. The vaporized fluid or gas is furnished to a vapor pressure motor having a common connection to the conduit network. The motor is situated within the collector and has a movable piston operated by its own valving system that produces a continuous reciprocating action. The piston is connected to an output shaft that engages a working lever arm connected to the pump. Vapor used to operate the motor is conveyed to a condenser within the frame where it is cooled to its liquid state by water produced by the well pump which is forced through the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Solar Pump Corporation
    Inventor: Harvard P. Stubbs