Abstract: A valve body for pumps has a compressed air-filled chamber in the center thereof and a compressed air supply port through which compressed air is supplied into the compressed air-filled chamber. The outer surface of the valve body is provided with an annular groove-shaped air supply chamber that communicates between the compressed air-filled chamber and a pump-side air chamber. Compressed air supplied into the compressed air-filled chamber through the compressed air supply port is supplied into the pump-side air chamber through the air supply chamber.

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: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a spool valve having a spool axially movable within a sleeve of two or more stacked rings having projections extending therebetween. One or more seals on the spool can slide across surfaces of the stacked rings in movement of the spool to different positions corresponding to different states of the valve. In some embodiments, one or more of the stacked rings can have projections extending toward and contacting an adjacent ring of the sleeve, thereby maintaining desired axial positions of the rings relative to one another while providing apertures through which fluid can flow and supporting surfaces for each seal as it slides from one ring to another.

Abstract: A steam engine with improved intake and exhaust flow provided by separate pairs of intake and exhaust ports located at both ends of a steam drive cylinder. A slide valve located adjacent to the drive cylinder provides for timed sealing of intake and exhaust ports during operation. Exhaust is facilitated by the provision of two paths of exhaust from the cylinder and the exhaust ports may be adjusted for a flow volume to meter exhaust steam flow to significantly reduce back pressure only at low speeds of said engine.

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.

Abstract: A metering device of the type in which a shuttle moves axially within a chamber between two terminal positions, with the chamber having fluid inlet and outlet at each end so that fluid may enter through one end to move the shuttle to cause fluid to be ejected through the other end, and vice versa. A control valve is provided to control the fluid flow, the control valve being a spool valve having a spool sealingly slidable within a bore, the spool valve being associated with a device to drive the spool between two alternate positions in response to the shuttle reaching each end of the chamber.

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 pilot control valve for controlling a reciprocating pump has a valve member shiftable within a valve body between a first or “downstroke” position and a second or “upstroke” position. In its first and second positions, the valve member positions slide valves to allow communication of control fluid to move the piston to a second and first position, respectively. When the piston reaches its second position a poppet disposed in a rod attached to the piston allows control fluid acting on the valve member to depressurize. Pressurized control fluid then acts on the valve member to move to its second position. When the piston returns to its first position, the poppet allows pressurized control fluid acting on the upper surface of the piston to act on the valve member to move the valve member back to its first position and repeat the process.

Abstract: A system to provide mechanical energy to well-head equipment by directing pressurized gas existing in nearby pipelines to an engine. The engine is a linearly reciprocating piston in a closed cylinder driven by pressure differentials between the gas on either side of its piston, the differential being controlled by a switching valve which directs higher and lower pressured gas to the appropriate side of the piston, and which recirculates spent gas from the lower pressure side of the piston back to the pipeline. The system is a closed system, and avoids venting or flaring gas used in the engine.

Abstract: This invention primarily relates to means to convey fluid from a moving location to a fixed location formerly achieved by the utilization of such means as a flexible hose. The invention has particular relevance to desludge systems where settled sludge take up means is caused to traverse the floor of a settling tank or vessel and transmit the sludge via a hose to a disposal point. The invention provides improved means replacing flexible hoses and further can provide means to motivate the traveling sludge take up means.

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: 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).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method in a pneumatic oscillating device for observing an obstacle within the length of the work stroke and continuing the oscillating movement after this. The oscillating device includes a double-acting operating cylinder (1), a principal operating valve (6) controlling this, and a reversing valve (4), by which the principal operating valve (6) is controlled. A resistance to the flow on whichever return line (1.31, 1.41) of the operating cylinder (1) is in use, is arranged in order to maintain the return side pressure of the operating cylinder (1) at a level that is clearly higher than the ambient pressure during a work stroke in a normal situation, and sensing the pressure of the return side and, if it drops below a set limit, which is indicated by the movement of the pressure slowing or stopping completely, giving a command to the reversing valve (4) to change direction on the basis of this.

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.

Abstract: A pilot control relay valve to change the directional flow of fluid to a piston (such as, for example, the piston of a chemical injection pump for injecting chemicals at a slow or rapid rate over a long period of time), but also allow the recovery of exhaust fluids under significant back pressure. The pilot control relay valve comprises an elongated valve member shiftable within a valve body between a first and second position. The first position allows communication of control fluid to a first pressure receiving surface while allowing exhausting of fluid from a third or opposing pressure receiving surface, thereby to initiate movement of the valve member against the back pressure of the exhaust fluid from its first position to a position equalizing the pressure acting on a second pressure receiving surface with the pressure of the control fluid, thereby causing the valve member to move to its second position.

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 conjuction 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A fluid energized double acting motor is provided for use as the drive for reciprocating mechanisms such as paint pumps for airless spray painting. A piston within the pump housing is moved by pressurized fluid controlled by an automatic reversing valve including spaced check valves. The check valves are selectively seated and unseated by a spring biased piston and fluid pressure controlled valve actuator assembly. The reversing valve system includes anti-stalling features and is of single, low cost, field repairable nature. The motor system also includes features to prevent chattering oscillation due to abrupt changes in motor load.

Abstract: An improved portioning assembly adapted for use in the precise portioning of food or other products is provided which makes use of a double-acting piston and cylinder assembly shiftable between defined limits, with the stroke length of the piston being correlated with the quantity of dispensed portions. The preferred overall portioning assembly includes a hydraulically operated product pump coupled with the control piston and cylinder assembly for sequential product-dispensing movement thereof; movement of the control piston between spaced limits serves to actuate associated limit switches, the latter operating a valve for directing pressurized charges of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pumping chamber. If desired, a delay can be provided before the initiation of each product-dispensing stroke of the control piston.

Abstract: A reciprocating device comprising a housing having a chamber and a reciprocable member reciprocable in the chamber. First and second pressure valves are connectible to a source of fluid under pressure to drive the reciprocable member and first and second passages lead from the first and second pressure valves to the chamber on opposite sides of the reciprocable member, respectively. First and second exhaust valves are coupled, respectively, to the first and second passages at locations intermediate the associated pressure valve and the chamber and communicating with the first and second vents, respectively. Actuators are drivable by the piston for switching the valves between first and second positions, and the fluid under pressure retains the valves in whichever of the positions they are placed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for a single-acting cylinder includes a valve housing having a cylindrical valve bore. A supply port present in the valve housing is in communication with the valve bore, as is a discharge port and a delivery port. A valve pin is slidable within the valve bore between first and second pin positions, the valve pin including a pin groove positionable to establish communication at the first pin position between the supply port and the delivery port to the exclusion of the discharge port. The pin is slidable from the first position to the second position to establish simultaneous communication with the pin groove between the supply port, the discharge port and the delivery port.

Abstract: In a driving device of the piston-flowmeter type, in particular for a proportioning pump, a distributor is mounted at one end of a piston cylinder for controlling the admission and discharge of fluid within two chambers formed respectively on each side of the piston. The distributor body is provided with circular flow passages and two pairs of valve-seats in cooperating relation with two seals of a two-position tubular valve. The valve has a central bore traversed by the piston rod and coupled to a resilient bistable mechanism for reversing the state of the valve and maintaining it in either of its two positions.

Abstract: A pilot control valve comprising an elongated valve member shiftable within a valve body between a first and a second position. The first position allows communication of control fluid to a first pressure receiving surface to initiate movement of the valve member from its first position to a position equalizing the pressure acting on a second pressure receiving surface with the pressure of the control fluid, thereby causing the valve member to move to its second position. The valve member when in its second position allows communication with a third pressure receiving surface for initially moving the valve member from its second position while equalizing the pressure acting on the second pressure receiving surface to move the valve member to a position equalizing the pressure acting on the second pressure receiving surface with a pressure lower than the pressure of the control fluid for moving the valve member to its first position whereby the operation is repeated at infinitum.

Abstract: There is described a fluid pressure booster including a pair of cylinders connected to the opposite sides of a central partition wall of a casing with an inlet port, an outlet port and air exhaust ports, a pair of pistons reciprocable in the cylinders and defining a boosting chamber and a drive chamber in each cylinder, and a switch valve adapted to supply a line air pressure alternately to the drive chambers of the two cylinders, thereby reciprocating the pistons to intensify the fluid pressure in the boosting chambers. The switch valve of the booster is provided with a spool stall preventive means which is arranged to suppress the pressing force on the valve body of the switch valve with the fluid pressure or biasing action of a spring until the valve body reaches the neutral position thereof and to encourage the pressing action on the valve body with a biasing force after reaching the neutral position to prevent stalls of the valve body at that position.

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.

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.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for a cylinder-piston unit wherein the extreme positions of the piston are not positively controlled by a crankshaft or similar device. Inlet and exhaust valves are respectively mounted in a cylinder head and are operated by actuating rods projecting into the path of the piston.

Abstract: There is described a fluid pressure booster including a pair of cylinders connected to the opposite sides of a central partition wall of a casing with an inlet port, an outlet port and air exhaust ports, a pair of pistons reciprocable in the cylinders and defining a boosting chamber and a drive chamber in each cylinder, and a switch valve adapted to supply a line air pressure alternately to the drive chambers of the two cylinders, thereby reciprocating the pistons to intensify the fluid pressure in the boosting chambers. The switch valve of the booster is provided with a spool stall preventive means which is arranged to suppress the pressing force on the valve body of the switch valve with the fluid pressure or biasing action of a spring until the valve body reaches the neutral position thereof and to encourage the pressing action on the valve body with a biasing force after reaching the neutral position to prevent stalls of the valve body at that position.

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: 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.

Abstract: A motion compensating device that is installed on a lift line between a crane and an object to be lifted. The device limits dynamic loads on the line by taking up and letting out line by preventing the lift line from going slack and by lengthening acceleration time. The device consists of a hydraulic system and sheave mechanical system arranged in combination together with a balancing system for a given load range. The device is balanced for a given load range to provide a full range of compensation while hanging free. Balance is provided by offsetting a load line a calculated distance Y from a vertical line drawn through a lift point. This offset compensates for turning moments of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated pump jack utilizing dual hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assemblies for pivoting the beam of the pump jack and including a unique control arrangement associated with a reversing valve for controlling operation of the piston and cylinder assemblies. The control arrangement includes a hydraulically operated holding valve incorporated into each of the conduits between the reversing valve and the hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assemblies combined with a control piston and cylinder assembly for controlling the operation of the holding valves. A manually operated valve assembly is also incorporated into each conduit to enable conversion of either or both of the piston and cylinder assemblies from double acting to single acting.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low cost fluid pressure engine. This engine converts reciprocating piston motion to rotary output in a novel manner. The engine comprises at least two parallel pistons adapted to reciprocate in cylinders within an engine block closed by upper and lower heads. Each piston is rigidly secured to a piston rod located along the cylinder centerline and extending through substantially fluid tight packing in the lower head. The lower end of each piston rod is flexibly connected to a first connecting means which also includes an opening surrounding a first crank pin. A pair of reciprocating valve means, located within said engine block, are adapted to selectively introduce and exhaust the engine drive fluid into and out of the cylinder above and below the pistons. Valve push rods secured to said valve means are connected to a second connecting means which also has an opening surrounding a second crank pin.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low cost fluid pressure engine. This engine converts reciprocating piston motion to rotary output in a novel manner. The engine comprises at least two parallel pistons adapted to reciprocate in cylinders within an engine block closed by upper and lower heads. Each piston is rigidly secured to a piston rod located along the cylinder centerline and extending through substantially fluid tight packing in the lower head. The lower end of each piston rod is flexibly connected to a first connecting means which also includes an opening surrounding a first crank pin. A pair of reciprocating valve means, located within said engine block, are adapted to selectively introduce and exhaust the engine drive fluid into and out of the cylinder above and below the pistons. Valve push rods secured to said valve means are connected to a second connecting means which also has an opening surrounding a second crank pin.

Abstract: The piston of a pneumatic cylinder is reciprocated with a controllable dwell time at each end of its stroke, under the control of a digital fluidic circuit which responds to the termination of exhaust flow at the end of each piston stroke to initiate the reverse piston stroke. The air for driving the piston is supplied alternately to opposite ends of the piston through respective cylinder ports, by way of a corresponding pair of pilot valves which are controlled by the fluidic circuit so that one or the other of the pilot valves may supply driving air to the piston at any time.

Abstract: A time cycle actuator having first and second chambers pivotally secured on opposite sides of a support such that a fluid may flow through a flow control valve from one chamber to the other. The chambers are arranged to move a valve element in a valve block to allow flow from an inlet supply line to one of two exhaust lines. The fluid passes from the first chamber to the second chamber thus causing the second chamber to move, actuating the valve to allow flow through the first exhaust line. The first exhaust line is connected to one side of an actuated valve, and a reset means moves the second chamber to higher position to reverse the flow of fluid back to the first chamber. When a predetermined amount of fluid has flowed back to the first chamber the valve is moved to the second position allowing pressure to be applied to the second exhaust line. The second exhaust line is connected to resetting means and moves the actuated valve to the second position.