Abstract: A fluid jet system includes a nozzle body which has an axis. A nozzle is adjustably mounted within the nozzle body for dispersing fluid along a centerline. A first adjustment device adjusts the orientation of the nozzle relative to the nozzle body. A focusing tube is included. A second adjustment device positions the focusing tube, relative to the nozzle body, into alignment with the nozzle. One embodiment permits continual alignment of the focusing tube relative to the nozzle as the second adjustment device is being adjusted.

Abstract: A fluid jet cleaning system includes a nozzle body having an axis. A nozzle is adjustably mounted within the nozzle body, the nozzle disperses fluid streams along a centerline. An adjustment device adjusts a relative position between the centerline and the axis. The adjustment device includes longitudinally extendable rod members, configured to contact the nozzle to restrict motion of the nozzle towards each rod member. This adjustment system may be used in conjunction with regular fluid jet cutting systems or the abrasive cutting jet system. Abrasives are injected into the fluid within a chamber formed in the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle orifice formed therein. A highly pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice, wherein a fluid jet is discharged through the nozzle orifice into a chamber downstream of said nozzle assembly which contains entrained air. A sensor is in fluid communication with the chamber for sensing the fluid condition of the entrained air in said chamber which provides an indication of the quality of the nozzle orifice. An alignment portion aligns the orientation of the fluid jet relative to the workpiece based upon the indication of the quality of the fluid jet.

Abstract: Flat valves, such as reed or disc face valves, have their seating motion damped by a plurality of discrete depressions formed either in the valve, in the valve seat surrounding a port, or both. The depressions may be formed by any number of inexpensive machining operations including drilling, pulse-laser machining or the like.

Abstract: A compressor, used for compressing a working fluid to be discharged into a reservoir, includes at least one compressor element. A prime driver, capable of operating at varying angular velocities, applies motive force to the compressor. A ratio maintaining device, disposed between each compressor element and the prime driver, ensures that a ratio defined as an angular velocity of the compressor element divided by the angular velocity of the prime driver remains constant. The prime driver is typically internal combustion engine powered. A controllable fuel valve is in communication with the prime driver and is positionable for controlling a fuel flow to the prime driver. A controller positions the fuel valve based upon a combination of parameters including a variable setpoint reservoir pressure, ambient pressure and ambient temperature, wherein the prime driver is operated at an angular velocity at which the actual pressure at the reservoir can be maintained at the setpoint reservoir pressure.

Abstract: A rolling piston compressor includes substantially cylindrical casing having a variable diameter inner circumferential surface. A radially extending vane recess is formed in the casing. A first lateral surface is defined as a portion of the inner circumferential surface disposed immediately laterally of the vane recess on a first side. A second lateral surface is defined as a portion of the inner circumferential surface disposed immediately laterally of the vane recess on a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first and second lateral surfaces are radially offset relative to each other. A rolling piston is mounted for rotational travel about the inner circumferential surface. A longitudinal contact line is defined between the first and second lateral surfaces across the vane recess. An impact reducer limits the severity of impact between the rolling piston and the second lateral surface during travel of the piston along the contact line.

Abstract: A contact-less seal apparatus including a first surface and a closely adjacent second surface with a space defined therebetween. A high pressure fluid region exists on a first side of the space. A low pressure fluid region exists on a second side of the space. A plurality of discrete expansion chambers are integrally formed in at least one of the first and second surfaces within the space to limit fluid flow from the high pressure fluid region to the low pressure fluid region. The expansion chambers may be formed on an axial end of a rolling piston, side and end faces of a vane, lateral faces of a reciprocating piston or other elements where a contact-less seal is highly desirable to improve sealing capability and effectiveness.

Abstract: A purifier chamber includes a recess formed therein. A bottom plug is in communications with the recess. A filter cartridge, including a mating surface, is insertable into the chamber into an assembled position whereby the mating surface is adjacent the bottom plug. A cartridge ejector is located proximal to the bottom plug and exerts a selective force between the bottom plug and the filter cartridge which is capable of causing axial displacement of the filter cartridge relative to the bottom plug. A contact rod, ejector piston, or spring are illustrated as three possible embodiments capable of accomplishing the desired result of ejecting the filter cartridge from the recess.

Abstract: A fluid activated valving apparatus for controlling a very high pressure liquid being adapted for serving as a focused jet liquid stream for use in cutting materials comprising an axially-aligned spindle located sealingly in a liquid delivery conduit adapted to introduce the high pressure liquid into a chamber. One or more bearings are disposed slidably about the free end of a spindle enclosed within the valve body, adapted for sealing engagement, and also to permit unstressed rotation of the spindle through a 360.degree. arc about the spindle longitudinal axis in response to torsional stresses being intermittently exerted on the exposed free end of the spindle.

Abstract: A spacer of a desired thickness sets the clearance between an end face of a fluid displacement device rotor and an end plate of a fluid displacement device housing. Initially the spacer is located on either the end face or the end plate. The end face is then positioned adjacent said end plate. Next, the rotor is axially displaced relative to the housing to a desired position wherein the spacer is in contact with both the end face and the end plate. Finally, the rotor is secured in said desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tube having an inlet and an outlet. A plurality of apertures are spaced along a wall of the tube. Flow inducers are applied to the inlet for distributing the flow between the plurality of apertures. The flow inducers may include at least one venturi portion located within the tube. The tube is typically used to remove material contained within a hopper wherein the angle of a collection face, of the hopper, may be reduced and still effectively remove all the material applied to the collection face.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a conveyor includes a conveyor frame which displaceably supports a conveyor belt. A first mount rigidly supports the conveyor frame as a second mount is affixed to a vehicle; the first mount being pivotably connected to the second mount at a pivot axis. A link member is pivotally connected to the first mount. An extendable device pivotally connect the link member and the second mount, the extendable device axially extends and retracts resulting in displacement of the link member. There are a plurality of extendable devices, at least some of which are located on opposed lateral sides of said pivot axis, each extendable device, when retracted, extends those extendable devices on the opposed lateral side of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A cluster drill includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion extends parallel to the second plate portion and is rigidly affixed to the second plate portion. At least one first and second plate aperture is formed in the first and second plate, respectively. At least one modular retainer unit, to be mounted within the first and second plate apertures, retains a first and second portion of a rock drill apparatus. A cannister affixes the first plate portion relative to the second plate portion. The cannister may be either cylindrical or contain protuberances to accommodate the modular retainer unit. A drill bit lock restricts motion between the a drill bit and the second plate when desired.

Abstract: A filter device includes a first purifier chamber having a first recess. A first filter cartridge is capable of being disposed within the first recess. A second purifier chamber, including a second recess, is included in the filter device. A second filter cartridge is capable of being disposed within the second recess. A contour element is associated with the second filter cartridge, the contour element being configured to resist insertion of the second filter cartridge within the first recess. A mounting portion is formed in each recess and is configured to engage with a mating portion formed on each filter cartridge. The mating portion of each type of filter cartridge is specific as to not be able to be inserted into any recess but those recesses configured for that type of filter cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feed cylinder having a first end port and a second end port. A feed cylinder is located within the feed cylinder and is movable in a drive direction in response to fluid pressure applied to the first end port, and is movable in a return direction in response to fluid pressure applied to the second end port. A feed pump selectively displaces fluid between the first and the second end ports. A variable overcenter device controls fluid pressure offset, independent of the feed pump, between the first end port and the second end port. An adjustment device automatically adjusts the variable overcenter device during travel of the feed cylinder in the drive direction to a value corresponding to an amount of force required to displace the feed cylinder in the return direction.

Abstract: A valve for use with a first working fluid conduit and a second working fluid conduit, the valve includes a valve body with a valve bore formed therein. A piston is slidably disposed within the valve body. There is a first opening and a second opening formed within and defined by the valve body. The first opening is in communication with the first working fluid conduit and the second opening is in communication with the second working fluid conduit. Displacement of the piston in a first direction to a first position results in restriction of working fluid passage through the second working fluid conduit. Displacement of the piston in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, to a second position results in restriction of working fluid passage through the first working fluid conduit. There is a spring which biases the piston into the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a telescoping tower which has a first tubular tower member and a second tubular tower member which are relatively telescoped between an extended position and a retracted position. A first aperture is formed in the first tubular tower member. A second aperture is formed in the second tubular tower member, the second aperture being aligned with the first aperture when the tower is in the retracted position. A lock is inserted into the first and second apertures when the tower is in the retracted position, the lock limits relative displacement of the first and the second tubular tower members. The lock consists of a rod which is affixed to a vehicle. The tower is pivotally attached to the vehicle. When the tower is pivoted into a stored position, the lock will be inserted into the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A valve device includes a valve body having an inlet bore formed therein, the valve bore having a bore axis. A first semi-circular plate having a first axis is disposed within said inlet bore. Rotation of the first semi-circular plate about the first axis results in incremental displacement of the first semi-circular plate between an open and a closed position. A second semi-circular plate having a second axis is disposed within said valve bore. The first and the second axis are substantially coaxial wherein rotation of the second semi-circular plate about the second axis results in incremental displacement of the second semi-circular plate between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a substantially planar screed plate for a paving machine comprising a plate being spaced from the screed plate, and a space being defined therebetween. A heated gas inlet feeds into a tunnel connecting to the space. At least some of the heated gas is directed from the tunnel substantially parallel to the screed plate. The tunnel is formed from a plurality of tunnel branches with a orifice attached to the end of each tunnel orifice determining the direction where the heated gas will be directed.