Abstract: A barrier for use with a rod extending into a bore having a cross sectional dimension, formed in a structure. The barrier is located on one side of a fluid supply in the bore. The barrier includes a sealing portion adjacent the fluid supply, the sealing portion has a flexible flange in sealing contact with the bore. A tube is connected to the sealing portion and has a rod passageway formed there through. A diameter of the tubular portion is smaller than the cross sectional dimension prior to insertion of the rod, and expands to conform to the cross sectional dimension in response to insertion of the rod. A rupture portion is connected to the tubular portion, and seals the rod passageway to limit a passage of fluid therethrough prior to insertion of the rod. The rupture portion is adapted to rupture in response to penetration by the rod. The barrier may be used in conjunction with a dynamic earth anchor, to prevent passage of the grout to between the anchor and the bore.

Abstract: A drill feed control system for controlling the force exerted on a drill string having substantial weight. A feed cylinder, which has a first end and a second end, is connected to the drill string. Fluid is pumped from a reservoir to displace the feed cylinder. A first conduit is connected to the first end while a second conduit is attached to the second end. A variable displacement pump displaces fluid from the reservoir, within the first conduit, to the first end of the feed cylinder. A feed pressure control regulates the pressure of the variable displacement pump. An overcenter valve, which is connected to the second conduit, restricts the fluid exiting the second conduit. A relief valve controls the flow of fluid to a pilot conduit which extends between the first conduit and the overcenter valve. An orifice or check valve to release the pressure is connected to the pilot conduit such the the pressure in the pressure conduit will respond to a pressure increase or decrease in the first conduit.

Abstract: A fluid discharge device comprises a nozzle. The nozzle is constructed from a first jewel such as a corundum or diamond. An aggregation of ions formed from a second material such as nickel, titanium or chromium are implanted onto a surface of the nozzle, whereby a useful lifetime of the nozzle with a fluid passing through the nozzle under high pressure, is increased.

Abstract: A variable frequency control for a hydraulic percussion actuator includes a piston bore and a valve bore. A piston is axially disposed within the piston bore, while a valve is axially disposed within the valve bore. A first piston biasing member biases the piston in a first direction while a second piston biasing member, which overcomes the bias of the first piston biasing member to move the piston in a second direction. A first valve biasing pin biases the valve in a third direction while a second valve biasing pin overcomes the bias of the first valve biasing pin to move the valve in a fourth direction. A hydraulic valve actuator displaces the second valve biasing pin when the piston is extended in the second direction, and a piston actuator activates the second piston biasing pin when the valve is extended in the fourth direction. A valve response member controls the time required for the valve to be displaced in said fourth direction upon actuation of said valve actuating member.

Abstract: An oil scavenger system for a face seal including a lubricant scavenger system for retrieving lubricant which has escaped from a first side to a second side of a seal which seals a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft is used on a compressor, pump, or any other machine which involves a lubricant seal about a rotary shaft. A cover encases the second side of the seal, producing a first space therebetween. A first pressure is maintained in the first space. A second space is interconnected to the first space whereby the lubricant may freely pass therebetween. The interconnection may be mounted exterior or interior of the machine. A second pressure is maintained in the second space than in said first space. The second space may actually be in communication with the first side of the seal. The second pressure is less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A rock bit for a down-the-hole drill provides auxiliary flow paths for flushing the working face of the drill bit to facilitate the removal of cuttings and debris through peripheral troughs in the drill thereby significantly reducing the abrasive effect of the cuttings and debris on the bit body. The exhaust fluid is supplied to the working face of the drill bit through several delivery channels spaced equidistantly about the periphery of the drill head where a first set of delivery channels are disposed at acute angles to the central axis of the drill bit and a second set of delivery channels are interposed directly between the central bore of the drill bit and the working face.

Abstract: A variable frequency control for a hydraulic percussion actuator includes a piston bore and a valve bore. A piston is axially disposed within the piston bore, while a valve is axially disposed within the valve bore. A first piston biasing member biases the piston in a first direction while a second piston biasing member, which overcomes the bias of the first piston biasing member to move the piston in a second direction. A first valve biasing pin biases the valve in a third direction while a second valve biasing pin overcomes the bias of the first valve biasing pin to move the valve in a fourth direction. A hydraulic valve actuator displaces the second valve biasing pin when the piston is extended in the second direction, and a piston actuator activates the second piston biasing pin when the valve is extended in the fourth direction. A valve response member controls the time required for the valve to be displaced in said fourth direction upon actuation of said valve actuating member.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for a percussion device powered by fluid pressure includes a percussion device housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve is displaced between an open and a closed position. A filter recess is formed within the housing. A filter is inserted within the filter recess for moving the valve from the closed to the open position, thereby permitting fluid pressure to be supplied from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A blade having a concavely shaped leading edge is cut. The blade has first and second side faces, a tip profile and a root profile. Each profile has a first and second profile side corresponding with the first and second side faces. The cutter is positioned between the first root profile side and the first tip profile side. The tip profile and root profile are followed with two cutter portions of the cutter along the first root and tip profile sides toward the leading edge to cut the first side face. One of the cutter portions is translated around to the second profile side before the other cutter portion is translated to the second profile side, causing the formation of the concave leading edge. The tip and root profile is followed with the cutter, along the second profile side away from the leading edge to cut the second side face.

Abstract: A compressor unloader controller for placing a compressor in an unloaded condition when the compressor is being started. A compressor inlet valve, movable between a normally open and a closed position, admits fluid flow to the compressor when the valve is in the open position. A pressure reservoir contains pressure sufficient to bias the inlet valve into the closed position. A starter valve applies pressure from the pressure reservoir to the inlet valve only when the compressor is in a starting mode. The inlet valve may also be actuated, during normal compressor operation, by a pressure regulating device which is connected to a compressor outlet line.

Abstract: An air compressor pressure regulating system which controls the operation of an air compressor. A variable speed driver, which is controlled by a throttle, controls the speed of the driver. A compressor valve integrally regulates the airflow to the compressor inlet. The pressure regulating valve is connected between the compressor outlet and a closed reservoir. The pressure existing in the closed reservoir directly effects both the operation of the compressor throttle and the compressor valve. The pressure regulating valve includes of two movable diaphragms (or pistons), which are spaced parallel to each other and which are connected to each other by a rigid connecting member producing similar motion in both diaphragms. The compressor outlet pressure is exposed to the first side of the first diaphragm. The reservoir pressure is exerted on the second side of the first diaphragm as well as the first side of the second diaphragm.

Abstract: As an air filter assembly attaches an air filter to an air compressor. The assembly includes an air filter, an outer plate and a baseplate. The air filter is positioned between the outer plate and the baseplate. A mounting device for attachment to the air compressor extends through the air filter and includes an attaching portion at a first end and a tensioning portion at a second end.

Abstract: A fluid compression system includes a fluid compression device which pressurizes fluid. A pressure sensor senses pressure generated by the compression device. A control device indicates operating parameters and functions of the compression device, graphically displays the parameters and functions, sets limits of the parameters and controls the compression device in response to any of the parameters reaching a preset level of a corresponding function. A reverse rotation sensor determines when the compression device is operating in an incorrect direction by the initial pressure sensed by the pressure sensor after startup of the compression device, and in response, shuts off the compression device.

Abstract: A position of a rotary valve having limited motion between an open and a closed position is determined by a limit sensor. A stepper motor supplies power to open and close the rotary valve. A coupling transmits any stepper motor motion to the rotary valve. A sensor actuator is affixed to the coupling. A limit sensor determines the position of the rotary valve by sensing the position of the sensor actuator, wherein there is no contact between the sensor actuator and the limit switch when the position of the rotary valve is being determined.