Abstract: An abrasive swivel assembly for providing a rotating, particle-laden fluid stream and, ultimately, a rotating particle-laden fluid jet is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a tubular arrangement for providing a particle-free stream of fluid, a swivel assembly for rotating a section of the tubular arrangement, and a tubular end section for introducing solid particles into the particle-free fluid stream at a point along the rotating tubular section, whereby to produce a particle-laden fluid stream. This last-mentioned stream can then be used in combination with a cooperating nozzle arrangement for providing a rotating particle-laden fluid jet. In an actual working embodiment, the fluid stream is of sufficiently high pressure so that the abrasive jet can be used as a cutting jet.

Abstract: An abrasive swivel assembly for providing a rotating, particle-laden fluid stream and, ultimately, a rotating particle-laden fluid jet is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a tubular arrangement for providing a particle-free stream of fluid, means for rotating a section of the tubular arrangement, and means for introducing solid particles into the particle-free fluid stream at a point along the rotating tubular section, whereby to produce a particle-laden fluid stream. This last-mentioned stream can then be used in combination with a cooperating nozzle arrangement for providing a rotating particle-laden fluid jet. In an actual working embodiment, the fluid stream is of sufficiently high pressure so that the abrasive jet can be used as a cutting jet.

Abstract: A technique for locating the position of a boring device within the ground with respect to a particular reference location along an above ground path directly over the intended course to be taken by the boring device is disclosed herein. This technique utilizes an electromagnetic field which is emitted from the device and an above-ground arrangement for simultaneously sensing the strength of the field at a number of distinct points. The particular sensing points are selected so that the arrangment never has to leave the path directly above the boring devices intended course to locate the boring device, even if the latter deviates laterally from the path.

Abstract: An overall pump assembly for smoothly pumping a compressable liquid from a supply is disclosed herein along with two intensifiers which form part of the assembly and a control arrangement for driving the intensifiers in specific phase relationship to one another. Each of the intensifiers includes its own reciprocating piston and a control device interconnected in feedback relationship with the piston in order to follow the latter through its movement. In each of the specific intensifiers disclosed, its piston and control device are interconnected by cable means configured to cause the control device to rotate about its own axis in a manner corresponding to the movement of the piston.

Abstract: The lift generated by delta wings is due primarily to large vortices associated with the flow separation near the leading edge. The invention includes a perturbation device to control the separation shedding of those vortices and manipulate their frequency and pairing. This results in different growth rates of the vortices downstream of the device and thus the lift produced by the large bound vortices may be controlled. If the invention is applied to both leading edges, the total lift of the wing will be altered; if the perturbation is preferentially applied on only one side of the wing, the moment around the roll axis of the aircraft is controlled. A first embodiment uses a piston coupled to a cavity and slot to produce the desired perturbation. Alternative embodiments are described which achieve the results without moving parts.

Abstract: A high pressure hose fitting which includes a crimpable sleeve for use over a hose and a conical ferrule that separates the cord layer of the hose from the inner linings and clamps the cord layer ot the sleeve. A housing enclosed the fitting and provides the clamping force. An O-ring between the ferrule and the housing aids in sealing. All parts are so designed that an increase in pressure increases the sealing force and clamping force.

Abstract: A swivel fitting arrangement for use in a pressurized fluid line, especially a high pressure, high flow rate line, is disclosed herein and utilizes first and second adjacent sections of the line in coaxial and unconnected relationship to one another so as to define an axial joint between the two sections and such that the first section is able to rotate aboout its axis relative to the second section. The arrangement also includes means for supporting the two line sections in their coaxial and unconnected relationship with one another and a tubular sealing member disposed coaxially within the line and across the axial joint between and directly against the adjacent sections and joint for internally sealing the joint while allowing fluid within the line to pass from one of the sections to the other.

Abstract: A technique for fragmenting rock or other relatively hard and/or compact material without the use of explosives is disclosed herein. In accordance with this technique, an elongated, blind opening is provided in the rock or other material to be fragmented and a pulse of water having a relatively high peak pressure and a relatively rapid rise time is directed into the elongated opening without the use of explosives to produce the pulse, whereby to produce a shock wave in the rock or other material sufficient to fragment it. In an actual embodiment, this explosion free pulse of water has a peak pressure of about 80,000 psi and a rise time of about one millisecond.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high pressure valve of the dump type. The valve body contains a slideable, hollow spool with ports connecting its interior and exterior. When the valve is in the on position, all ports are located in the pressurized portion of the valve body, and fluid flows to an outlet connected to the hollow spool. In the off position, at least one port is outside the pressurized area of the valve body, thereby relieving fluid pressure. The ports slide through a seal of self-pressurizing construction. The valve may also be used as a high pressure swivel, or combination valve swivel, by rotating the spool, if the spool is supported by bearings.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly comprising a tubular sleeve, a nozzle and a nozzle body. The nozzle and nozzle body are held in an assembled relation with their bores aligned by the tubular sleeve which encircles them. The sleeve provides a seal between the nozzle assembly and the body into which the nozzzle assembly is mounted, and also provides a seal between the nozzle and nozzle body. During use, when under working pressure, the tubular sleeve tends to flow and move both downstream and radially, forming seals between the nozzle assembly and the body into which it is mounted; and between the nozzle and nozzle body, which seals tend to increase in effectiveness as the working pressure increases. In another form, the set screw has a chamfer which engages a corresponding circular corner of said body, preventing downstream flow of the sleeve therebetween.

Abstract: An ultra-high pressure hose assembly capable of withstanding sustained internal fluid pressures exceeding 60,000 psi is disclosed herein and consists essentially of an innermost tubular core, a plurality of successive tubular layers and an outer containment sleeve. The innermost tubular core and containment sleeve are designed to add substantially no structural integrity to the overall assembly but rather function only as a fluid barrier and containment structure for the tubular layers respectively. The outer tubular layers serve as structural members of the overall assembly and respectively consist of individual bands which are alternately helically wound around and directly against the layers immediately below them at predetermined helix angles. Each band in turn consists of a number of separate steel wires which have opposing flat sides and which are positioned in unconnected edge to edge relationship to one another so as to form the band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a coherent stream of high velocity abrasive laden liquid. The method includes allowing the particles to assume the direction and velocity of a high velocity jet of liquid. This method also allows concentration of particles in the center of the flow of liquid to reduce nozzle wear and increase cutting efficiency. The apparatus includes a nozzle having a converging section attached to a straight section that is sufficiently large that the abrasive particles approach the velocity of the fluid jet before exit of the nozzle.

Abstract: A drill bit with multiple fluid jet cutting nozzles designed so that the drill bit workface including the cutters is a separate piece from the drill bit body that houses the fluid jet nozzle orifice mounts. The cutter assembly protects the nozzle housing from rapid wear and it can be easily removed from the nozzle housing without disturbing or removing any of the nozzle orifice mounts.

Abstract: A piston and a cylinder within a pump housing cooperate with the inner walls of the housing to form a high-pressure reservoir surrounding the cylinder to provide a continuous compressive force thereon to prevent tensile stresses in the cylinder during pumping operations to prevent failure of the cylinder due to metal fatigue. A check valve between the cylinder and the reservoir permits high-pressure fluid to flow from the cylinder into the reservoir during pumping operations to maintain substantially the maximum cylinder pressure within the reservoir. The cylinder further includes therein an inlet with an associated check valve. Stationary seals in the pump use the high pressures in the cylinder and the reservoir for producing the sealing forces necessary to prevent leakage. The primary piston seal consists of a long, controlled clearance gap which permits a small leakage but has only minor contact and thereby low sliding stresses and a long life.

Abstract: A hand held fluid jet drilling apparatus is described. The drill includes an elongated drill stem with a fluid jet nozzle on one end and a motor on the other end. High pressure fluid is supplied to the drill from an external power pack which also produces compressed air. The drill includes a high pressure swivel which allows the motor to rotate the nozzle while a continuous supply of fluid is present. The drill stem is spring mounted to provide protection to the operator. The swivel may also operate as an on-off valve which supplies flushing fluid while the drill is off. The drill is operable as a drill, reamer or slotting tool by suitable arrangement of controls. A second embodiment is illustrated which provides for continuous flushing with low pressure fluid during operation. The drill is also attachable to mechanical feed systems to extend face coverage.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutter using an articulated boom support system is disclosed. The cutter utilizes a support system which allows rotational translation in all three axes. The boom system allows displacement of the cutter over a broad area. A jet catcher is attached to the cutter head to catch the cutting jet. A deadman switch arrangement prevents the operator from contacting the cutting jet. A vacuum system is linked to the catcher and a column that supports the boom to remove cutting debris and waste fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic underground mining system for operating through a small diameter borehole into a subterranean body. An elongated mining tool includes a liquid jet nozzle that is movable in a vertical direction along the length of the mining tool for forming a directed jet stream to impact material in the ore body and convert the material into a slurry. An orifice is positioned below the jet so that slurry flows into the orifice, the latter being connected to a jet pump which returns generated slurry to the surface. Suitable hydraulic power means are provided for operating the jet pump and for moving the jet stream in vertical and circular directions. Means for monitoring and controlling the progress of mining and the condition of components of the system are provided to monitor and control the system from a centralized location.

Abstract: A seal for a movable shaft which extends from a cavity within a high-pressure vessel maintains a uniform gap between the shaft and the seal body at high pressures to form an effective seal while providing adequate clearance between the shaft and the seal body to prevent excessive wear.

Abstract: A check valve assembly adapted for connection to a high pressure reciprocating pump cylinder, comprising valve body means, inlet check valve means and outlet check valve means. The valve body means has an inlet end adapted for connection to the pump cylinder and an outlet end adapted for connection to a high pressure outlet line. The inlet end has a planar surface adapted to be exposed to the interior of the pump cylinder. The valve body means also includes a low pressure inlet passage opening in the planar surface for providing communication with a source of low pressure fluid and a high pressure outlet passage extending between the planar surface and the outlet end. Such passages are parallel to one another and spaced apart a distance at least as great as the radius of the high pressure outlet passage. The inlet check valve means is mounted entirely on the exposed planar surface in association with the inlet passage and prevents high pressure fluid backflow into the inlet passage.

Abstract: An ultra high pressure water jet cutting nozzle is disclosed which comprises a lightweight poppet valve assembly coupled by a lost motion connection to a valve actuator. The poppet valve assembly seals directly to the jet-forming element of the nozzle insuring continuous high pressure fluid in the system at all times. The maintenance of constant high fluid pressure in the system protects the supply tubing of the system against damage due to pressure waves generated by repeated opening and closing of the valve assembly. The maintenance of continuous high fluid pressure also prevents dislodgement of the jet-forming element of the nozzle.