Abstract: A pilot operated switching valve includes a sliding spool that is actuated by pilot pressure to control fluid through the valve to a prime mover. The ends of the spool are exposed to pilot pressure that moves the spool within the valve housing to control fluid flow through passages to and from the spool. The passages are sealed by the spool at selected positions to minimize internal leakage and also to allow the valve to hydraulically lock the prime mover. The switching valve also includes a manual switch that is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. The manual switch may be manually actuated to direct pilot fluid to one of the two ends of the sliding spool thereby manually actuating the valve.

Abstract: An air timing device for a high pressure reciprocating injector pump 14 employing a piston or movable wall 50 and orifice 48 combination that is mechanically reset on the suction stroke of the pump includes a bellows 42 defining a variable volume chamber 44 including at least one movable wall. An adjustable orifice 46 in parallel with a check valve is defined in the chamber to provide adjustable flow out of the chamber and full flow through the check valve into the chamber. The wall is connected to a piston 18 of the reciprocating pump by an arm 38 that is fixedly secured to the piston and slideably secured to the wall. A selector valve 62 is also included for directing supply fluid to a selected side of the pump piston to reciprocate the pump. The valve includes a spool valve connected to the wall by a second arm.

Abstract: A step-platform operator 17 for transit vehicles for driving a step 19 and a platform 18 between open and closed positions, includes a reversible drive motor 42 driving the step and platform through a lever and linkage for providing differential motion between step and platform during the last portion of the closing cycle and the initial portion of the opening cycle and allowing a mechanical interlock between step and platform in fully closed position. Both platform and step are driven from a single drive unit. Additionally, the lever and linkage assembly utilizes the weights of the platform and the step to counterbalance each other and allow the use of a low power reversible drive motor to power the system.

Abstract: A valve actuator utilizing a drive motor and a stored energy device to operate valves primarily in safety related applications is disclosed. The actuator operates on signal or loss of power to return a driven valve to a predetermined position. The actuator in particular utilizes unidirectional coupling between a driven shaft and an output shaft that is coupled to the driven valve. Specifically, the coupling utilizes a coiled spring having a unique diametral relationship with the driven shaft in order to insure reliable actuation and control of shaft wear. A fluid dampened device or dashpot is also utilized to provide controlled operation during the return cycle that is powered by the stored energy device.

Abstract: A system for controlling tractive effort in diesel electric locomotives when train hauling requirements are such that multiple locomotives are required. Equipment and method of operation disclosed provides individual control of lead and trailing units, utilizing relatively simple, reliable and inexpensive equipment which operates in conjunction with existing train controls. Operation of multiple locomotive trains at reduced horsepower settings per trailing loads will provide maximum fuel economy for varying track conditions.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for a pressure or vacuum relief valve is disclosed. The pressure or vacuum relief valve includes a cover hingedly connected to a body and a valve seat defined on the body. The latch includes a housing having an open end and connected to either the valve cover or the body. A magnet is mounted within the housing. A striker plate is connected to the other of the valve cover or body in a position to engage the open end of the housing and to be spaced by a gap from the magnet in the valve closed position. The gap between the striker plate and the magnet is adjustable by varying the position of the housing relative to its mounted position. A spring is positioned between the striker plate and the cover or body and biases the striker plate toward the housing in the valve closed position to provide self-alignment and via its adjusting screw to ensure proper engagement of the striker plate with the open end of the housing.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle particularly suited for your use in compact combustion chambers. Successful combustion of liquid fuels having generally high viscosity and widely varying properties such as distillation temperatures, distillation rates and impurities, including "heavy" and waste oil. Improved combustion is accomplished through the use of viscosity control and improved fuel atomization. Use of a nozzle utilizing "shearing" of the fuel by an atomizing fluid stream which intersects the fuel at approximately right angles. Recombination of liquid fuel particles is prevented by the use of a controlled "exit orifice" in the burner nozzle. The nozzle also features continuous circulation of the fuel in the nozzle body which establishes orientation of impurities contained in the fuel relative to the exit orifice so that they are expelled through the orifice. Combustion of conventional distillate fuel oil such as API No. 1 and 2 is also provided.

Abstract: A pump drive system (10) for pumping high temperature fluid includes a fluid pump (12) defined by a housing. The pump includes a fluid piston (16) for developing an impulse for pumping the fluid through the system (18). A fluid column (24) is included that is in fluid communication with the high temperature fluid system (20) and the piston (16) of the pump. The fluid column includes valves 54, 56 for introducing and exhausting fluid from the column during the pumping stroke of the plunger. During operation of the pump, high temperature fluid is introduced in the fluid column through the valves, mixed with the fluid within the column and pumped through the valve into the fluid system thereby pumping the fluid while maintaining the temperature adjacent to the fluid piston at a reduced level to insure lubrication of the piston packing (52) while preventing deterioration.

Abstract: A heating system includes a heat storage tank containing a heat transfer fluid (water) electrically heated to a high temperature. A tube/shell heat exchanger having a pair of fluid flow paths arranged in counter flow relationship is provided for extraction of heat from storage tank by the circulation of the heat transfer fluid therethrough. Conduit means connect the outlet of the tank to the inlet of the first flow path. The outlet of the first flow path is connected to the inlet of a temperature responsive diverter valve having a pair of outlets. A first diverter valve outlet is connected to the inlet of the tank and the second diverter valve outlet is connected to the inlet of the first flow path. A pump responsive to the temperature at the outlet of the first flow path causes the heat transfer fluid to be circulated when the temperature at the outlet drops.

Abstract: Data is recorded on board a vehicle and includes such items as vehicle speed, distance traveled and a predetermined set of operating events. The data is communicated to a computer where a computer program compares the data with a predetermined profile and performs an analysis of the vehicle performance.

Abstract: An onboard unit consisting of a tape recorder, and associated data handling components utilized to provide records of vehicular operating information including speed, distance, power level, braking level, traction motor current and other control events. Each quantity is associated with an incremental distance and/or time which is fixed. In the case of a rail guided vehicle, location signals provided by ground mounted markers are also recorded. Summation of incremental distances as determined from each marker provides an exact location. A magnetic tape unit provides both data storage and operations instruction for a microprocessor based system, allowing convenient alteration or variations in unit function without internal modification. Each unit retains a unique non-volatile serial number which is transferred to each tape allowing convenient correlation of recorded tapes to onboard units.

Abstract: A door operator including a unique electrical drive motor and a linkage arrangement having a drive bar applying driving action through a roller to a slide bar multiplying level wherein the multiplying lever is pivotally mounted at one end and slidably engaging a roller near the other end which is mounted on a slidable door.

Abstract: A pilot operated switching valve includes a sliding spool that is actuated by pilot pressure to control fluid through the valve to a prime mover. The ends of the spool are exposed to pilot pressure that moves the spool within the valve housing to control fluid flow through passages to and from the spool. The passages are sealed by the spool at selected positions to minimize internal leakage and also to allow the valve to hydraulically lock the prime mover. The switching valve also includes a manual switch that is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. The manual switch may be manually actuated to direct pilot fluid to one of the two ends of the sliding spool thereby manually actuating the valve.

Abstract: A valve for a flow regulator employed in a fluid system is disclosed. The flow regulator includes a housing defining an internal chamber and a fluid inlet and outlet communicating with the chamber each adapted to be connected to the fluid system. Mounted within the chamber is a reciprocating piston that is actuated by an external master piston. A backing element is also mounted within the housing. The valve includes an elastomeric inner member including a body with a circumferential layer of elastomeric material bonded to the body. The inner member is mounted between the piston and stationary backing member and upon being compressed by the piston, varies the flow area through the inner chamber. To protect the interface of the outer layer and the body from fluid flow, a shield may be placed along the backing member and the upstream end of the inner member.

Abstract: A lift system for a wheelchair or the like on a transit vehicle includes a stationary main frame secured within a doorway recess of the vehicle and a side frame that is movable relative to the main frame. An articulated platform including first and second steps is pivotally secured to the side frame. Scissors linkage is pivotally and slideably connected to the main frame and to the platform such that upon being actuated, the platform may be actuated from a first position defining first and second steps to a second position defining an extended platform. Thereafter the platform may be actuated in a manner such that the scissors linkage crosses over its center point to lower the platform from the floor level of the vehicle to the ground level. Once the wheelchair or the like is mounted on the platform the reverse actuation occurs and the scissors linkage again crosses over its center point to raise the platform from the ground level to the floor level.

Abstract: Steam trap unit for a steam system including a casing having an inlet for receiving steam and condensate and an outlet for discharging condensate, a valve at the outlet, an actuator within the casing connected to the valve to open the valve for discharging of condensate and to close the valve for preventing the discharge of steam, and a diverter at the inlet diverting the incoming flow of steam and condensate from direct impingement on the actuator thereby preventing noisy rapid and premature valve closing action.

Abstract: A pump for injecting metered amounts of liquid into a line or a conduit, which includes a reciprocating pumping piston in a cylindrical chamber having an inlet and an outlet, both of which are controlled by check valves, wherein the pumping piston is driven by a pneumatic motor of the reciprocating type and having a cylinder in which is located a power piston that is suitably connected to the pumping piston. A switching valve assembly is provided for controlling a supply of power gas or air to the pneumatic motor and which responds to the movement of the pumping and power pistons for effecting reciprocal movement of the pistons.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling two rigid, elongated reciprocating elements while maintaining contact between the elements and eliminating relative longitudinal movement includes a hemispherically faced connector head connected to one of the elements. The coupling device further includes a retainer connected to the other of said elements into which the head is positioned. The connector head is contained in the retainer by a retaining member and biased against a bearing within the retainer by a plurality of Belleville washers. The force developed by the washers is sufficient to maintain the hemispherically faced connector head in contact with the connector bearing to insure that the connector head and bearing do not separate relative to each other during reciprocation of the rigid elements.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for actuating electrical switches to insure coordinated connection of circuits vital to safe operation of a mass-transit vehicle includes a frame upon which are mounted one or more electrical switches. Also included is a cam rotatably mounted on the frame for actuating engagement with the switches upon rotation of the cam by key or similar device. The actuating mechanism further includes a toggle mechanism that is connected at one end to the frame and at the other end to the cam at a point spaced from the point of mounting of the cam to the frame. Secured to the toggle mechanism is a spring whose dead center position does not coincide with the point of actuating contact of the cam with the switch such that upon rotation of the cam, the spring resists movement of the cam until the dead center position of the spring is reached.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a solar collector. A first fluid circulating through the collector is piped to a heat exchanger wherein heat in the first fluid is transferred to a second fluid circulating through a heat pump circuit. The temperature of the second fluid is further elevated by the heat pump and is circulated through a second heat exchanger thereby transferring heat to a third fluid. The third fluid is circulated through a third heat exchanger to elevate the temperature of a fourth fluid stored in a high pressure, high temperature storage tank. The fourth fluid is employed to elevate the temperature of a working fluid that may be used for consumption or heating. Alternate embodiments of the fluid system include an accumulator tank wherein heat from the first fluid is transferred to fluid in the accumulator tank. Heat from the fluid in the accumulator tank is transferred to the second circulating fluid or heat utilization means as required.