Abstract: An illustrative valve cartridge for a pump system is disclosed. In one example the valve cartridge includes a cartridge body, a mounting flange operatively coupled to the cartridge body, wherein the mounting flange is adapted to be coupled to a housing of a pump, a valve member that is adapted to sealingly engage a valve seat within the pump housing and an actuator positioned within the cartridge body, wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the valve member via a connector and wherein the actuator is adapted for selectively moving the valve member relative to the valve seat when the valve cartridge is operatively coupled to the pump housing.

Abstract: An illustrative valve is disclosed that includes a valve body with a valve seat and a valve member adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. The valve also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the valve member via a non-rigid connector, wherein the actuator is adapted for selectively moving the valve member relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A poppet valve with an integrated dampener is disclosed. In some embodiments, the valve includes a poppet guide with a stem and a hollow poppet is disclosed. The hollow poppet receives the poppet guide stem therein, thereby defining an internal cavity. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. The poppet is also moveable relative to a valve seat between a seated position and an unseated position. The poppet may include a body with a seal groove and an elastic seal disposed within the seal groove. The seal is configured to engage the valve seat prior to the poppet body when the poppet moves toward the seated position. The valve may include a poppet guide pivot system that enables pivoting of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to an axial centerline of the valve.

Abstract: A top drive guide system comprising first and second rail sections axially aligned to form a top drive guide rail. A locking member is coupled to the first rail section and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking surface is disposed on the second rail section and is operable to engage the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position. An actuator is coupled to the locking member and is operable to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a working fluid including a cylinder having an outlet through which the working fluid is exhausted at a discharge pressure and a plunger translatably disposed within the cylinder, the plunger including a first piston coupled thereto. In addition, the system includes a second piston disposed opposite the first piston, the second piston driven to reciprocate and a variable-volume chamber disposed between the first piston and the second piston, the variable-volume chamber substantially filled with a volume of hydraulic fluid. Further, the system includes a hydraulic system configured to adjust the volume of hydraulic fluid within the variable-volume chamber, whereby the discharge pressure is maintained substantially at a first predetermined level. Still further, the system includes a transducer coupled to each of the first piston and the second piston, wherein the transducer is configured to measure a relative position of the first piston and the second piston.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluid includes a conduit segment and a pump disposed downstream of and fluidicly coupled to the conduit segment. The conduit segment has an interior volume for conveying the fluid in a predetermined direction of flow and a plurality of elongate vanes disposed within the interior volume.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal reinforced open cell carbon foam component comprises (a) placing a block of open cell carbon foam in a mold. The block comprise a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the block. In addition, the method comprises (b) pouring a molten metal into the mold. Further, the method comprises (c) infiltrating the interconnected pores in the block during (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) allowing the molten metal to cool after (c) to form a metal reinforced open cell carbon foam casting.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a working fluid includes a cylinder having an outlet through which the working fluid is exhausted at a discharge pressure, a plunger translatably disposed within the cylinder, and a hydraulic system. The plunger has a first piston coupled thereto, a second piston disposed opposite the first piston, wherein the second piston is driven to reciprocate, and a variable-volume chamber disposed between the first and second pistons. The hydraulic system is operable to adjust the volume of hydraulic fluid within the variable-volume chamber, whereby the discharge pressure is maintained substantially at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A tensioner system for tensioning a power transfer member such as a chain or a belt is disclosed. In one example, the system includes a base adapted to rotate about a main shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor, a housing positioned around the main shaft and a plurality of deformable elastic members positioned within the housing. The system further includes a plurality of deforming members positioned within the housing around the main shaft, wherein the plurality of deforming members are adapted to be urged in a radially outward direction so as to deform the deformable elastic members.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a housing including a hydraulic chamber, a cylinder coupled to the housing, a piston assembly adapted for reciprocal motion within the housing and the cylinder, the piston assembly separating the hydraulic chamber into three subchambers, and a hydraulic system fluidicly coupled to each of the subchambers. The hydraulic system is actuatable to deliver hydraulic fluid to a first of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes back and a working fluid is drawn into the cylinder, to deliver hydraulic fluid to a second of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes out and the working fluid is exhausted from the cylinder, and to adjust a volume of hydraulic fluid within a third of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly translates to bring a pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder to within a pre-selected range.

Abstract: A track guiding system includes a track comprising a linear beam and a linear plate operatively coupled to the linear beam. The linear plate has opposing first and second surfaces separated by a first distance and opposing first and second edges separated by a second distance. A first compound edge roller and a second compound edge roller are disposed adjacent to the first and second edges of the linear plate, respectively, for travel along the first and second edges of the linear plate. Each of the first and second compound edge rollers include a first roller element adjacent to the first surface of the linear plate and a second roller element adjacent to the second surface of the linear plate. A carriage is coupled to the first and second compound edge rollers.

Abstract: A poppet valve with an integrated dampener is disclosed. In some embodiments, the valve includes a poppet guide with a stem and a hollow poppet is disclosed. The hollow poppet receives the poppet guide stem therein, thereby defining an internal cavity. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. The poppet is also moveable relative to a valve seat between a seated position and an unseated position. The poppet may include a body with a seal groove and an elastic seal disposed within the seal groove. The seal is configured to engage the valve seat prior to the poppet body when the poppet moves toward the seated position. The valve may include a poppet guide pivot system that enables pivoting of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to an axial centerline of the valve.

Abstract: A tensioner system for tensioning a power transfer member such as a chain or a belt is disclosed. In one example, the system includes a base adapted to rotate about a main shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor, a housing positioned around the main shaft and a plurality of deformable elastic members positioned within the housing. The system further includes a plurality of deforming members positioned within the housing around the main shaft, wherein the plurality of deforming members are adapted to be urged in a radially outward direction so as to deform the deformable elastic members.

Abstract: An illustrative valve cartridge for a pump system is disclosed. In one example the valve cartridge includes a cartridge body, a mounting flange operatively coupled to the cartridge body, wherein the mounting flange is adapted to be coupled to a housing of a pump, a valve member that is adapted to sealingly engage a valve seat within the pump housing and an actuator positioned within the cartridge body, wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the valve member via a connector and wherein the actuator is adapted for selectively moving the valve member relative to the valve seat when the valve cartridge is operatively coupled to the pump housing.

Abstract: An illustrative valve is disclosed that includes a valve body, a valve seat disposed within the valve body that has a first curved sealing surface and a valve member having a second curved sealing surface that is adapted to sealingly engage the first curved sealing surface, wherein the first and second curved sealing surfaces are opposed curved sealing surfaces.

Abstract: An engine clutch is provided. The clutch includes a drive shaft rotated by the engine, an eccentric shaft selectively rotated by the drive shaft, a clutch fluid, a plurality of pistons, and a fluid regulator. The eccentric shaft is positionable in an opening of the drive shaft for rotation thereby. The eccentric shaft has cylinders extending radially therethrough and a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The clutch fluid flows between the cylinders and channel. Each piston is slidably positionable in a cylinder in response to flow of clutch fluid. The pistons have an outer end in constant contact with the drive shaft via a bearing. The fluid regulator is positionable in the central channel for selectively restricting flow of clutch fluid whereby rotational speed of the eccentric shaft is adjusted. The eccentric shaft is connectable to a device, such as a fan, for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluid includes a conduit segment and a pump disposed downstream of and fluidicly coupled to the conduit segment. The conduit segment has an interior volume for conveying the fluid in a predetermined direction of flow and a plurality of elongate vanes disposed within the interior volume.

Abstract: A pressure pulsation dampening system for a pump that pressurizes a working fluid. In some embodiments, the dampening system includes a hydraulic cylinder, a valve, and a controller. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston that is movably disposed within a housing and divides the housing into a working fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber, and the valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid chamber. The controller is operable to actuate the valve to a first configuration, wherein pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic fluid chamber, and to a second configuration, wherein hydraulic fluid is exhausted from the hydraulic fluid chamber. The piston is movable under fluid pressure, whereby working fluid is relieved from the outlet to the working fluid chamber or supplied to the outlet from the working fluid chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a housing including a hydraulic chamber, a cylinder coupled to the housing, a piston assembly adapted for reciprocal motion within the housing and the cylinder, the piston assembly separating the hydraulic chamber into three subchambers, and a hydraulic system fluidicly coupled to each of the subchambers. The hydraulic system is actuatable to deliver hydraulic fluid to a first of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes back and a working fluid is drawn into the cylinder, to deliver hydraulic fluid to a second of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly strokes out and the working fluid is exhausted from the cylinder, and to adjust a volume of hydraulic fluid within a third of the subchambers, whereby the piston assembly translates to bring a pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder to within a pre-selected range.

Abstract: A drilling fluid pumping system including a pump apparatus with a pumping chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a dampener system in fluid communication with the pumping chamber for damping the flow of fluid, e.g. drilling fluid, This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C. F. R. 1.72(b).