Abstract: A gas compressor and method according to which a plurality of inlet valve assemblies are angularly spaced around a bore. A piston reciprocates in the bore to draw the fluid from the valve assemblies during movement of the piston unit in one direction and compress the fluid during movement of the piston unit in the other direction and the valve assemblies prevent fluid flow from the bore to the valve assemblies during the movement of the piston in the other direction. A discharge valve is associated with the piston to permit the discharge of the compressed fluid from the bore.

Abstract: A gas compressor and method according to which a plurality of inlet valve assemblies are angularly spaced around a bore. A piston reciprocates in the bore to draw the fluid from the valve assemblies during movement of the piston unit in one direction and compress the fluid during movement of the piston unit in the other direction and the valve assemblies prevent fluid flow from the bore to the valve assemblies during the movement of the piston in the other direction. A discharge valve is associated with the piston to permit the discharge of the compressed fluid from the bore.

Abstract: A gas compressor and method according to which a plurality of inlet valve assemblies are angularly spaced around a bore. A piston reciprocates in the bore to draw the fluid from the valve assemblies during movement of the piston unit in one direction and compress the fluid during movement of the piston unit in the other direction and the valve assemblies prevent fluid flow from the bore to the valve assemblies during the movement of the piston in the other direction. A discharge valve is associated with the piston to permit the discharge of the compressed fluid from the bore.

Abstract: In association with a straight-cylinder, reciprocating gas compressor, hydraulic circuitry and valving is provided to track movement of an intake valve which cooperates with an end of the compressor to define a clearance volume. The valving is selectively operative to cause the intake valve to reposition in more proximity to the end of the compressor, or more in proximity to its confronting discharge valve.

Abstract: An elongated sleeve, externally threaded, is threadedly engaged with threaded bores in transverse walls formed in a straight cylinder of a gas compressor. A nut is secured to an intermediate portion of the sleeve, by means of a setscrew, and an end of the sleeve threadedly mounts a valve. The cylinder wall has an aperture formed therein to provide access for an open-end wrench, so that the wrench can work the nut to cause rotation of the nut and the sleeve, and move the valve outwardly or inwardly of the cylinder, as the valve is wholly confined within the cylinder at the frame-end thereof, and is otherwise inaccessible for movement.

Abstract: Inlet valves, in a fluid-pressuring cylinder, are biasingly held in given operative positions where they occlude passageways, formed in the cylinder, which open at opposite ends onto the cylinder interior and the cylinder exterior. When an incompressible slug of liquid enters the cylinder, the relevant valve retracts against the bias thereof to expose the passageway, whereby the risk of over-pressuring is avoided, and the excess pressure is simply vented through the passageway(s), directly to the exterior of the cylinder.

Abstract: A shank of the valve reciprocates within a hydraulic fluid-receiving chamber, and a cap, detachedly confined with the chamber cooperates with the shank to define a dashpot. The dashpot serves to decelerate the final closing of the valve to minimize wear of the valve head and the seat against which it closes.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic sealing plate for a compressor valve. A center gated mold is employed in conjunction with a heated barrel which encloses a reciprocating screw for feeding plastic through an injector into the mold. Polyetheretherketone polymer pellets are heated to about 150.degree. C. to remove moisture after which they are fed into and through the heated barrel, the heated barrel being elevated to a temperature in the range of 350.degree.-380.degree. C. for melting the pellets. The mold is heated to a temperature in the range of 150.degree.-180.degree. C. The melted polymer is then injected into the mold by the reciprocating screw to obtain proper mixing and pressurizing, after which the mold is heated to a temperature of about 300.degree. C. to anneal the plastic in the mold and to expand the polymer to fill the entire mold and relieve stress in the material.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for use in a compressor suction or pressure plate valve having a seat member with a plurality of fluid passage ports therethrough. The sealing apparatus comprises a movable plastic plate member having a like plurality of sealing members for juxtaposed sealing engagement with the plurality of fluid passage ports and at least one projection integrally formed on at least one of the sealing members and extending outwardly from the plate member in a direction away from the seat member for receiving a resilient flat spring member urging the plate member against and sealing the fluid passage ports.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for use in a compressor suction or pressure plate valve having a seat member with a plurality of fluid passage ports therethrough. The sealing apparatus comprises a movable plastic plate member having a like plurality of sealing members for juxtaposed sealing engagement with the plurality of fluid passage ports and at least one projection integrally formed on at least one of the sealing members and extending outwardly from the plate member in a direction away from the seat member for receiving a resilient flat spring member urging the plate member against and sealing the fluid passage ports.