Abstract: A switching assembly for a hydraulic pump jack has a non-magnetic cylinder and a piston that is reciprocally movable within the interior bore of the cylinder. The piston has circumferential sealing means to engage the interior surface of the cylinder, and carries a magnetic element. A fluid source supplies a working fluid to the cylinder to move the piston within the cylinder. At least one magnetic sensor having a unique sensor value is externally mounted adjacent to the non-magnetic cylinder and senses at least a top of a piston stroke and the bottom of the piston stroke. A controller receives signals from the magnetically-actuated sensors as the magnetic element carried by the piston comes in proximity with and influences the at least one magnetic sensor. The controller controls piston positioning by selectively controlling the flow of working fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: A switching assembly for a hydraulic pump jack has a non-magnetic cylinder and a piston that is reciprocally movable within the interior bore of the cylinder. The piston has circumferential sealing means to engage the interior surface of the cylinder, and carries a magnetic element. A fluid source supplies a working fluid to the cylinder to move the piston within the cylinder. At least one magnetic sensor having a unique sensor value is externally mounted adjacent to the non-magnetic cylinder and senses at least a top of a piston stroke and the bottom of the piston stroke. A controller receives signals from the magnetically-actuated sensors as the magnetic element carried by the piston comes in proximity with and influences the at least one magnetic sensor. The controller controls piston positioning by selectively controlling the flow of working fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: A magnetic safety valve for installation through a tank wall incorporates a piston movable within a valve body. The valve is held normally-closed by two opposite-pole magnets, one in the inner end of the piston, and one in the valve body. A vacuum produced by a pump connected to the valve will act upon the outer end of the piston, producing a force tending to move the piston outward. When the vacuum-induced outward force on the piston exceeds the attractive force between the two magnets, it pulls the piston outward and away from the valve body magnet, unseating the inner end of the piston from the valve body, and allowing outward fluid flow through the valve. A second valve seat may be provided for engagement with an outer portion of the piston to prevent uncontrolled fluid flow out of the tank in the event of valve damage.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a plastic-lined metal tank, a permanent fitting having a flow passage is secured within an opening in the tank wall. A lower portion of the fitting has fitting anchorage means and protrudes into the tank interior. A temporary plug is disposed within the fitting's flow passage. A plastic material is introduced into the tank, which is then multi-axially rotated by a rotational molding apparatus while introducing heat to melt the plastic material. The molten plastic is deposited to form a liner over the inner surface of the tank shell and over exposed surfaces of the fitting and temporary plug. After the plastic liner has cooled and solidified, the temporary plug is removed from the fitting, and the liner is trimmed as required to allow fluid flow through the fitting's flow passage.

Abstract: A magnetic safety valve for installation through a tank wall incorporates a piston movable within a valve body. The valve is held normally-closed by two opposite-pole magnets, one in the inner end of the piston, and one in the valve body. A vacuum produced by a pump connected to the valve will act upon the outer end of the piston, producing a force tending to move the piston outward. When the vacuum-induced outward force on the piston exceeds the attractive force between the two magnets, it pulls the piston outward and away from the valve body magnet, unseating the inner end of the piston from the valve body, and allowing outward fluid flow through the valve. A second valve seat may be provided for engagement with an outer portion of the piston to prevent uncontrolled fluid flow out of the tank in the event of valve damage.

Abstract: A switching assembly for a hydraulic pump jack has a non-magnetic cylinder. A piston is reciprocally movable within the interior bore of the cylinder. The piston has circumferential sealing means to engage the interior surface of the cylinder. A magnetic element is carried by the piston. A fluid source supplies a working fluid to the cylinder, wherein the piston is moved by injecting working fluid into the cylinder. At least one magnetic sensor is externally mounted adjacent to the non-magnetic cylinder that senses at least a top of a piston stroke and the bottom of the piston stroke. A controller receives signals from the magnetically actuated sensor as the magnet element carried by the piston comes in proximity with and influences the at least one magnetic sensor. The controller controls piston positioning by selectively controlling the working fluid supplied by the fluid source to the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of controlling pitch on a gyroplane. A first step involves pivotally securing a wing to a mast supporting a rotor of the gyroplane. A second step involves providing a linkage between the wing and a rotor head. The linkage is secured to the rotor head with a universal joint connection so as not to restrict movement of the rotor head while maintaining a constant relationship between the wing and the rotor. A third step involves providing controls for a pilot to lengthen and shorten the linkage while in flight in order to pivot the wing and thereby alter positioning of the wing relative to the rotor to help control the angle of the rotor relative to wind direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling pitch on a gyroplane. A first step involves pivotally securing a wing to a mast supporting a rotor of the gyroplane. A second step involves providing a linkage between the wing and a rotor head. The linkage is secured to the rotor head with a universal joint connection so as not to restrict movement of the rotor head while maintaining a constant relationship between the wing and the rotor. A third step involves providing controls for a pilot to lengthen and shorten the linkage while in flight in order to pivot the wing and thereby alter positioning of the wing relative to the rotor to help control the angle of the rotor relative to wind direction.