Abstract: An apparatus for releasable fastening and for modifying the relative position of two components (1, 1?, Bf, G; 2, 2?, Bk, Br), which have a common connecting surface forming a contact surface (5, 5?), comprises two screws (3), which in coaction with specially configured V-shaped notch zones (9a1, 9a2; 9b1, 9b2; 9a3, 9a4; 9b3, 9b4) permit a relative positioning in zero-backlash and accurately aligned fashion, and serve as the fastening means. It is thereby possible to perform a linear displacement and/or a rotation and/or a tilt in simple fashion.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for coupling nestable drive shanks of a tool includes a housing presenting a locking pin movable between a normal locking position and a release position. First and second bias means cooperate to urge a free end of the locking pin in extension outside the housing so as to extend between aligned shank apertures and join the same. Upon user disengagement of one bias means on the locking pin, the locking pin is urged to a release position towards a location within the housing so as to withdraw the pin from the aligned apertures. The latching mechanism enables drive shanks to be connected at user selectable lengths therebetween.

Abstract: A pin to plate joint and method of making the joint comprising a plate comprising an entry side and an exit side with the plate defining cutouts, and the pin movable through the plate from the entry side to the exit side and in doing so pushes tab members at angles to the exit side of the plate at bends. The bends in the plate define an opening in the plate, and flow spaces are defined between the pin sidewall and the bends in the plate, with the tab members being heated to form melted tab material and flowing the melted tab material into the flow spaces and cooling, forming a pin to plate joint.

Abstract: A pole connector assembly for connecting adjacent pole sections in order to construct a pole. In some embodiments, these pole connector assemblies have two inserts connected together by a fastener. Each of the two inserts can be received within an open end of a respective pole section. The fastener can be received within an aperture in each of the inserts in order to connect the pole sections together. In some embodiments, each insert can have at least one projection that extends into the pole section within which the insert is received. The fastener can limit the at least one projection from being inwardly deflected in order to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section. In other embodiments, the fastener can have at least one deformable portion to allow the fastener to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section.

Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present invention, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the sill plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a sill plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present invention is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle tire deflating apparatus includes a first member, with a tire facing side, and a second member, with a tire facing side spaced from the first member. An interconnecting member locates the first member relative to the second member by a distance sufficient for the first member and the second member to straddle a vehicle tire and, further, holds at least one of the first or second members in a fixed orientation. At least one tire penetrating member is provided at each of the tire facing sides of the first member and the second member for penetrating a vehicle tire when the vehicle tire is located between the first member and the second member and moves toward either of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A disposable cover for a bumper block comprises a body member having a cavity and an opening for receiving the bumper block. The body member is formed from an elastic polyethylene resin so that the body member may be expanded to accommodate the bumper block when the cover is placed thereon. In order to make the disposable cover, a tubular sheet of the polyethylene resin is flattened to form opposing sidewalls. Perforations are added at spaced apart locations along a length of the sheet, and the opposing sidewalls are heat sealed together proximate to the spaced apart locations. The sheet is cut along its length and the perforations are torn to form individual covers.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly for a guide post, the ground anchor assembly having a first part and a second part, the first part adapted to be pounded into the ground, the first part comprising a head portion and a tail portion, the tail portion being insertable into the ground, the head portion comprising a flat plate attached to one end of the tail portion, the flat plate comprising a pair of folded over tab members defining a slot, the second part comprising a first wall to which a road post can be attached and a second wall which comprises a tongue member and which can be inserted into the slot on the first part to attach the first part to the second part.

Abstract: An auger/cut off assembly for a floating screed asphalt paver. The auger/cut off assembly consists of an auger mechanism with an axis of rotation and a cut off mechanism. The cut off mechanism has a concave cut off panel that rotates about the axis of the auger mechanism from an open strike off position to a closed cut off position. Because the concave cut off panel closely conforms to a portion of the circumference of the auger mechanism, the cut off mechanism provides for low ground clearance. The concave cut off panel serves the dual function of striking off the paving material when in the open strike off position and cutting off the deposit of paving material when in the closed cut off position.

Abstract: A split drum is provided for a compacting work machine and includes a first and a second drum section. A support arrangement defines a housing that surrounds a vibratory mechanism and is adapted to support the first and second drum sections. The support arrangement comprises a first support member and a second support member that are rotatably connected. Rotational power may be supplied to the first and second drum sections through the use of a propel motor. The first and second drum sections may be rotated at equal speeds or different speeds relative to one another.

Abstract: A stormwater runoff detention system includes a system including an inlet, a first surge chamber, a second surge chamber and one or more storage chambers. The first surge chamber is connected to receive stormwater from the inlet prior to the second surge chamber or the storage chamber. The first surge chamber includes a discharge outlet and an overflow outlet to the storage chamber. The second surge chamber is connected to receive stormwater from the inlet primarily after the first surge chamber has begun overflowing to the storage chamber. The second surge chamber includes a discharge outlet and an overflow outlet to the storage chamber or to a second storage chamber.

Abstract: An integrated padding machine that incorporates a front digging auger that is preferably mechanically as opposed to hydraulically powered, which in conjunction with a breaker bar assembly provides for digging and crushing capabilities, and that incorporates several other improvements and advances, including screen and cross-pass conveyor level control, a real-time padding level monitoring system, and an assistant's control module, improved controls, dust control, and cold weather padding, and methods of using the machine.

Abstract: In lining work in which a lining pipe R formed by spirally winding a strip-like member 500 consisting of an elongated sheet-form body is left in place inside a tubular culvert P, and a new lining pipe is additionally formed in front of this lining pipe that has been left in place, a lining apparatus S which has a flexible forming frame 1 consisting of link bodies is used. The strip-like member 500 is wound around the forming frame 1 by means of a joining mechanism part 7 attached to the forming frame 1, and a lining pipe R is formed while being forcibly folded inward utilizing the flexibility of the forming frame 1; at the same time, a back-filling material is injected into the inward-folded part. The inward-folded part later returns to its original state. Alternatively, the diameter of a small-diameter lining pipe R formed by winding around the forming frame 201 or 401 is expanded, and lining is performed with the back-filling material injected during this diameter expansion process.

Abstract: The invention relates to mobile offshore jack-up structures and provides for a self-regulating jacking system for elevating and lowering of the legs and the hull. A central controller assembly regulates movement of each of the legs, depending on the relative speed of movement of each leg and inclination of the hull along two independent axes: forward-aft and starboard-port. Each chord of the supporting legs is inverter driven to ensure a bi-directional full rated torque control of the associated pinion assemblies at very low speeds. By regulating the relative speed of the leg vertical movement, the system monitors the hull inclination within allowable limits and prevents an excessive differential vertical travel of any of the leg chords, thereby minimizing a possibility of leg bending or jamming of the screw jacks of the jacking assemblies 30.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for conveying drill cuttings employing a compressed conveyance gas to induce movement of the non-free flowing drill cuttings in a vessel without employing a non-pneumatic means for causing movement of the drill cuttings in the vessel.

Abstract: A rotary multi-tooth milling cutter, each tooth having a tooth face is provided. The tooth face has at least two sections, a first section nearest the cutting edge having a convex form as viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the cutter axis and a second section in a concave form.

Abstract: A rotary tapered tool holder includes a body or shank including a front contact portion and a rear contact portion. An adapter sleeve is disposed about a portion of the shank. The adapter sleeve includes slits that allow radial expansion and contraction of the adapter sleeve. The adapter sleeve includes an inner surface formed at a first non-zero taper angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shank, and an outer surface formed at a second non-zero taper angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank. The second taper angle is different than the first taper angle such that an interference fit between the shank and the inner surface of the adapter sleeve forces the outer surface of the adapter sleeve into positive contact with a tapered bore of a spindle of the rotary tapered tool holder.

Abstract: A vehicle support, for a container comprises a frame suspended from one or more of adjustable span, to vary frame disposition, such as elevation and/or tilt, from an (un)loading to a transport mode; the frame is configured for converting or adapting a standard container, and a self-contained retractable version incorporated in a demountable container extension module is envisaged.

Abstract: A method of securing large rolls of compressible materials on flat transport cars, including (a) placing a first set of longitudinally spaced U-shaped brackets on the transport car, each of the U-shaped brackets consisting of a horizontal cross member between a pair of vertical legs of a height no greater than the roll diameter, (b) loading a plurality of the large rolls on the cross member to define a first row of the rolls, (c) strapping the first row of rolls together, (d) repeating steps (a) and (b) with additional sets of brackets to stack a selected number of additional rows of rolls above the first row, wherein the brackets of each set are aligned with the brackets associated with the rows therebeneath with the legs connected to so as to carry a significant portion of the weight of the rolls, and (e) strapping selected adjacent rows of rolls together.

Abstract: The fastener includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft includes a threaded portion. A head is connected to the second end of the shaft and a flange extends radially outward from the head. A handle is connected to the head and the handle is positioned against the flange the first position and generally upstands from the head in the second position. The handle moves between the first position and a second position. The fastener may be used to fasten halves of a separable housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for fixing a component to a support part. The element comprises a retaining part (1) for the component to be fixed and a hollow anchor foot (2), which is used to anchor the fixing element in a continuous bore of the support part. Two spring arm pairs (5, 6), which widen towards the retaining part (1), run from the lower edge in opposing openings (4) in the wall of the anchor foot (2), one short and one long spring arm (5 and 6) respectively lying adjacent to one another in one of the openings (4) and being offset in relation to the short and long spring arm (5 and 6) in the other opening (4). As both spring arm pairs (5, 6) are graduated towards the retaining part (1), starting from a respective outer edge (11, 12) that lies at the greatest radial distance from the central axis (M) of the fixing element, front faces (7, 8) and step faces (9, 10) are created on different horizontal planes. The faces can rest on the underside of a support part.

Abstract: A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of a vehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy from the hollow by rotation about the axis of a ball slidly engaged in a track to allow the ramps to be positioned for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, and further provides a line deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gate which can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned to facilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of modifying a turbine nozzle area comprises depositing a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on the nozzle endwalls to provide a minimum nozzle area, evaluating an airflow through the nozzle, and machining the TBC to increase the nozzle area. Adjacent segment area variation may be minimized, improving engine reliability by reducing the aerodynamic excitation to the down stream blade.

Abstract: A variable flow water pump includes a housing having an impeller mounted on a rotatable shaft. The pump impeller has a plurality, of vanes fixed to a back plate or flange. A circumferentially surrounding shroud is axially movable within the housing and may move between an open position and a covering position to expose or surround the vane portions and therefore control the effective working capacity of the pump. The shroud is controlled by an actuator and shift fork arrangement that responds to sensor measurements of temperature and/or engine speed to supply a sufficient quantity of coolant tailored to the actual need of the engine and without unwanted power loss caused by excessive flow.

Abstract: A recirculation structure for turbo-compressors has an annular chamber that is positioned in the area of the free blade ends of a rotating blade ring and that radially borders the main flow channel, and has a multitude of guide vanes arranged in the annular chamber and distributed around its circumference. The annular chamber enables the passage of air flow in the forward and/or rear areas, and the guide vanes are firmly fixed to at least one wall of the annular chamber and otherwise are designed to be free-standing. The tips of the guide vanes that face the annular chamber extend along and/or near the contour of the main flow channel, and axially overlap the free blade ends or axially border the area of the free blade ends.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a low-pressure turbine inner rotor that includes at least a first pair of adjacent rows of turbine blades that are configured to rotate in a first direction providing a low-pressure turbine outer rotor that includes a forward end, an aft end, and at least one row of turbine blades that is rotatably coupled between the first pair of inner rotor turbine blades, wherein the at least one row of outer rotor turbine blades is configured to rotate in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and coupling a support assembly between the first pair of inner rotor turbine blades such that the support assembly supports the outer rotor forward end.

Abstract: A drum-type rotor carries an annular row of moving blades having root portions held within a slot in the periphery of the rotor. A turbine casing surrounds the rotor and carries a static blade assembly with an annular row of static blades which, together with the annular row of moving blades, constitutes an impulse turbine stage. The static blade assembly has a radially inner static ring confronting a periphery of the rotor with a seal acting therebetween. The static blade assembly has an outer static ring which has a substantially greater thermal inertia and stiffness then the inner static ring and is capable of sufficient radial sliding relative to the casing so as to accommodate relative thermal expansion and contraction of the outer static ring and the turbine casing.

Abstract: A mini-fan (126) is implemented for installation in a recess (124) of a wall (122), which wall is equipped on the periphery of the recess (124) with a plurality of retaining members (128, 129). The fan has, for air guidance, a housing (136) that, in its installed position, projects with a housing portion (127) approximately complementary to the recess (124) of the wall (122) into that recess. Arranged on the periphery of that housing portion is at least one part (138) made of an elastomeric material, with which part the fan (126) is introducible, upon its installation with the part (138) made of elastomeric material with displacement along the wall (122), into the retaining members (128, 129), in order to bring that part (138), in the installed position, at least locally into sealing contact against the wall (122).

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbine for a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, including a housing with an inlet passage for conducting exhaust gas onto a turbine wheel supported in the housing, a guide vane structure movable into, and out of, an annular space of the inlet passage around the turbine wheel, an operating mechanism for moving the guide vane structure is provided which includes a cylinder, a ring provided with axial passages disposed around an inner sleeve, the guide vane structure being connected to one end of claws movably disposed in the axial passages and at least one of the claws being connected at its other end to the operating mechanism.

Abstract: In a compressor particularly of an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine having a compressor wheel rotatably supported in a compressor housing which includes a diffuser structure with an adjustable diffuser geometry comprising guide vanes pivotally supported, an adjustment ring is provided with engagement elements which engage forked end structures of the guide vanes at the outer ends of the guide vanes opposite the pivotal guide vane support so that the pivot position of the guide vanes can be adjusted by rotation of the adjustment ring.

Abstract: A shroud segment for being incorporated in a gas turbine engine so as to suppress influence of hot combustion gas on a turbine case of the gas turbine engine is provided with a back plate having first and second plate portions formed in an arc shape and supported by the turbine case, a touching member integrally formed on an inner surface of the back plate for touching with a rotating turbine blade, a pair of first seal slots for receiving a pair of first spline seal plate, a pair of second seal slots for receiving a pair of second spline seal plate and a pair of seal gaps respectively communicating with the first seal slots and the second seal slots. The seal gaps are respectively provided with abutment surfaces recessed from front surfaces of the second seal slots so as to receive front ends of the first spline seal plates.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor stack includes one or more longitudinally outwardly concave spacers. Outboard surfaces of the spacers may be in close facing proximity to inboard tips of vane airfoils. The spacers may provide a longitudinal compression force that increases with rotational speed.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower with forward curved fan blades includes an inlet shroud whose shape is specifically designed for creating a smooth incoming airflow pattern that leads into the inner leading edges of the fan blades. The inlet shroud has first and second curved surfaces, wherein the centers of curvature of the two surfaces lie in the same plane, and the center of curvature as well as the radius of curvature of one curved surface is greater than that of the other. At least one center of curvature lies beyond the outer diameter of the impeller, and at least one center of curvature lies beyond the impeller's inner diameter, wherein the impeller's inner diameter is defined by the inner leading edges of the fan blades. Performance benefits are achieved when a forward curved blower with such an inlet shroud operates with a flow coefficient of between 9 and 52.

Abstract: An air turbine starter (ATS) configured to couple to a gearbox, the ATS including an output shaft having an outer peripheral surface, a gearbox section, and an ATS section, the gearbox section configured to be disposed within, and coupled to, the gearbox and the ATS section configured to be disposed within the ATS, and a shield plate extending radially from the outer peripheral surface and coupled to the ATS section of the output shaft.

Abstract: A rotor blade and a method for cooling a rotor blade are provided. The rotor blade includes a root and a hollow airfoil having a cavity defined by suction side wall, a pressure side wall, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a base, and a tip. An internal passage configuration is disposed within the cavity. The configuration includes a serpentine passage having at least three radial segments connected to one another, an axially extending passage disposed between the tip and the serpentine passage, at least one aperture extending between the last radial segment and the axially extending passage, and one or more sink apertures disposed within one of the suction side wall or the pressure side wall of the last radial segment of the serpentine passage. At least one conduit is disposed within the root. The conduit is operable to permit airflow through the root and into the internal passage configuration.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion device includes a propeller in which each of the propeller blades includes a proximal (radially inward) non-airfoil mounting section, a medial section and a distal tip section mounted to pivot relative to the medial section about a pitch axis running lengthwise of the blade. At low wind speeds, each tip section and its associated medial section cooperate to provide a single airfoil. When the propeller rpm exceeds a predetermined threshold, each of the tip sections begins to pivot toward a full governing position, which tends to reduce the propeller rpm. To permit wind tracking, the device is mounted to pivot on a vertical axis. The propeller blades are downwind of the vertical axis, and slightly inclined to define a cone diverging in the downwind direction. The electrical power generating components are located upwind of the propeller and centered about the propeller axis, and have a radius less than the length of the proximal blade sections.

Abstract: A component includes at least one wall having an inner portion and an outer portion. A number of pins extend between the inner and outer portions of the wall. The pins define a mesh cooling arrangement having a number of flow channels. A number of dimples are located in at least one of the inner and outer portions of the wall. The component may also include a number of turbulators disposed on at least one of the inner and outer portions of the wall.

Abstract: A turbine wall includes a plurality of first and second film cooling holes arranged in a common row. The holes have multiple forms and alternate in the row for collectively providing film cooling performance therefrom.

Abstract: A separable blade for a wind turbine, the separable blade being divided at a center part thereof in a longitudinal direction into an inner blade portion corresponding to a blade root side and an outer blade portion corresponding to a blade end portion, wherein the separable blade is structured by joining the inner blade portion and the outer blade portion with a joining member made of metal, the separable blade includes: a metal plate placed between the inner blade portion and the outer blade portion and electrically connected to the joining member; and an in-blade electrical conduction wire arranged to extend from the metal plate through a blade root part of the inner blade portion to outside of the blade.

Abstract: A dual rotation paddlewheel includes tangs that are equally effective in either direction of rotation. The paddlewheel includes tangs disposed around an outer periphery of a body. The dual rotation paddlewheel includes a primary face for use in a first direction and a secondary face for use in a second rotation direction. The tangs may also include a crossbar for increased shear strength. The increased cross sectional area eliminates problems associated with breaking tangs off of the paddlewheel and entering the product stream. Existing product engagement areas in existing designs have been preserved with the dual direction design. The dual direction paddlewheel allows for the consolidation of rotation specific designs into a single part, thereby eliminating costs associated with carrying multiple single direction paddlewheels as well as tooling and manufacturing costs for multiple paddlewheel designs.

Abstract: A fan 10 has a hub 12, a plurality of fan blades 14 attached to the hub at one end and extending outwardly from the hub, and a ring 18 concentric with the hub and coupled to tips 16 of the blades. Wherein a dimensionless radius (r/R) is defined from a center of the hub (r/R=0) radially outwardly, wherein each tip of the blades is r/R=1. A stagger angle is defined as an angle between an axis of rotation of the fan and a set angle of each fan blade, and C/R is a dimensionless chord length where C is chord. The fan is defined by values of r/R, C/R and stagger angle.

Abstract: A turbine blade for a turbine engine having a platform cooling system formed from one or more platform cooling channels extending from an inner cooling cavity in a root of a turbine blade to an outer surface of a platform on the turbine blade. The platform cooling channels may be positioned in ribs protruding from a bottom surface of the platform. The ribs act as fins during operation of a turbine engine in which the turbine blade is installed by increasing surface area of the platform and thereby increasing convection on the bottom surface.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in a table. The table selected from the group of tables consisting of TABLES 1S–16S, 1R–17R, and IGV. Wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.

Abstract: A method of cooling a gas turbine engine component having a perforate metal wall includes providing a plurality of pores in the wall, wherein the pores extend substantially perpendicularly through the wall, and wherein the pores are covered and sealed closed at first ends thereof by a thermal barrier coating disposed over a first surface of the wall, and providing a plurality of film cooling holes in the wall, wherein the holes extend substantially perpendicularly through the wall and the thermal barrier coating. The method also includes providing cooling fluid to the plurality of pores and the plurality of film cooling holes along a second surface of the wall, channeling the cooling fluid through the pores for back side cooling an inner surface of the thermal barrier coating, and channeling the cooling fluid through the holes for film cooling an outer surface of the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil having an improved impact and erosion resistance. The airfoil comprises: (a) a base segment having an impact resistant leading edge section proximate to the leading edge comprising a material having having a yield strength of least about 250 ksi and an elongation percentage of about 12% or less; and (b) an erosion resistant coating overlaying the base segment at least in the leading and trailing edge portions of the pressure side, the erosion resistant coating comprising at least one ceramic layer having at least one of the following properties: (1) an erosion value of at least about 200 g. of erodent to cause a thickness loss of about 15–20 microns; (2) an erosion volume loss value (V) of about 1.9 or less as defined by the equation V=H?0.18×E0.75×F?1.65 where H is hardness, E is elastic modulus and F is fracture toughness; and (3) an F value of at least about 1.5 MPa*m1/2.

Abstract: A system for cooling the bearings and motor in a pump assembly used for circulating supercritical fluid is disclosed. The system uses a pressurized coolant fluid that can be substantially pure CO2. The pressure difference between the circulating supercritical fluid and the coolant fluid is minimized to prevent cross-contamination of the fluids. In addition, the coolant fluid can provide a small amount of bearing lubrication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a reciprocating member of a reciprocating piston compressor is presented. The apparatus and method provide a means for measuring parameters of the reciprocating member, such as road load or cross-head temperature and the like, and wirelessly transmitting the data to a receiver. A mobile assembly is attached to a reciprocating member of the compressor, the mobile assembly having a sensor assembly, a wireless transmitter and a power generation assembly. The sensor assembly measures a parameter of the reciprocating member and generates a representative sensor signal. The wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits a corresponding data signal to a stationary assembly mounted nearby. The power assembly powers the transmitter and sensor assembly. The measured data is used, in conjunction with other measurements, such as a crankshaft encoder, to calculate the work performed by the compressor, the power used by the compressor and other information.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a compressor. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member and an elongate bracing member. The mounting member is secured to the housing of the compressor has a central support section in substantial registry with the housing. The mounting member includes two legs which extend from opposite ends of the central support section. The first and second legs respectively include first and second distal portions. The bracing member may be secured to the mounting member with two swaged connections. The swaged connections each define an aperture through the bracing member and the mounting member. A method of mounting a compressor is also provided. The method utilizes a mounting bracket having a bracing member which is secured to a mounting member by deforming at least one of the bracing member and the mounting member into engagement with the other of the bracing member and the mounting member.

Abstract: A swash plate type variable displacement compressor includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder bore. A housing is fixed to the cylinder block and defines a crank chamber. A drive shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and the cylinder block. A swash plate is supported by the drive shaft in the crank chamber and is inclinable with respect to the axis of the drive shaft. A piston is accommodated in the cylinder bore so as to define a compression chamber in the cylinder bore and is coupled to the swash plate. A control mechanism includes a bleed passage for controlling the pressure in the crank chamber. The compressor is formed such that lubricating oil in the crank chamber is discharged into at least one of the suction chamber, the discharge chamber and the compression chamber while the inclination angle of the swash plate is substantially a maximum inclination angle.

Abstract: Suction valve spring retainers mounted using an access bore plug are described for use in plunger pump housings having an offset access bore and incorporating structural features for stress-relief. These pump housing structural features accommodate access bore plugs that secure suction valve spring retainers that are internally located substantially centrally over the suction bore transition area of the plunger pump housing. Access bore plugs are secured in place on the pump housing using one or more threaded retainers. Plunger pumps so constructed are relatively resistant to fatigue failure because of stress-reducing structural features, and they may incorporate a variety of valve styles, including top and lower stem-guided valves and crow-foot-guided valves, in easily-maintained configurations. Suction valve spring retainers mounted in plunger pump housings may also incorporate a suction valve top stem guide.