Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining barometric pressure. In one example, an onboard vacuum pump is utilized to draw a vacuum at a constant flow rate across a reference orifice, and the resulting vacuum level is converted to a barometric pressure. In this way, other sensors for determining barometric pressure in a vehicle may be rationalized without the use of engine operation, and in an example where the other sensors for determining barometric pressure are not functioning as desired, barometric pressure as inferred from the onboard pump may be utilized to adjust engine operation.

Abstract: There is provided: a NOx-occlusion-reduction-type catalyst 32 that is provided in an exhaust passage 13 of an internal combustion engine 10, a NOx purge control unit 60 that performs a NOx purge control of setting the exhaust in the rich state and reducing and purifying NOx occluded in the NOx-occlusion-reduction-type catalyst 32; and a NOx purge inhibition processing unit 70 that inhibits NOx purge control when the internal combustion engine 10 becomes a motoring state in which fuel injection is stopped, and inhibiting, when the internal combustion engine 10 has started fuel injection during the inhibition of the NOx purge control, performance of the NOx purge control from the start of the fuel injection until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A control device includes an electronic control unit. During deceleration of the engine, when a temperature of a three-way catalyst is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and execution conditions of fuel cut processing are established, the electronic control unit executes first control for closing an exhaust shutoff valve, while fuel injection and ignition are continued. When the exhaust shutoff valve reaches the closed state in the first control, the electronic control unit executes second control for bringing the engine into an intake control state in which the intake throttle is closed and an EGR valve is in a predetermined open state. In the second control, the electronic control unit executes the fuel cut processing by stopping the ignition before the engine is brought into the intake control state and stopping the fuel injection after the engine is brought into the intake control state.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system of an engine is provided, which includes a NOx catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage for storing NOx within exhaust gas when an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean, and reducing the stored NOx when the air-fuel ratio is approximately stoichiometric or rich. A processor executes a NOx reduction controlling module for performing a NOx reduction control in which a fuel injector performs a post injection to control the air-fuel ratio to a target ratio, and an EGR controlling module for controlling an EGR valve to recirculate EGR gas. In the NOx reduction control, the EGR controlling module controls an opening of the EGR valve to a target opening smaller than when the NOx reduction control is not performed. The NOx reduction controlling module starts the control after the EGR valve opening is controlled to the target opening.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system of an engine is provided, which includes a NOx catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage for storing NOx within exhaust gas when an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean, and reducing the stored NOx when the air-fuel ratio is approximately stoichiometric or rich. A processor executes a NOx reduction controlling module for performing, when the NOx stored amount exceeds a given amount, a NOx reduction control in which a fuel injector performs a post injection of fuel to continuously control the air-fuel ratio to a target ratio so that the stored NOx is reduced to be below a given amount, the target air-fuel ratio being a ratio at which the stored NOx is reducible, the post injection causing the injected fuel to combust inside a cylinder, the execution of the control permitted when an engine load is within a medium load range.

Abstract: Provided is a knock detecting device capable of ensuring knock detection accuracy irrespective of fuel injection conditions even when a period during which injection-valve noise occurs overlaps with a knock determination period. An ECU 9 subjects signals output from a knock sensor, which detects vibrations of an internal combustion engine, to frequency analysis to calculate frequency components (501). The ECU 9 calculates a background level that indicates the average of the frequency components (503). The ECU 9 stores, in association with each other, the number of fuel injections, which indicates the number of fuel injections in a predetermined time period during one combustion cycle, with a learning value, which indicates a frequency-component correction amount (507).

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a drive device that improves the precision of injection quantities by stabilizing the behavior of a valve body 214 under the condition that a valve body reaches a height position lower than a maximum height position and making the injection pulse width and the injection quantity gradient small.

Abstract: A method of detecting illegal tuning of the vehicle may include obtaining and storing, by a controller, at least one of learning information including a variable value and a control value and engine state information at a time of controlling the vehicle while the vehicle is driven, as a learning value; comparing, by the controller, a learning value, which is newly obtained over time, with a prestored previous learning value; determining, by the controller, that a tuning chip for changing component performance in the vehicle is mounted when the learning value is changed and there remains a difference between the obtained learning value and the prestored previous learning value at a predetermined level or higher for a predetermined period of time; and creating and storing, by the controller, a tuning detection code when it is determined that the tuning chip is mounted.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device learns a port injection learning value and a direct injection learning value separately for each of learning regions that are divided according to the engine operating state. It is assumed that a port injection learning condition and a direct injection learning condition are both satisfied in a learning region in which neither the learning of the port injection learning value nor the learning of the direct injection learning value has been completed. In such a situation, the fuel injection control device executes the port injection learning process if the ratio of the port injection amount is less than the ratio of the direct injection amount, and executes the direct injection learning process if the ratio of the direct injection amount is less than the ratio of the port injection amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating exhaust pressure based on an exhaust air/fuel ratio sensor. In one example, a method may comprise estimating an exhaust pressure based on periodic waveform outputs of an exhaust air/fuel ratio (AFR) sensor, and adjusting at least one engine operating parameter based on the estimated exhaust pressure. The exhaust pressure may be estimated based on one or more of the standard deviation and frequency of the periodic waveform outputs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing overflow of fuel from a vehicle fuel tank are provided may prevent liquid fuel from overflowing into a canister by for a predetermined time storing liquid fuel, which overflows from a fuel tank through a vent valve while the vehicle is traveling, in a fuel overflow prevention chamber, and by returning the fuel in the fuel overflow prevention chamber to the fuel tank by driving a fuel pump in a reverse direction when an engine is turned off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the fuel quantity that is actually injected by a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine. A fuel injector is operated to perform a fuel injection. The first discharge stroke of the fuel pump is deactivated following a start of the fuel injection for preventing the discharge stroke from delivering fuel into the fuel rail. A value of a pressure drop caused into the fuel rail by the fuel injection is calculated. A value of a fuel quantity injected by the fuel injection is calculated on the basis of the calculated value of the pressure drop.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine is configured to feed fuel to a combustion chamber in an intake stroke to form a homogeneous premix and make the homogeneous premix burn by flame propagation when a temperature of an engine body is less than a first threshold value, to feed fuel to the combustion chamber in the intake stroke to form a homogeneous premix and make the homogeneous premix burn by compression ignition when the temperature of the engine body is the first threshold value to less than a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value, and to directly feed fuel to the combustion chamber in a compression stroke to form a partial premix and make the partial premix burn by compression ignition when the temperature of the engine body is the second threshold value or more.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimal operation of a gasoline particulate filter coupled to an engine exhaust system. Based on engine operating conditions, a target soot level on the GPF may be determined, and one or more engine operating parameters may be adjusted to maintain the actual GPF soot level at the target level. In one example, if the actual GPF soot level is lower than the target level, one or more of a fuel injection timing and a fuel rail pressure may be adjusted to increase soot generation, and if the actual GPF soot level is higher than the target level, the GPF may be regenerated until the actual soot level reaches the target level.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system is provided. The method includes injecting fuel from a first direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder liner in a cylinder block into a combustion chamber and injecting fuel from a second direct fuel injection device arranged in a cylinder head into the combustion chamber, the first and second direct fuel injection devices arranged at an obtuse angle with regard to an intersection of central axes of the first and second direct fuel injection devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal combustion engine's piston with a piston head having first and second thinnest portions that are thinnest in thickness of the piston head. With respect to the center axis of the first and second pin holes for supporting the piston pin, the first and second thinnest portions of the piston head are respectively provided on both sides of a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the center axis of the first and second pin holes. Each of first and second rib portions that are respectively formed on inner surfaces of first and second pin boss portions extends at the piston head in a direction along the transverse axis to overlap each of the first and second thinnest portions of the piston head. This piston is capable of relaxing stress concentration at a position above the piston pin.

Abstract: A combustion engine is provided that includes an engine block with a fiber material in a resin. The engine block defines a piston bore and a bore liner positioned within the piston bore and includes a substrate and a coating positioned on an interior surface of the substrate. An exterior surface of the substrate defines a retention feature.

Abstract: An exemplary casting assembly for an engine block includes, among other things, an insert and at least one magnet configured to retain the insert in a predefined position within an engine block mold cavity. An exemplary engine block casting method includes, among other things, positioning at least one insert in a mold cavity, retaining the insert in position with at least one magnet, introducing material into the mold cavity to form an engine block, and solidifying the material to secure the insert within the engine block.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly for high Mach number operation comprising an inlet turbine assembly, a gas turbine engine core, and a ramburner arranged along a common axis. During high Mach number operation, working fluid flow is selectively directed through the inlet turbine assembly to cool the working fluid prior to entry in the gas turbine engine core. Working fluid exiting the gas turbine engine core may be reheated by a ramburner for thrust augmentation.

Abstract: A drive system for a thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of mechanical actuators for driving a cowl of the thrust reverser, and a single hydraulic motor for providing power to the plurality of mechanical actuators. Power can be transmitted mechanically from the hydraulic motor to the actuators, and the hydraulic motor can be located away from fire zones in the engine.

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes: a turbomachinery core; and a low-pressure turbine configured to drive a fan to produce a fan flow, the fan being configured such that at least a portion of the fan flow exits the engine without passing through a turbine. The fan includes: a rotor having at least one rotor stage including axial-flow rotor airfoils, and at least one stator stage including axial-flow stator airfoils. At least one of the rotor or stator stages includes an array of airfoil-shaped splitter airfoils alternating with the rotor or stator airfoils of the corresponding stage. At least one of a chord dimension of the splitter airfoils and a span dimension of the splitter airfoils is less than the corresponding dimension of the airfoils of the at least one stage.

Abstract: A turbine engine having an engine core, an inner cowl radially surrounding the engine core, an outer cowl radially surrounding the inner cowl and spaced from the inner cowl to form an annular passage between the inner and outer cowls that defines a nozzle, at least one control surface provided on the inner cowl and movable between a retracted position, where the nozzle has a first cross-sectional area, and an extended position where the nozzle has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area and an actuator operably coupled to the control surface and configured to move the control surface to control the cross-sectional area of the nozzle.

Abstract: An LPG bombe cooling system of a bi-fuel vehicle using both gasoline and LPG is provided. The LPG bombe cooling system is configured to cool the interior of an LPG bombe and to reduce the vapor pressure of LPG by supplying some gasoline from a gasoline tank into the LPG bombe using the fact that the temperature of gasoline in the gasoline tank is lower than the temperature of LPG in the LPG bombe, whereby it is possible to easily refill the LPG bombe with LPG even in the case in which the external temperature is very high, e.g. in the hot season.

Abstract: A blockage determination portion 114 of a blockage detection system 30 determines that no blockage has occurred in a purge line 90, if a flow rate V of an inner fluid Fi exceeds a flow rate threshold THv while an internal pressure Pi of the purge line 90 is reduced from a first pressure value P1 to a second pressure value P2, for example. The blockage determination portion 174 determines that a blockage has occurred in the purge line 90, if the flow rate V of the inner fluid Fi falls below the flow rate threshold THv after the internal pressure Pi is reduced from the first pressure value P1 to the second pressure value P2.

Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank, a liquid trap and a tank venting assembly. The fuel tank defines a first vapor space and a second vapor space. The tank venting assembly includes a vent valve, a first vent line, a second vent line and a third vent line. The vent valve can have a movable member that is configured to move between a first open position wherein a front vent point is open and a second closed position wherein the front vent point is closed. The first vent line can be fluidly connected between the liquid trap and the vent valve. The second vent line can be fluidly connected between the vent valve and an auxiliary vent point. The third vent line can connect to an upper vent point. In a closed position, the auxiliary vent point and the upper vent point remain open and vented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger for an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, comprising a tube bundle of flat tubes, configured by combining two plates incorporating specific protrusions distributed according to the direction of the tube. These protrusions in both plates are in contact with one another or attached such that they establish internal channels. The present invention is characterized by the presence of either transverse projections or of transverse deviations generating disturbances in the flow through side walls of the internal channels, increasing the turbulence of the flow through said channels and thereby increasing heat exchange by convection.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a drain system for an EGR system of an engine system. In one example, the drain system includes a connector fluidly coupled to each of an intake system, an exhaust system, and a fluid collector, where the connector is positioned vertically below an intake manifold of the intake system and an exhaust passage of the exhaust system and vertically above the fluid collector with respect to a surface on which an engine sits.

Abstract: An intake system piping structure of an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold connected to an end-side first cylinder and an end-side second cylinder which are provided farthest from each other in a cylinder bank in which a plurality of cylinders is placed in line, and an intercooler connected to the intake manifold. The intercooler is arranged in such a manner that a widthwise center of the intercooler on the side of an intake inlet and a widthwise center of the intercooler on the side of the manifold are offset to the side of the end-side second cylinder from a cylinder bank direction center line in center between an axial center line of the end-side first cylinder and an axial center line of the end-side second cylinder.

Abstract: Fuel piping for a vehicle, which is fixed by clamps and routed on a vehicle body, is formed to have a circular hollow section inside and anisotropy in a wall thickness thereof in the circumferential direction. In particular, the fuel piping for a vehicle has at least one thick-wall portion in the circumferential direction and is disposed on a vehicle body so that the thick-wall portion is positioned vertically at the top or bottom, or has one thick-wall portion in the circumferential direction and is disposed on the vehicle body so that the thick-wall portion is positioned vertically at the top. In addition, the clamp for fixing to the vehicle the fuel piping for a vehicle includes a holding portion for arranging the thick-wall portion vertically at an end, and holding the fuel piping for a vehicle so as not to be turned in the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a dual in-tank fuel pick-up system. The dual pick-up system includes a fuel delivery module (FDM) with a fuel pump and a jet pump. Fuel is made available to the FDM through one or more fuel pick-ups bringing in fuel from different locations of a fuel tank to a reservoir of the FDM from where the fuel is pumped by the fuel pump to a coupled engine system.

Abstract: A fuel heating device for a vehicle may include a start sensor detecting a starting of a vehicle; a controller area network (CAN) communication device transmitting and receiving various signals to and from an engine control device; a resistance sensor measuring a resistance of a heater provided inside an injector; and a controller controlling the resistance sensor to measure the resistance of the heater when the starting of the vehicle is detected in a state in which a failure occurs in the CAN communication device, converting the measured resistance of the heater into a temperature of a fuel, and operating the heater to heat the fuel to a reference temperature when the converted temperature is lower than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for a high pressure fuel pump head, wherein an axial internal drilling provided in a first plunger section, and a clearance between the first and a second plunger section, are exposed to a pumping fuel pressure, and wherein a pressure gradient along an outside wall of the first section and the bore, and pressure within the drilling and clearance, results in an increasing deformation of the first section and thereby a decreasing clearance between the first section and the bore, moving towards the second section, thereby providing sealing from one end of the plunger to the opposite end.

Abstract: To provide a combined cycle plant, a control device thereof, and a steam turbine startup method that are aimed at improving the operability of a combined cycle plant by allowing a quick change of the output. A combined cycle plant is provided with: a gas turbine having a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine; a supplementary firing burner that raises the temperature of exhaust gas of the gas turbine; a heat recovery steam generator that generates steam using exhaust heat of the exhaust gas; a steam turbine that is driven by steam generated by the heat recovery steam generator; and a control device that changes both an output of the combustor and an output of the supplementary firing burner when an output of the combined cycle plant is to be changed.

Abstract: A control system of a vehicle includes a controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle in a vehicle system formed from the first vehicle and at least a second vehicle. The controller is configured to control deactivation of an engine of the first vehicle based on one or more deactivation settings or limits of the first vehicle. The controller is configured to obtain one or more deactivation settings or limits of the at least the second vehicle and to normalize the one or more deactivation settings or limits of the first vehicle based on the one or more deactivation settings or limits of the at least the second vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus is provided, comprising a power semiconductor element which is connected between a first terminal on a high-potential side and a second terminal on a low-potential side and is controlled to be turned on or off according to a gate potential, a cut-off condition detection section which detects whether or not a control signal that is input from a control terminal and controls the power semiconductor element satisfies a predetermined cut-off condition, and a cut-off circuit which controls the gate potential of the power semiconductor element to be an OFF potential in response to the cut-off condition detection section detecting that the cut-off condition is satisfied, and the cut-off condition detection section has an input terminal connected to the first terminal and the control terminal, and uses an electrical signal input from the input terminal as a power source.

Abstract: A method of mounting a guide apparatus of a large hydraulic machine with a vertical axis of rotation and wherein the axes of the guide blades extend vertically as well. The method includes the following steps: assembling an assembly with at least the upper guide wheel ring or the turbine cover and all the guide blades of the guide apparatus. This assembly does not take place in the machine shaft and the guide blades are mounted in a suspended manner, lowering the guide blades to mutually different height levels within the assembly such that the lowered guide blades can be displaced upwardly, installing the lower guide wheel ring in the machine shaft, and installing the assembly in the machine shaft by continuous lowering, wherein the guide blades present in the assembly are successively inserted into the openings provided in the lower guide wheel ring.

Abstract: A hydraulic water wheel assembly and system where optimum results are obtained based upon factors such as the height of the channel, the distance between water wheels, the diameter of the discs, and the number, size, dimensions, and arrangement of the wing blades.

Abstract: A wind energy device (100) utilizes a cone (102) to concentrate the wind. The inside of the cone (102) has rifling (110) which spirals the wind to more effectively hit the rotor blades (112) adjacent the smaller opening (108) of the cone (102). A convex screen (124) deflects objects from the larger opening (104) of the cone (102). The device has a bottom caudal fin (116) to help direct the wind into the larger opening (104) of the cone (102) as the wind changes direction. The cone (102) can have a top fin (118) as well. The device is equally weight balanced on a shaft (120) and pivots on a bearing (122) to help it rotate effortlessly. This pivot enables maximum efficiency of capturing the wind. The cone (102) can be comprised of sections (136) that open up in a strong wind by hinges (134) and a motor or spring at the front (104) of the cone (102). Solar panels (132) can be placed on the cone (102), the rotor housing (114), the generator (126), and the shaft (120) to generate additional electricity.

Abstract: A hub and rotor assembly for wind turbines which include one or more conjoined blades. Each conjoined blade comprises two separate blade sections that are affixed together by a plurality of dividers or spacers. Each divider/spacer attaches to the inferior face of the first blade and the superior face of the second blade. This construction of rotor blades allows the wind to flow over and between the blades, by virtue of the space created between the two blade sections and thereby increases the surface area affected by or pushed by the wind and reduces the structural weight of each blade as compared to the prior art. Each blade is further contoured or curved to provide an area upon which the wind can “push” each blade as the wind passes over and between the blade sections which make up each conjoined blade.

Abstract: A turbine for a vertical axis wind turbine generator includes a supporting structure rotating about a central axis; at least one blade, which is elongate in a longitudinal direction, operatively parallel to the central axis and connected to the supporting structure so as to rotate about the central axis along an operating trajectory, in a rotation direction, wherein the blade, has a wing having an aerofoil defining a head and a tail, wherein the head leads the tail in the rotation direction, and includes a deflector having an aerofoil defining a head and a tail, wherein the head leads the tail in the rotation direction, positioned along the operating trajectory with its tail proximal to the head of the wing and oscillating about a tilt axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade and passes through the head of the deflector.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to provide wind turbine control and compensate for wind induction effects. An example method includes receiving wind speed data from a Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor. The example method includes receiving operating data indicative of wind turbine operation. The example method includes determining an apriori induction correction for wind turbine operating conditions with respect to the LIDAR wind speed data based on the operating data. The example method includes estimating a wind signal from the LIDAR sensor that is adjusted by the correction. The example method includes generating a control signal for a wind turbine based on the adjusted LIDAR estimated wind signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a passive blade pitch control module. An embodiment of the present invention provides a passive blade pitch control module comprising: a body part which includes a center column and is connected to a rotation shaft of a wind power generator; one or more rotation blocks which are coupled to the body part so as to be rotatable about a pitch axis and to which a blade is mounted and supported; a link plate which is coupled to the center column so as to be movable along the center column and is eccentrically coupled to the rotation blocks with respect to the pitch axis; and a spring for elastically supporting the link plate.

Abstract: A blade pitch arrangement of a wind turbine is provided having a number of blade shafts extending radially outward from a hub and a rotor blade mounted around each blade shaft, which blade pitch arrangement includes a toothed ring arranged at the root end of each rotor blade; and a pitch drive unit for each rotor blade, having a driver body and a pinion realized to engage with the toothed ring of a rotor blade; wherein a pitch drive unit is arranged relative to its corresponding rotor blade such that the pinion is positioned closest to the hub, and the driver body extends in a direction radially outward from the hub. A wind turbine is also described.

Abstract: A wind turbine system comprising a plurality of wind turbines mounted to a support structure including a tower, wherein each of the plurality of wind turbines includes a rotor and a power generation system driven by the rotor, and at least one of a rotor blade pitch adjustment means and a generator power control means. The system further includes control means that receives vibration data associated with the support structure and which is configured to determine a damping control command for a respective one of the plurality of wind turbines, wherein the or each of the wind turbines includes a damping controller that receives a damping control command and which is operable to apply a damping control input to one or both of the blade pitch adjustment means and the generator power control means so as to counteract the measured vibration of the support structure.

Abstract: An arrangement comprising a tower of a wind turbine and a damping device, wherein the tower is situated on a surface. Notably, the damping device is arranged between the tower and the surface. The surface may also been described as the ground or as a floor where the tower is situated on or located at.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support a plasma propulsion system. The system may include a thrust head comprising a plasma generator and a thrust generator. A propellant handling assembly may be directly coupled to the thrust head. The propellant handling assembly may comprise a manifold and a plurality of valves. A propellant storage vessel may be directly coupled to the propellant handling assembly. A propulsion control module may be operable to receive inputs associated with the plasma propulsion system, generate control outputs associated with the plasma propulsion system, establish and train models relating the inputs and the control outputs, apply the inputs to the models to update the output parameters, and apply the output parameters to control the plasma propulsion system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process pump having a crank mechanism (1) and at least three cylinders that represent a first cylinder, a second cylinder and a third cylinder when seen clockwise or counterclockwise around the crank mechanism (1), wherein the crank mechanism (1) has a vertical crankshaft and for each cylinder a crosshead (7, 10, 13) each and a connecting rod (8, 11, 14), each having a large connecting rod top end (8a, 11a) for receiving the crankshaft, wherein the crossheads (7, 10, 13) are functionally connected to the crankshaft via the connecting rods (8, 11, 14).

Abstract: A box lubricator that includes a pump with a piston housing and piston. The piston housing extends from a first end to a second end, and includes a bore extending through the piston housing from the first end of the piston housing to the second end of the piston housing. The piston housing also includes a recess disposed at the second end of the piston housing, the recess being concentric with the bore and comprising a diameter larger than a diameter of the bore. The piston is disposed inside the bore of the piston housing. At least one elastomeric seal is disposed inside the recess of the piston housing and around the piston. In some embodiments, a ball and socket joint connects the piston to the rocker arm assembly. In some embodiments, a fluid passage and a check valve are disposed inside the piston.

Abstract: A box lubricator that includes a pump with a piston housing and piston. The piston housing extends from a first end to a second end, and includes a bore extending through the piston housing from the first end of the piston housing to the second end of the piston housing. The piston housing also includes a recess disposed at the second end of the piston housing, the recess being concentric with the bore and comprising a diameter larger than a diameter of the bore. The piston is disposed inside the bore of the piston housing. At least one elastomeric seal is disposed inside the recess of the piston housing and around the piston. In some embodiments, a ball and socket joint connects the piston to the rocker arm assembly. In some embodiments, a fluid passage and a check valve are disposed inside the piston.

Abstract: A pump system/method configured to provide substantially constant flow of concrete, cement, or other material is disclosed. The system integrates a trapezoidal cutting ring and spectacle plate in conjunction with lofted transitional interfaces to the hydraulic pump cylinder rams and output ejection port to ensure that pressurized discharge concrete material is not allowed to be relaxed nor backflow into the material sourcing hopper. The trapezoidal cutting ring is configured to completely seal off the trapezoidal spectacle ports as it smoothly transitions between the hydraulic pump input ports during cycle changes thus generating a more uniform output flow of concrete while eliminating hopper backflow and hydraulic fluid shock. A control system is configured to coordinate operation of the hydraulic pump cylinder rams and cutting ring to ensure that output ejection port pressure and material flow is maintained at a relatively constant level throughout all portions of the pumping cycle.