Abstract: A system for transmitting liquids between a stationary core and a rotatable story of a building includes annular buffer ducts, each having a lower duct portion and an upper duct portion in liquid communication with and slidingly engaging the lower duct portion via an interface. The lower and upper duct portions are fixed to the stationary core and rotatable story respectively, or vice versa, so that the lower and upper duct portions are rotatable relative to each other. The buffer ducts internally define a transmission chamber into which liquid enters through inlet ports formed by the upper duct portion, and from which liquid exits through outlet ports formed by the lower duct portion. The buffer ducts also include a supply duct connected to clean water pumps for increasing the water pressure in clean water accumulation tanks to a desired value. The transmission chamber is at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic pump (10) comprising a tubular steel frame (11) and a disc-shaped pressure vessel (12) including a lower, tangential transfer port (14) and an upper, radial ventilation port (15). A transfer assembly (16) on the port (14) includes an inlet assembly (17) having a positive-close non-return valve (21) and a delivery outlet assembly (20). A venturi assembly (22) applies suction to the ventilation port (15) and has an exhaust vent (24) including a closure assembly (25) selectively operable to cycle between a suction phase and a pressurized phase. A two way T-valve (40) selectively allows venturi exhaust air to pass selectively into either a diffuser/muffler (35) or a delivery line (42) downstream of an outlet non-return valve.

Abstract: A method of pressurization and evacuation of a system including during a pressurization phase; introducing a pressurized gas stream into the top valve, which is actuated to direct the pressurized gas stream into the bottom valve, wherein the bottom valve is actuated to direct the pressurized gas stream to the customer apparatus; and during a vacuum phase; introducing the pressurized gas stream into the top valve, which is actuated to direct the pressurized gas stream into the inlet port of the pressure inlet of the educator, thereby producing a low pressure condition in the suction inlet, introducing a customer gas stream into the bottom valve, which is actuated to direct the customer gas to exit the bottom valve, wherein the low pressure condition causes the customer gas stream to be directed to the educator suction inlet, wherein it mixes with the pressurized gas stream and exits the educator discharge outlet.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a high-pressure pipe and a control unit. The high-pressure pipe is based on a Venturi tube, and includes an inlet at an end and an outlet at another end. The high-pressure pipe is connected to a container via a negative-pressure pipe and a positive-pressure pipe. The inlet is connected to a pressurized air source. The control unit is used to control opening and closing of the outlet.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are disclosed for surveillance of artificial lift systems. An Artificial Lift Surveillance Tool (ALST) is provided to identify artificial lift wells with production declines due to artificial lift well failures. Production well information is provided for a plurality of the production wells each being associated with an artificial lift system. Artificial lift system failure alerts for the plurality of production wells are received and processed on a computer. A signal indicative of the production well information for each of the plurality of production wells is received and processed on a computer. The plurality of production wells are displayed in a hierarchical ordering, such as a treemap, responsive to the signal.

Abstract: An automatic draining system can include a driving mechanism, a first housing coupled to the driving mechanism, a vacuum pump and a bulkhead both coupled to the first housing, an inletting conduit and an outletting conduit both coupled to the bulkhead, a controlling device electrically coupled to the vacuum pump, a draining mechanism electrically coupled to the vacuum pump, and a first conduit and a second conduit both coupled to the first cylinder. The draining mechanism can include a first cylinder coupled to the bulkhead, a piston rod extending through the first cylinder; and a first piston assembly coupled to an end of the piston rod and received in the first cylinder. An end of the first conduit coupled to the first cylinder, the other end inserting into a pre-drained liquid. An end of the second conduit coupled to the first cylinder, the other end communicating with the outletting conduit.

Abstract: Fluid pumping system and method provide a pumping chamber with inlet and outlet ports. The pumping chamber is in thermal communication with a thermal system for alternating the gas temperature inside the pumping chamber between heated and cooled states. A first valve controls a first fluid communication between the pumping chamber and the external environment, and a second valve controls a second fluid communication between the pumping chamber and the fluid container. The pumping chamber and the valves cooperate to generate a vacuum and a negative potential pressure of the gas inside the pumping chamber by the effect of the gas temperature alternation when the gas passes from a heated state to a cooled state and by controlling the first and second fluid communications. The generated vacuum and negative potential pressure inside the pumping chamber enable pumping of the fluid from the fluid container inside the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A double vacuum pump apparatus (Y2) includes positive displacement vacuum pumps (40A, 40B) and lines (52, 60). Each of the vacuum pumps includes a suction port (41) and a discharge port (42), and a pressure detector (80) is provided in the vicinity of the suction port (41) of the double vacuum pump apparatus (Y2). The line (52) connects the discharge port (42) of the vacuum pump (40A) to the suction port (41) of the vacuum pump (40B). The line (60) has an end (E6) and an end (E5) that are connected to the connection line (52), and includes a buffer tube (Z1) and an on-off valve (61) located between the tube (Z1) and the end (E5). A pressure detection signal from the pressure detector (80) is used as an on/off signal for the on-off valve (61).

Abstract: In order to prevent excessive motor loading or system overheating due to the accumulation of particulate or dust, from SACVD type CVD processes, in the running clearances of the vacuum pump a vacuum pumping arrangement is provided having a plurality of vacuum pumping stages and comprising a first pump inlet through which process fluid from the vacuum chamber can enter the pump and pass through each of the pumping sections towards a pump outlet, and a second pump inlet through which process fluid can enter the pump and pass through only one or more pumping stages downstream of the most upstream pumping stage, wherein the apparatus configured to conveying process fluid from the vacuum chamber to the first pump inlet for pumping during the second processing step and conveying process fluid from the vacuum chamber to the second pump inlet for pumping during the first processing step.

Abstract: A device for liquid removal from a drilled hole equipped for gas production from an underground accumulation, under the conditions in which a downward liquid film flow on the tubing string wall occurs, the device comprising a long lower inner liner (4) whose upper end (b) is beveled, surrounded by an “M”-shaped short-circuiting pipe (7), provided with short vertical portions (j and k), which, at the lower side, are secured to elbows (l and m) of an “M”-shaped discharge path (8) which partially surrounds the lower inner liner, the elbows continuing to the lower side with long vertical portions (n and o) and short vertical portions (p and q) which communicate between them through a lower horizontal portion (r), one long vertical portion having a curved lower end (s) mounted in a window (t) cut into the lower inner liner and the other long vertical portion having an open end (u) located in an accumulation chamber (a).

Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.

Abstract: A pneumatic evacuation pump including: an inlet assembly (10) having an inlet valve (14) interposed between an inlet accepting material (13) from a material supply and a charging port (17) and selectively operable purge air injection means (20) located on the charging port side of said inlet valve; a chamber of selectable length (11) and substantially constant cross section and having a charge end opening to said charging port and a discharge end; and a delivery assembly (12) having a passage opening to said discharge end and extending to a delivery outlet, a delivery valve (24) interposed in said passage between said discharge end and said delivery outlet, a selectively operable, venturi vacuum source (31) opening to said passage between said discharge valve and said discharge end, and selectively operable exhaust air injections means (41) located downstream of said discharge valve and utilizing exhaust air from said venturi; a compressed air supply supplying said venturi and said purge air injection means;

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a valve and a micro fluid pump having the same. The valve is mounted in a micro fluid pump having a capillary tube, to which a gas supply unit and a fluid transfer pipe are connected, for controlling the introduction and the discharge of fluid. The valve includes a discharge pipe filled with liquid such that the discharge pipe has a predetermined resistance pressure and constructed in a structure in which one end of the discharge pipe is connected to the capillary tube such that the discharge pipe communicates with the interior of the capillary tube, and the other end of the discharge pipe is open, thereby allowing gas out of the capillary tube through the discharge pipe when a gas pressure in the capillary tube exceeds the resistance pressure of the discharge pipe.

Abstract: An automatic pressure-relieving apparatus for a suction pump comprises a pipework provided at the cap. A first rod positioned in the pipework has an upper sealing ring arranged around the top periphery thereof, whereby the first rod can detachably seal the upper opening of the pipework. Moreover, the first rod is coupled with a second rod, which is pierced through the lower opening of the pipework and extending into the oil reservoir of the cylinder. The second rod further has a sealing component arranged at the periphery thereof for moving. upward and detachably sealing the lower opening of the pipework. Also, a control device is fastened to the bottom of the second rod so that when the raising oil surface lifts a float of the control device, the float can in turn drive the first and second rods to move upward. Thereby, the upper and lower openings of the pipework are opened and closed respectively, and the pressure in the pump can be automatically released through the opened upper opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatically powered high-pressure and lightweight fluid pump. The pump is useful for pumping fuel for liquid rocket engines and for transferring liquids from one space vehicle to another. During operation of the pump, liquid is drained from a tank into a pump chamber and the chamber is then pressurized to deliver fluid. The chamber is then refilled from the main tank. An auxiliary chamber supplies fuel while the main chamber is being filled, thereby a steady stream is delivered from the pump. The auxiliary chamber is refilled from the tank while the main chamber is delivering fluid. In order to transfer fluid from the tank to the pump chamber, the pressure in the pump chamber is maintained at a pressure higher than the vapor pressure of the fluid being pumped but lower than the pressure in the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump with a direct thrust recovery device for driving fluids, formed by pumping mechanisms formed by pistons (4) which are actuated in reciprocating longitudinal movement, the corresponding piston (4) playing in each pumping mechanism between two chambers (6 and 7), through one of which the passage of the fluid to be pumped is established, whereas in the other chamber the reject flow of the applied system enters and exits, such that said reject flow acts to directly thrust the piston (4), exerting a complementary action of the drive thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system to supply pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A single motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from the vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum tap to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can directly pump the fluids without having to flow first into the drum container of the vacuum cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the vacuum unit and the pump and at different, more optimal speeds for each, allowing a higher performance on each of the vacuum unit and the pump, since maximum power for the system can be provided to either the operating device while the other one is not operating. Accordingly, the disclosure further provides a system and method for separately engaging and disengaging the vacuum unit and the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for pumping water from a wellbore to a surface location using an improved motorless water pump. The improved motorless water pump is a downhole hydraulic ram pump powered by the renewable energy source, groundwater. As water falls down a wellbore from an upper strata to a lower strata, the conversion of the water's momentum to energy is used to compress air captured in the ram's pressure chamber. The compressed air contained in the pressure chamber pushes down on the water captured in the pressure chamber causing the water to exit the pressure chamber through an outlet and into tubing. The water in the tubing is responsive to the pressure in the chamber rising to the surface.

Abstract: A method for using a controller to control a fluid pump by controlling the rate at which the pump fills with fluid and subsequently discharges fluid. The pump includes a chamber for collecting fluid from within a well bore in which the pump is disposed. A user inputs a pump cycle time and a pump cycle volume to the controller. The pump cycle time input is used to determine a cycling period for the pump. The pump cycle volume is used to allot a portion of the cycling period to the refilling of the pump with fluid and the remaining portion of the cycling period to the discharging of fluid from the pump. The controller controls the pump such that the pump is vented to atmosphere during the refill portion, allowing the pump to fill with fluid, and such that pressurized fluid, such as compressed gas, is injected into the pump during the discharge cycle, causing fluid collected within the pump to be discharged. In another mode of operation, a sensor is coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A method of supplying water from a well is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a supply apparatus is provided that includes a container having first and second ends and a first chamber extending to a first opening in the second end. The supply apparatus also has a first fluid conduit with a first branch for use in transporting the water from the first chamber. Next, at least a portion of the second end of the container is submerged within the water in the well such that the first chamber contains a quantity of air. Then, at least a portion of the quantity of air from the first chamber is removed by an air compressor thereby drawing a vacuum within the first chamber. The vacuum in turn draws a quantity of water from the well into the first chamber through the first opening. Next, the removal of air from the first chamber is stopped when the water has obtained a first predetermined level within the first chamber. The first opening is then closed.

Abstract: A pair of end plates are maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a plurality of guide rods secured therebetween. A carriage defines a plurality of apertures which receive the guide rods and which provide slidable support for the carriage between the end plates. An elongated externally threaded pump screw is rotatably supported between the end plates and is coupled to a bi-directional motor. A ball nut is secured to the movable carriage which engages the pump screw such that rotation of the pump screw in either direction produces a corresponding vertical movement of the carriage between the end plates. A first plurality of pump sections having respective fluid cylinders and pump rods operative therein are coupled between the carriage and one of the end plates. A second plurality of pump sections also having respective fluid cylinders and pump rods are operatively coupled between the carriage and the remaining end plate.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more borehole pumps includes a receiver/separator tank. The receiver/separator tank includes a body having a sealable top cap, an electronics panel, a separator housing, a separator cap that divides the electronics panel from the separator housing, and an inlet base at a second end of the body and dimensioned to maintain entry pipes in appropriate positions. The tank further includes a fluid outlet pipe; a gas pipe; a safety line; a supply line; an exhaust line; a propellant line; a fluid return line; and a spiral diffuser. The spiral diffuser is connected to the fluid return line to disperse fluid received through the return line at an angle to separate gas contained in the fluid. Pressure from the fluid causes the spiral diffuser to spin within the separator housing, and thus, separating gas contained within the fluid from the fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum operated pumping system is disclosed, and may include a single-, dual-, triple- or multiple-chamber arrangement. In one embodiment, the pumping system comprises a first chamber having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a first air port communicating with a first air line. An inlet conduit communicates with the first liquid inlet and a liquid supply source. An inlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing from the first chamber toward the liquid supply source, while an outlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing through the first liquid outlet toward the first chamber. A second chamber is provided having a second liquid outlet. The second chamber communicates with the first liquid outlet. A vacuum generator is placed in operable communication with the first air line and a compressed air source. A sensor such as a float assembly detects a level of liquid contained in the first chamber.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system, in particular a sewer system, including a plurality of collecting containers (3) each divided into a lower space (8) and an upper space (7) separated by a partition (9) including a valve member (10) therein. Sewer connections (1) are connected to the upper spaces (7) of the plurality of collecting containers (3) via supply pipes (2). A discharge pipe (5) is connected to the lower spaces (8) of the collecting containers (3), and a pressure pipe (13) including a compressed air source (16) is connected to the lower spaces (8) of the collecting containers (3). A control system (12) provides for the selective emptying of the collecting containers (3) into the discharge pipe (5) by introducing compressed air into the collecting containers (3) via the pressure pipe (13).

Abstract: A vacuum operated pumping system is disclosed, and may include a single-, dual-, triple- or multiple-chamber arrangement. In one embodiment, the pumping system comprises a first chamber having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a first air port communicating with a first air line. An inlet conduit communicates with the first liquid inlet and a liquid supply source. An inlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing from the first chamber toward the liquid supply source, while an outlet check valve is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing through the first liquid outlet toward the first chamber. A second chamber is provided having a second liquid outlet. The second chamber communicates with the first liquid outlet. A vacuum generator is placed in operable communication with the first air line and a compressed air source. A sensor such as a float assembly detects a level of liquid contained in the first chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more borehole pumps to enable pumping-on-demand is described. The system uses a computerized controller which, in combination with sensors, monitors and controls the activity of the pump, thereby controlling fluid in the borehole. The system is continually in one of three modes, the monitoring mode, the pump mode, and the recovery mode. Within each cycle of modes, the system performs multiple checks on the apparatus involved. The data obtained during the check is stored in appropriate databases as well as checked against predetermined norms. In the event of a malfunction within the apparatus, or other supervised and/or monitored functions, the system can activate a notification system, such as a centralized monitoring facility. A pump is disclosed with a fluid sensor to detect the presence of fluid and transmit this presence to the computerized monitoring system. A slug sensor notifies the computer of the beginning and end of a predetermined quantity of fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump is provided including a housing with an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. A one way valve is mounted on the inlet aperture. A tube has a first end connected to outlet aperture and a second end positioned distant the housing. An air compressor resides in communication with the housing via a conduit. The air compressor serves to continuously elevate the pressure of air within the conduit. A solenoid valve allows the flow of the pressurized air to the housing only upon the actuation thereof. When the solenoid is actuated, the pressure within the interior of the housing is elevated above that of the exterior such that the valve is closed and the water within the housing is excreted through the outlet pipe. Finally, a timer is connected to the solenoid valve to actuate the same at user selected time intervals.

Abstract: An automatic pneumatic pump preferably used with a waste water disposal system is disclosed. The pump forcibly introduces sludge-laden liquid into a tank (30) and in turn feeds the liquid to a filter unit (F) for filtering off the sludge. The pump has one air pressure pipe (61) and two air exhaust pipes (62, 63) provided to the upper portion of the tank (30). The air pipes (61 to 63) include their solenoid valves (71 to 73) which are selectively opened in accordance with the liquid level inside the tank (30). An air compressor (C) is mounted to the air pressure pipe (61) and selectively operated during a time when the liquid level inside the tank (30) reduces from a top level to a bottom level (S.sub.1). A vacuum pump (P.sub.2) is mounted to the second air exhaust pipe (63) and selectively operated during a time when the liquid level inside the tank (30) increases from the bottom level (S1) to the top level (S.sub.2).

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping liquids to a destination includes a pipe of a first cross-sectional area extending from the liquid to be pumped to the destination. A body having a cross-sectional area less than twice the first cross-sectional area also has an upper portion, a lower portion, an inlet in the upper portion and an outlet to the pipe in the lower portion, a gas injection port, and a normally open valve between the gas injection port and the inlet, closeable upon an injection of gas through the gas injection port. Gas injection apparatus injects gas through the gas injection port from time to time. When no gas is being injected, liquid may enter the upper portion of the body through the inlet and fall by gravity toward the outlet in the lower portion and the pipe. Upon injection of gas, the valve closes, trapping liquid in the body below the valve, and trapped liquid is forced out the outlet and into the pipe toward the destination.

Abstract: Water pumping apparatus is described for use with wells in which on-off cycling in pump operation is minimized by providing an air compressor and compressed air holding tank feeding an pressure regulating valve connected to discharge into a water holding tank, thereby enabling constant pneumatic pressure to be maintained in the water tank without regard to water level in the tank so that each cycling of the water pump will completely fill the water tank from nominally empty condition to nominally full condition.

Abstract: An automatic pumping system for removal of floating contaminants and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells. A vertically reciprocating cone-shaped member, like an inverted funnel, is moved between positions above and below the water surface. As it submerges, the inverted funnel collects the floating product within its circumference and transfers it to a collection space surrounding the cone. In the upper position, this collection space is sealed so that air may be blown into it while the collected product is driven out through a pickup tube to a collection sump for ultimate disposal. A second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic pumping system which operates in synchronism with the contamination collection and disposal system to create a cone of depression which draws the floating product into the space covered by the circumference of the reciprocating cone.

Abstract: A liquid pump, particularly though not exclusively suitable for use in flow injection analysis, and comprising a reservoir 3 an outlet tube 6 for conducting liquid 2 from the reservoir and a device for introducing gas into the liquid in the reservoir to displace liquid therefrom through the tube. The gas may be introduced in the form of a series of rapid pulses of controlled duration and frequency and is introduced at a fixed level relative to the entrance to the outlet tube.

Abstract: A valve control system for an air displacement type pump operates the inlet or outlet valve in accordance with the pressure differential between the inlet line and the main pump chamber or the outlet line and the main pump chamber respectively such that the inlet valve is open when the pressure in the pump chamber is less than the pressure in the inlet line and the outlet valve is opened when the pressure in the chamber is greater than the pressure in the outlet line.

Abstract: In a liquid waste collection and disposal apparatus, liquid waste gravity flows to a tank through a check valve equipped inlet line. A vertical guide float within the tank controls the liquid level therein. A two-way tank venting solenoid operated valve supplies gas, under pressure, to the tank for evacuating liquid therein. An electrical circuit connects a source of electrical energy with liquid upper and lower limit magnetic switches disposed in the path of travel of the float for energizing the actuator of the solenoid valve to evacuate the fluid therein through a check valve equipped discharge line in response to the float closing the upper limit switch. When the float reaches the limit of its downward movement, the normally closed lower magnetic switch is opened to interrupt gas pressure to the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to detect periodic well loading by produced accumulated secondary fluids, and accordingly to remove the undesired secondary fluid from the tubing of a hydrocarbon producing well. The method according to the present invention employs a surface control system that controls the operation of the fluid removal cycle, and the production cycle of the hydrocarbon producing well. Periodically, the well is "shut-in" and upper and lower flow control valves, connected at a predetermined depth to the well tubing, are actuated to a closed position to form an accumulation chamber within the tubing. The closed flow control valves block off the fluid in the accumulation chamber formed in the lower portion of the tubing string, which contains the undesired accumulated secondary fluids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure extraction pump system for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from contaminated ground water collected in a well. The pump system includes a pump with a pump vessel and an open top sleeve extending above the pump vessel for skimming the upper portion of the liquid collected in a well bore. The pump also includes a liquid level sensing device for sensing the level of the liquid in the sleeve and activating a pumping cycle. The pump also has a quick closing intake valve.

Abstract: A water well and storage tank control system for use in isolated areas that utilizes a solar power source in conjunction with pneumatic pump apparatus for lifting well from a well bore hole for surface deposit in a storage tank. A solar power panel functions to continually charge into a storage battery which, in turn, is periodically applicable to energize a pump/compressor to generate air at increased pressure for conduction down the well bore. An airjet chamber immersed beneath the water level in the well bore receives input of the air at increased pressure and evacuates well water upward through a delivery pipe to a surface storage tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to detect periodic well loading by produced accumulated secondary fluids, and accordingly to remove the undesired secondary fluid from the tubing of a hydrocarbon producing well. The method according to the present invention employs a surface control system that controls the operation of the fluid removal cycle and the production cycle of the hydrocarbon producing well. Periodically, the well is "shut-in" and a flow control valve, connected to the well tubing, is actuated to block fluid flow from the lower portion of the tubing string, which contains the undesired accumulated secondary fluids.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer system, comprising a number of sewage feeding devices connected to a sewer pipe system under partial vacuum. The arrangement further comprises a self-discharging sewage collecting container to which the suction duct of a vacuum pump has been connected. This vacuum pump suction duct is provided with a valve by means of which the connection between the collecting container and the vacuum pump can be shut off. The outlet end of the sewer pipe system is connected to the collecting container through a non-return valve and there is also a device by means of which the collecting container can be put under atmospheric pressure or under a higher pressure. The different operations are governed by an automatic control device which effects emptying of the collecting container at suitable intervals.

Abstract: A pumping system intended especially for highly contaminated liquids uses an air pump for drawing liquid into or discharging the liquid from a vessel by creating respectively a vacuum or a pressurized condition within the vessel. A special valve device is provided for the system comprising an air filter in combination with a float-actuated, shut-off switch to preclude the entry of air or liquid-borne contaminants into the pump. The float-actuated switch is arranged to disable a prime mover used for driving the pump. An additional safety feature of the system comprises the provision of an intermediate float valve located between the pump and the valve device, to preclude the passage of liquid therebetween, the intermediate valve having a sight glass to detect leakage liquid and a drain cock to permit drainage of such liquid.

Abstract: A liquid-fueled rocket has a storage tank for the fuel components of a liquid fuel and the storage tank is able to communicate with the combustion chambers of the rocket via normally closed valves. The storage tank is enclosed and the fuel components only in part fill the latter. A body of gas is confined in the storage tank and has a pressure exceeding that in the combustion chambers. Thus, when the valves are opened, the fuel components are caused to flow from the storage tank to the combustion chambers by virtue of the difference between the pressure of the gas and the pressure in the combustion chambers.

Abstract: A slurry pump including a pressure tank with an inlet and a lower outlet and having a pneumatically operated, inwardly opening closure at the inlet and a hinged, outwardly opening door at the outlet swingable between opened and closed positions. An external source of air under pressure hydraulically shuts the closure and pressurizes the tank, forcing a semi-liquid slurry such as liquid manure contained within the tank through the outlet and into a duct leading to a lagoon or the like. A slurry level sensor shuts off the supply of air to the tank when the slurry reaches a given level in the tank.