Abstract: A roadways power and energy mechanical road captures and harnesses energies imparted to the roadway by the tires of vehicles driven on the roadway. Pistons, crank shafts, and additional mechanical interconnections mounted in a housing installed beneath the surface of the roadway are connected to generators adjacent to the roadway to convert linear mechanical motion to rotational mechanical motion to generate electrical power.

Abstract: Described herein is a beverage carrying assembly, comprising: a backpack adapted to be worn by a user; a frame, the frame comprising: a first portion to be affixed to the backpack; and a second portion that projects over the head of the user; a platform adapted to carry a beverage container; and a pulley assembly adapted to manipulate a position of the platform with respect to the user and frame.

Abstract: Among other things, an integrated portable energy conversion mat is to be installed at a pavement surface over which a car or truck is to pass. The mat has a width at least as wide as the distance between the outermost edges of the treads of the tires located at an axle of the car or truck. The mat has a top surface over which the tires of the car or truck are to pass. The mat includes a sealed enclosed space housing and energy conversion system. The energy conversion system includes two sets of channels that extend along a length of the mat and contain hydraulic fluid under pressure. An energy converter converts energy carried by the hydraulic fluid in response to the tires of the car or truck passing over the top surface into electrical energy. An electrical port is coupled to the energy converter and exposed at an outer surface of the mat.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric power from vehicles moving on a road comprises a movable element or assembly, arranged at a road surface, and thereon operate the wheels of a vehicle driven on the road surface, the movable element or assembly being operatively coupled to pressing means operating on electric current generating means.

Abstract: A device that is installed underneath a predetermined surface to harness gravity from the weight of overpassing traffic to produce and amplify mechanical energy. The weight received forces or pushes the device downward thereby translating the weight into mechanical energy. The amplification of mechanical energy is achieved through the decrease in the cross section area from the upper portion to the lower portion of the device. Also provided herein is a system wherein the device is connected to a piston, a crankshaft and an electricity generator so that the mechanical energy can be further converted into rotational motion and ultimately, electricity.

Abstract: An electric power generation assembly includes a frame, an intake unit, an air storage unit, two water tanks, two pulling units and a power generating unit. The intake unit has an air bag to which an inhale tube and an exhale tube are connected. The air storage unit has an air tank whose underside is connected to the exhale tube. The two water tanks each have a pressure tube which is connected to the air tank. The two pulling units are respectively located in the water tanks and each include multiple stationary pulleys, a float, a release valve, an air hose connected to the pressure tube and a cable. The release valve is connected to the top of the float and the air hose is connected to the float. The cable is connected between the two floats via the stationary pulleys. The power generating unit is connected to the cables.

Abstract: A vehicle energy harvesting roadway is provided. The vehicle energy harvesting roadway includes a deformable driving surface that is longitudinally flexible and transversely stiff. The deformable driving surface is disposed between a passing vehicle and one or more transducers or one or more compressible hoses.

Abstract: A human-powered positive-displacement single dual-action cylinder treadle pump for use in pumping and distributing water from wells and other water sources, as well as methods of manufacturing and operating such a pump. The pump offers rural farmers a portable device for pumping water for use in irrigating fields and crops that is powerful, low-cost, modular and portable. The modularity of the pump allows for easy access to any of the components of the pump should they require maintenance, repair or replacement.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a ram air turbine includes a hydraulic pump having a high pressure fluid outlet port, a housing, a pivot post arranged to pass through the housing and defining a mechanical pivot relative to the housing about an axis, a transfer tube positioned between the high pressure fluid outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a port in the housing for the high pressure fluid outlet path, and seal elements positioned at or near opposite ends of the transfer tube. A fluid inlet path and a high pressure fluid outlet path pass through the housing and the pivot post. The transfer tube has a crowned end.

Abstract: The invention is a game that allows true worldwide participation through the use of social media tools and devices. The object or mission of the game is to answer a set number of questions to generate a key that opens a vault unveiling a prize. The first team to successfully answer all the questions and generate the key that opens the vault wins the competition. For a person to play the game teams are formed by registered players and only teams are recognized in the competition. Each question is supplied a set of clues that help lead to the correct answer. While all answers and key characters and numbers are typed in at the web site, all questions, clues, and key characters and numbers are delivered only to preselected social media channels, not at the web site adding to the challenge and fun.

Abstract: A traffic powered renewable energy system for generating electricity from traffic on roadways and the like. The traffic powered renewable energy system generally includes a housing containing one or more pneumatic compression assemblies positioned therein and connected in series utilizing air conveying conduits. The housing is positioned within a cavity in a roadway and covered with a membrane. As vehicles pass over the membrane, the pneumatic compression assemblies are actuated in a piston-like manner to force air through the air conveying conduits to a generation assembly which includes a turbine, gear box and generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: A traffic-actuated power generating apparatus includes a low pressure fluid supply reservoir, a high pressure fluid accumulator, and at least one energy collection device positioned in the path of oncoming traffic to be actuated thereby and pump fluid from the reservoir to the accumulator upon actuation. The energy collection device can be housed in a pad adapted to rest on a traffic-conveying surface, and fluid from the accumulator can be used to drive an electrical power generator.

Abstract: A fluidic kinetic energy recovery device, over which a moving body travels, and which has a pumping assembly, in turn having a cavity and a membrane defining a variable-volume chamber with the cavity. The fluidic device has a first plate defining the cavity; a second plate connected to the first plate and defining a seat located on the opposite side of the membrane to the cavity; and an actuating member housed in the seat to cooperate with the membrane, and movable between a rest position, in which the volume of the chamber is maximum, and a work position, in which the volume of the chamber is minimum.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a component to which a pressure is applied or which provides vibration, a heat absorbing member, a heat dissipating member, an elastomer bag which receives a pressure or the vibration from the component, a first check valve connected to a port of the elastomer bag, a second check valve connected to another port of the elastomer bag, and a coolant which flows passing through the heat absorbing member, the first check valve, the elastomer bag, the second check valve, and said heat dissipating member.

Abstract: A power conversion system converts the horizontal momentum and downward forces of wheeled vehicles into a circular motion capable of driving a shaft, which can be used for generating electricity. The power conversion system includes a torque limiting device that minimizes the amount of reaction vehicle wheels experience when encountering an actuation member, minimizes the pressure required to depress the actuation member, introduces the rapid movement of passing wheeled vehicles gradually into the system, and prevents excessive loading at the drive shaft.

Abstract: A wind power plant with a tower, a gondola carried by the latter so as to rotate about a horizontal axis and a rotor mounted in the gondola, the tower containing an evaporator and a vapor compressor mechanically driven by the rotor by a gear.

Abstract: A container for goods, such as an item of luggage (1) has a storage compartment (4) having an outer member (7), a flexible inner lining (10) and an adjustable protection means (11) located between the outer member (7) and the lining (10). The adjustable protection means has two modes, a protection mode and a storage mode and is adjustable between the two modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating electric energy from the kinetic energy of vehicles. Said device comprises at least one pressure reservoir (13) for a fluid. Said pressure reservoir is arranged in the pavement and has at least one pressure chamber that is compressible in a substantially rectangular direction to the pavement, at least one circuit for the fluid, a component of the fluid circuit representing the pressure chamber, and at least one turbine/generator system (86) arranged in the fluid circuit for generating electric energy from the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A door-operated pump assembly may include a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a displacement member arranged to move within the chamber between first and second positions, an actuator coupled to the displacement member, and a door coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be operable to move the displacement member between the first and second positions. The door may be configured to move the displacement member between the first and second positions when the door is moved between a first door position and at least one second door position. The displacement member may be operable to inhale a substance into the chamber through the inlet and to exhale a substance from the chamber through the outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable cutting machine (1), comprising a cutter unit (3) with a rotatable cutter member (4) in the form of a cutter disc or a saw disc, a cutter shaft for the rotation of the cutter member, a guard in the form of a protective housing (11) for said cutter member, at least one water nozzle (12) provided in the protective housing for the generation of one or more water jets in the space defined by the protective housing, said one or more water jets essentially laying the dust which is generated during the cutting operation and cooling the cutter member, the machine further comprising a power unit (2) and a first power transmission (7) between the power unit and the cutter shaft.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic power unit is described for powering a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor positioned on a grain trailer or the like. A battery operated hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator so that when needed, hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the pressurized hydraulic accumulator to a valve which in turn is connected to a hydraulic actuator or actuators.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medication delivery pump that is configured to administer an infusion therapy using a medication delivery container. Medications in a flexible bag are expelled from the bag and delivered to an infusion site. A fluid delivery pump of the invention may have a constant force spring and a mechanical timer. The constant force spring is configured to compress a flexible fluid container. The mechanical timer assembly is coupled to the constant force spring and limits the maximum rate at which the spring compresses the fluid container. The pump may include first and second doors for charging the spring. Opening the first pump door partially charges the constant force spring and opening the second pump door fully charges the constant force spring. The pump provides improved administration of infusion therapy which is particularly advantageous for reducing errors, infections and other complications associated with manual infusion techniques.

Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism transmits power from an engine to a drive shaft of a compressor. A pulley is supported by the compressor and is coupled to the engine. A hub is attached to the drive shaft. Rollers are located on the pulley. Elastic transmission arms are located between the pulley and the hub. The distal end of each arm is curved, and the proximal end is coupled to the hub. When the rollers are engaged with the arms, power is transmitted between the pulley and the hub. When, due to excessive torque, the rollers escape from the corresponding arm, power transmission between the pulley and the hub is disconnected. The distal ends of the arms are movable in the radial direction. When the rollers disengage from the corresponding arms, the distal ends of the arms move radially such that the pulley and the hub relatively rotate without interference by the arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pump in which a medium is pumped by the interaction between longitudinal acoustic waves and the medium in a flow-chamber. The pump comprises a transducer and an associated chamber for providing a controllable, focused, acoustic traveling wave therein. The chamber includes a tapered passage corresponding to the focused beam pattern of the focused acoustic traveling wave through which the liquid medium flows and/or cavitation is induced and/or controlled. The pump therefore utilizes an acoustical transducer responsive to frequency input for directing longitudinal acoustic waves into the flow-chamber which induces a pressure gradient. The medium in the flow-chamber flows in the direction of travel of the acoustic wave in the chamber as a result of acoustic streaming. The exit orifice of the nozzle in communication with the chamber is strategically located at about the focal zone of the focused, traveling wave.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a socket, an electric pump, at least one battery and a connector. The socket is built in the inflatable body. The electric pump is connected to the socket to pump the inflatable body. The battery is disposed in the electric pump. The connector is provided on the electric pump for connecting an external power. The electric pump is supplied with power by the battery or the external power.

Abstract: A pumping assembly for use in ventilating footwear includes a supporting plate having a first protrusion which is formed in a center portion of an upper surface thereof; front and rear check valves which are respectively formed forwardly and rearwardly the first protrusion portion; an exhaust pipe which is connected to the front check valve; an intake pipe which is connected to the rear check valve; a spring which has a lower end inserted into the first protrusion on the supporting plate; a curve-shaped hard plate having a second protrusion portion which is formed in a center portion of a bottom surface thereof and is inserted into an upper end of the spring; and an elastic cover which has elasticity and tensibility and covers the hard plate. The cover is bonded to the hard plate, whereby the hard plate descends in such a manner that maximum volume variation within the elastic cover can occur; when the upper rear portion of a foot pressurizes the hard plate and the elastic cover is pressed down.

Abstract: A vehicle or pedestrian operated air compressor which utilizes flaps mounted in pairs in a road or pedestrian walkway surface. When traffic moves over the flaps, they move downward to activate a piston which compresses air. The compressed air can be stored in a container and used as needed to generate electricity or activate other machinery.

Abstract: A pump having a reciprocating piston/plunger unit adapted to be actuated by a railway wheel rolling over it has a unitary plunger and piston, with the piston double-acting so that when the outlet pressure exceeds a certain value, the plunger remains retracted. An accumulator is provided in fluid communication with the outlet so as to store accumulated hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: An installation for generating utilizable energy from potential energy is disclosed. The invention comprises a first swivel plate pivotally mounted within a roadway, a second swivel plate spaced from the roadway, transmission means operatively connecting the first and second swivel plates, and fluid fille containers adapted to be compressed.

Abstract: A remote controlled fan is operated by a hand held remote control which controls the power, speed of fan rotation, oscillation of the fan, and movement of the fan. The fan operates on either AC power or batteries. The fan can move forward or rearward or rotate about its vertical axis in response to signals from the remote control unit.

Abstract: The invention is a device for generating utilizable energy from potential energy of slowly driving motor vehicles such as street traffic. The device comprises at least one rigid pivoted plate supported on a bearing block. The plate can be lowered by the force of gravity of a motor vehicle such that air is urged out of flexible containers and directed into a pressure equalizing reservoir connected to a turbine or a hydraulic motor. Storage containers for water are supported on both sides of the bearing block on the pivoted plate. The filling of the storage containers is controlled in a manner such that the storage container is exactly filled at the right moment so that it assists in lowering the plate caused by the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic master unit is mounted on the rail and has a master cylinder in which is mounted a plunger to be contacted by the wheel of the train. A master cylinder piston is driven against the compression of a cylinder spring inside the master cylinder body in which there is confined hydraulic fluid leading through a hydraulic line, through a hydraulic bulkhead assembly fitting and thence to a grease pump slave unit comprising a hydraulic grease pump piston operating against a grease pump spring inside of the grease pump housing in which there is a chamber confining the hydraulic fluid with the piston for operation to pump grease through the grease discharge and to draw grease from the grease container back into the slave cylinder and through a grease pump inlet valve against a grease pump inlet valve spring and so on in repetition in response to the contact of the master cylinder plunger by the train wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scheme for generating electricity using gravitational energy. The scheme uses a set of massive underground spinning wheels, each wheel being fitted with a mechanism to receive and transmit gravitational torque pulses from a passing vehicle to keep the wheels in motion. The mechanism used to apply the torque pulses to the spinning wheels consists of a stepping board, a hollow cylindrical rod disposed vertically and a shoe attached to the lower end of the vertical rod by a hinge with the upper end of the rod protruding above the ground surface. A steel linkage connecting the stepping board and the lower part of the shoe is used for initial positioning of the shoe. Both the stepping board and the protruding end of the vertical rod are kept in their initial upward positions by means of two springs. The electricity is generated by using each spinning wheel in combination with an appropriate gear system to act as the prime mover of an alternator.

Abstract: A retrofit emergency lubrication system utilizing friction-hydrostatic drive is disclosed. The retrofit system provides an emergency lubrication system backup to existing bearing lubrication systems such as for turbine-generator rotors. The retrofit system utilizes actuators to detect low bearing oil pressure and to activate resilient wheels to contact the rotor which drive high pressure pumps. The high pressure pumps in turn drive a hydraulic motor pump which in turn drives an oil supply tank pump.

Abstract: This invention is an impulse-driven power-generating pump having a collapsible self-restoring "cylinder" subjected externally to discrete impulses which reduce the volume of the "cylinder" thereby displacing fluid therefrom. The impulses may derive from a moving or changing weight or other force-producing means. In particular, the event of railroad traffic is used, the fluid being hydraulic and the discrete impulses being produced by the wheel flanges of passing trains. These impulses act on one or more pumping components each comprising a hydraulic fluid container having a collapsible wall with or without resilience, a length less than the minimum distance between adjacent train wheel axles, a width less than the distance between rails, an inside height of approximately one inch, and an overall height of less than six and one-half inches including the emplacement and supporting structure.

Abstract: A booster pump for a secondary fuel circulation system of a diesel engine adapted to be connected with the fuel pump of the primary circulation system by removing a screw plug associated with a piston chamber of the fuel pump in order to permit the booster pump to be threadedly engaged in place thereof by means of a threaded member formed on the housing of the booster pump. A spring actuated piston of the booster pump is thus brought into active connection with a piston of the fuel pump by way of a plunger protruding from the housing of the booster pump.

Abstract: A combined check valve and fluid injector includes a valve body with an inlet, outlet and valve seat. A pump chamber is positioned at the outlet side of the valve seat and has a fluid inlet. A hollow piston member moves in the pump chamber and the hollow connection to the valve body. A ball check valve closing the valve seat is provided with a spring loaded valve follower. A hollow actuating rod extends from the valve follower into the hollow piston with a lost motion connection and has openings for discharge of fluid in the valve body. The piston is limited in movement by an adjustable stop member and has a check valve which opens on upward movement. Opening of the valve moves the rod and piston to pump fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid flowing through the valve body. A counter, or the like, may be provided for operation by piston movement for measuring frequency or distance of movement. Certain modifications may direct the fluid outside the chamber rather than into the valve body.

Abstract: A plurality of cylindrical rollers are embedded in a roadway over which wheeled vehicles move such that the vehicle wheels rotate the contacted rollers. A shaft transverse to the roadway supports the rollers and turns with them to transfer power from vehicle contact to an electrical generating apparatus. Power accumulating apparatus, such as a water or hydraulic fluid reservoir, may intervene between the shaft and the generator to smooth the power flow when vehicle travel is intermittent. Alternate apparatus may directly link the shaft to an electrical generator which may, in turn, charge batteries or pump water upwardly to accumulate power for response to later demand. The rollers may be housed in a metal or concrete trough and cross one or more lanes of traffic to a median power collector such as a spider and bevel gear arrangement that is capable of receiving rotating motion from four right angle directions at once.

Abstract: A roadway of the type over which motor vehicles pass, e.g. automobiles, trains, trolleys, etc., is disclosed where the roadway is one positioned in the path of movement of such vehicles and is provided with a power generating means for generating power in response to the movement of such vehicles over the roadway. The power generating means is responsive to and actuated by the weight of the vehicles as the vehicles pass thereover. The power generating means comprises a vertically displaceable generally planar member which is generally co-planar with the roadway. The power generating means comprises a fluid housed in a fluid housing which is in fluid communication with a generator via a transmission means. The fluid, while in the housing, is in contact with a displaceable bearing surface which when displaced acts upon the fluid, the displaceable bearing surface in turn being connected to the generally planar member.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which pressurizes fluid and causes it to flow by capturing energy dissipated by moving vehicles. The apparatus is a network of collapsible bodies containing a working fluid which is attached to a turbine generator system. The bodies are resilient tubes, preferably three part structures made of elastic, inner tubes with projections and outer sections of semirigid hose. The network may be overlayed with a flexible sheet which distributes the weight and motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which includes locating a compressible chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid confined in a closed circuit in the path of moving traffic so that the weight of the traffic passing over the chamber will affect a displacement of the incompressible fluid to create a fluid flow through the circuit. The circuit includes unidirectional flow control valves for directing the flow of displaced fluid through a fluid motor connected in circuit with the compressible chamber. Disposed in the circuit is a rectifier for rectifying the intermittent displacement of the fluid into a generally uniform fluid flow to affect the drive of the fluid motor with the output of the fluid motor being translated into useful work.

Abstract: An energy conservation and highway safety apparatus for supplying supplemental or emergency electrical power caused by passage of vehicles over the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongated conduits having a plurality of pressure responsive pumping elements mounted therein. The conduits are connected through an accummulator to an air motor which drives a generator.

Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181, 190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181), so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.

Abstract: A peristaltic motor is provided comprising a reciprocating slave piston adapted to be actuated by the progressive, sequential contraction of two aligned, resiliently deformable peristaltic tubes by a weighted roller such as a wheel of a heavy vehicle. The leading ends of both tubes, that is the ends first contacted by the moving roller, are connected to the slave cylinder, one on either side of the piston and the trailing ends of the tubes are connected to one another so that movement of the roller from the leading end to the trailing end of the first tube causes the hydraulic fluid therein to move down the tube and into the slave cylinder moving the piston through half a stroke. Movement of the roller in the same direction over the second tube, forces the hydraulic fluid into the other side of the slave cylinder to move the piston through the second half of the stroke. The piston is associated with means to utilize its movement such as an air compressor or a pump.

Abstract: A child's riding device such as a hobby horse, ship, locomotive or the like, including a tubular horn on which a balloon may be fitted, an air pump inside the hobby horse connected to the horn for inflating the balloon, the pump being powered by a motor-driven mechanism that also reciprocally shifts the hobby horse forwardly and rearwardly, back and forth, upon a stand, while a child rides thereupon.

Abstract: A pump system for high pressure hydraulic applications. A series of longitudinally spaced single acting pumps are sequentially actuated by rolling heavy weights that are moved about an endless upright track assembly by gravity assisted by operation of a prime mover. The track assembly includes an elongated inclined ramp, a horizontal base, and a relatively steep return arranged in a triangular supporting structure for an endless conveyor. The conveyor mounts a plurality of longitudinally spaced weight assemblies, which are arranged transversely between supporting endless chains. A series of pumps are mounted on the frame in fixed positions with their single acting actuators in the path of elements moved in unison with the conveyor. The pumps are preferably spaced apart a distance substantially less than the spacing between the weight assemblies and the spacing between adjacent weight assemblies is preferably not an even multiple of the spacing between the pump mechanisms.

Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181,190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181, 164) so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.

Abstract: A series of intermittently operable air pumps taking the form, for example, of transversely collapsible tubes or piston and cylinder assemblies, are located in recesses of a surface along which recurrent traffic moves, e.g., a factory floor subject to foot traffic and vehicular traffic, a highway, a sidewalk, or a surface along which a conveyor travels. Depressible actuating panels or treadles are operated by the traffic to in turn squeeze the tubes or move the pistons through pumping strokes, the tubes or pistons returning to their normal positions at the conclusion of such pumping strokes via yieldable means or otherwise. During such return action, the pumps operate through suction strokes such as to draw in a new supply of fluid, e.g. the ambient air, in readiness for the next operation of the actuating treadle by the traffic.

Abstract: A cylinder is arranged to pump hydraulic fluid into a pressure accumulator. The stored hydraulic fluid operates a hydraulic motor to drive an alternator to generate electric power. The cylinder may be a single acting cylinder having a piston rod depressed by the weight of passing traffic on a railroad track or highway, or the cylinder may be a double acting cylinder having a piston rod reciprocated by a windmill, whereby otherwise wasted energy is converted into productive energy.

Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181, 190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181 .[.164.].) so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.