Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered gas compressor receives low pressure gas and outputs a high pressure gas. The housing of the compressor defines a cylinder with a center chamber having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of a left end chamber and a right end chamber, and a spool-type piston assembly is movable within the cylinder and includes a left end closure, a right end closure, and a center body that are in sealing engagement with the respective cylinder walls as the piston reciprocates. First and second annular compression chambers are provided between the piston enclosures and center housing portion of the compressor, thereby minimizing the spacing between the core gas and a cooled surface of the compressor. Restricted flow passageways are provided in the piston closure members and a path is provided in the central body of the piston assembly, such that hydraulic fluid flows through the piston assembly to cool the piston assembly during its operation.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump includes a connecting shaft for interconnecting the opposed diaphragms mounted in the pump body for reciprocal movement relatively thereof and a pilot valve sleeve telescoped over the shaft and movable axially in response to movement of the connecting shaft and having a plurality of axially directed circumferentially disposed recesses thereon for fluid transfer through the pilot valve cavity. A spool valve assembly is also carried by the body in a cavity which is in selected fluid communication with a source of air pressure, the pilot valve, the atmosphere and the pressure chambers of the pump. The pilot valve sleeve also has at least one projecting annular rib which engages the usual O-rings of the cavity in which the connecting rods and pilot valve sleeve reciprocate for assisting movement past the O-rings in response to pressure from the spool valve.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump having diaphragms connected by a coupling rod and separating two diaphragm chambers, a control spool displaceable in dependence on the position of the diaphragms, with closure means for alternate freeing and closing control passages arranged in a control spool housing for alternate pressurizing and relieving of a driving medium chamber with driving medium, and an actuating member coupled with the diaphragm movement and magnetically with the control spool.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump having an air chamber housing centrally located between two water chamber housings. The air chamber housing includes a center section and two outwardly facing concave discs. Each water chamber housing includes a water chamber shell mating with one of the discs with a flexible diaphragm therebetween. Also included integrally formed with the water chamber housing are check valve chambers and inlet and outlet passages. The passages of one water chamber mutually converge with the passages of the other water chamber to receive T-couplings for providing both inlet to and outlet from the pump. O-rings are held in interference fit between the T-couplings and the mutually converging portions of the inlet and outlet passages. Shoulders on the T-couplings and portions keep the O-rings in place. Spacing inserts are employed in each passage to locate either a valve seat or a ball check valve and to close off access openings through the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved control mechanism for submerged reciprocating hydraulic pumps comprising, in combination with pump cylinders, pistons and valves, a two-stage flow reversing mechanism in which action of the pump pistons drives a valve pilot means between two rest positions; relocation of the pilot means in turn causes relocation of a spatially separated spool mechanism between two rest positions, thereby causing reversal of flow of fluid while the pump is driven by a one-way pressurizing pump. The two-stage reversing mechanism eliminates the possibility of having the reciprocating mechanism come to rest in a "dead center" or equilibrium position. The spool is mounted concentrically with the pump shaft, optimizing flow potential. The mechanism is relatively easy to assemble and repair.

Abstract: A liquid pump is disclosed having a center block containing inlets and outlets for liquid to be pumped and air to operate the pump with associated valves for liquid and air. A pair of opposed cylinders are provided on opposite sides of the center block and each containing a collapsible bellows connected to a sleeve forming a piston with the liquid being pumped in the chamber within the bellows. Push rodes extend from one piston to the other so that the piston pumping liquid out pushes the other piston to fill with liquid. The bellows have conbolutions of selectively varying wall thickness, and tapered single or dual compression seals are provided where the bellows are joined to the center block. An inflow conical valve and an outflow shuttle valve are provided for each cylinder, and vent tubes are provided to cool the bellows and to actuate the air valve at the end of the piston stroke. An encapsulated sheet member is provided in each cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulically activated double-acting piston pump comprising a pump body with an inlet and outlet for the production fluid, and an inlet and outlet for the hydraulic fluid. Thereby eliminating the need for sucker rod strings in pumped wells. A partition located between two coaxial hollow cylinders for keeping the production fluid separate from the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for control of the movement of a control piston an air control valve for a compressed air-operated double diaphragm pump, wherein the control piston is moved between the end positions in a control cylinder having inlet bores and outlet bores for the compressed air. The control piston is adjusted by a control medium. The method includes initially maintaining the control piston in an end position by a holding device against the pressure of the control medium for a predetermined period of time or until a counterpressure reaches a predetermined pressure level. Subsequently, the control piston is moved with a pushing force which is always greater than the maximum frictional forces. The holding device operates independently of the movement of the pump diaphragm, preferably using elastically, magnetically, or electromagnetically operating structural elements. The control cylinder includes separate connections for a control medium for moving the control piston.

Abstract: A water heater (10) has a pressure-transfer module (20) interposed between an external pressurized-water circuit and the water inside the water-heater vessel (12) so that the water is at atmospheric pressure and can thus have a free upper surface. A shut-off valve in the inlet (14) to the pressure-transfer module (20) is controlled in accordance with the water level as detected by a float (74). If the water level falls below a predetermined minimum or exceeds a predetermined maximum, the shut-off valve closes so as to prevent further flow into the water heater (10) from the upstream side of the exterior circuit.

Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus having a casing constructed of a conductive corrosion resistant plastic material formed from acetal resin impregnated with conductive stainless steel wool. When grounded through use of a convenient bonding strap, the apparatus eliminates the buildup of electrostatic charge which may occur in combustible fluid transfer.

Abstract: An over-ride valve assembly is mounted between the actuator valve and center section of an air operated double diaphragm pump to provide normal communication between the actuator valve and the center section of the pump during normal operation of the pump. The over-ride valve assembly has internal passageways extending through normally closed valves to both ends of a valve spool within the actuator valve. The valves may be manually opened to restart a stalled pump by momentarily diverting pressurized air from the diaphragm and directing the pressurized air to the ends of the valve spool to reactivate the valve spool and start the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump for transferring liquids, in particular for beer or carbonated beverages, characterized in that it is constituted by two mutually opposite and integral pistons sliding inside two cylinders which generate, with their reciprocating motion, four variable-volume chambers inside two of which the fluid, through suitable valves, is alternatively intaken and delivered by a gas whose pressure is modulated by a suitable pressure regulator, in which it is the pressure of the same delivered liquid to counteract the calibration force, with said gas alternatively going to act, by means of suitable control means, inside the chamber behind the delivery chamber, so that the delivery pressure of the same liquid remains constant and predetermined, wherein said delivery pressure is obtained as the sum of the thrust of the liquid intaken from the opposite chamber, plus the modulated gas pressure, which acts on the rear face of the delivery piston.

Abstract: A coating material supply device in which coating material is pumped out at a predetermined flow rate and supplied at a constant flow rate to a coating machine. The device includes a plurality of double-acting reciprocal pumps, each having an inlet for the coating material supplied from a coating material supply source and an exit for discharging the coating material by the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied at a constant flow rate from a hydraulic fluid supply source. The exits are connected to coating material selection valves connected in parallel with each other to the coating machine, and connected to switching valves that selectively switch the flow channel for the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic fluid supply source in response to the switching operation of the coating material selection valves.

Abstract: A double acting diaphragm pump includes a flat valve construction which is reversible to provide valving for both the inlet and outlet to the pumping chamber. A modular manifold construction cooperates with the flap valve construction to facilitate ease of replacement of the flap valve construction and case of repair of the diaphragm pump.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is mounted on a frame or bracket. The inlet of the diaphragm pump connects with a flexible hose or tubing having a probe designed to fit into a vehicle fluid passage such as the dip stick passage associated with the oil pan of a vehicle. The outlet to the diaphragm pump is connected to one of a pair of based hollow tube members designing part of a bracket for support of the pump. Each hollow tube has a generally S shape configuration and is connected to the other tube by cross braces. One of the hollow tubes has the dual function of acting as a support bracket for the diaphragm pump assembly and as a fluid conduit, which is connected to the diaphragm pump outlet at one end and defines a discharge passage into a container at the opposite end. The bracket assembly may thus be supported on a drum or other container by the bracket members with one of the bracket members serving as the discharge tube into the container.

Abstract: A fluid-driven pump (10) includes a drive-inlet-valve assembly (54) that alternately directs the flow of cold pressurized water from a pressurized-water inlet (12) into alternate drive cavities (46a and b). Outlet valves (60a and b) control flow out of the drive cavities (46a and b). The resulting reciprocation of piston heads (36a and b) draws hot water in through a pump inlet (16) and out through a pump outlet (18). A valve operating mechanism driven by the piston heads' reciprocation causes both the drive outlet valves (60a and b) to close before the drive-inlet-valve assembly (54) changes its state to redirect flow of pressurized cold water from the cold-water inlet (12). The drive-inlet-valve assembly (54) is provided with a pilot-valve member that permits the drive-inlet-valve assembly (54) to be operated with a relatively low force and without introducing excessive shock and noise.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention comprises a combined mechanical shifting mechanism and pneumatic pilot valve construction to contrl the cycling of a double diaphragm pump. The mechanical cycling or shifting mechanism is positioned between pressure chambers of the diaphragm pump in the pump housing and extends axially into one or the other pressure chamber. The shifting mechanism moves axially in response to engagement by one of the pump diaphragms. Upon engagement by a diaphragm, the mechanical shift opens fluid pressure passageways to a pneumatic pilot valve which controls fluid flow to the respective pressure chambers associated with the diaphragm pump. A positive pilot signal is thus supplied through the entire stroke or cycle of the diaphragm pump. The mechanical shifting mechanism is not connected directly to a diaphragm or to the connecting rod which connects the diaphragms.

Abstract: A fluid pump is shown which includes integral valve and cylinder housings. The cylinder housing is formed with axially aligned cylinders. Axially movable pistons are located in the cylinders, which pistons are interconnected by a piston rod extending through a common inner end wall of the cylinders. Axially movable push rods extend through opposite outer end walls of the cylinders. The valve housing contains a plurality of three-way valves for communication with opposite ends of the cylinders, which valves are interconnected for simultaneous movement thereof. Mechanical linkage connects the push rods to the valves for actuation of the valves from a first to a second condition when the pistons are moved to one end of the cylinders, and for actuation from the second to the first condition when the pistons are moved to the other end of the cylinders. Resilient rocker arms are included in the mechanical linkage for storing and returning kinetic energy of the movable pistons at opposite ends of piston travel.

Abstract: A pressure chamber of a diaphragm pump having an outer chamber improved so that it is free from stress concentration. The inner wall surface of the pressure chamber is recessed in a mero-spherical shape. In order to support this chamber wall from its rear side, an outer ring rib is provided along the outermost periphery of the outer surface of the chamber, and an inner ring rib is circumferentially disposed at the inner side of the outer ring rib. Further, radial ribs are provided so as to connect together the outer and inner ring ribs in the radial direction.

Abstract: There is described a fluid pressure booster including a pair of cylinders connected to the opposite sides of a central partition wall of a casing with an inlet port, an outlet port and air exhaust ports, a pair of pistons reciprocable in the cylinders and defining a boosting chamber and a drive chamber in each cylinder, and a switch valve adapted to supply a line air pressure alternately to the drive chambers of the two cylinders, thereby reciprocating the pistons to intensify the fluid pressure in the boosting chambers. The switch valve of the booster is provided with a spool stall preventive means which is arranged to suppress the pressing force on the valve body of the switch valve with the fluid pressure or biasing action of a spring until the valve body reaches the neutral position thereof and to encourage the pressing action on the valve body with a biasing force after reaching the neutral position to prevent stalls of the valve body at that position.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the art field embracing positive displacement reciprocating compressors of the type featuring hydraulic drive, and sets out to simplify the construction of such units, rendering them more functional at the same time. Four coaxial bulkheads are adopted, set apart one from the next by three cylinder barrels, and three pistons which are mounted to a common rod and reciprocated thus, each in its respective barrel; the central piston and barrel are of either greater or smaller diameter than the remainder. Hydraulic oil from a power pack driving the compressor flows alternately into chambers which are occupied by the rod, and bounded at one end by one of the pistons of smaller or greater diameter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making and dispensing carbonated water with a double diaphragm continuous delivery pneumatic liquid pump has a water pressure regulator on a water inlet line to the pump, a water fill line to a carbonator, a propellent exhaust line from the pump to the carbonator, a carbon dioxide line to the carbonator, and a gas pressure regulator for controlling the storage pressure in the carbonator and the exhaust back pressure in the pump propellent outlet, the exhaust back pressure is kept higher than the water pressure at the pump preventing diaphragm inversion; the method has the steps of dropping water pressure into the pump to below carbonation pressure, and maintaining the carbonation pressure on the pump diaphragm preventing inversion.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating three-way valve having particular application to a double diaphragm pump. The valve is operative without a lubricating oil mist or the inefficiency resulting from air leakage between the valve piston and cylinder. Sticking and stalling of the valve piston are prevented by deformation of the cylinder under pressure to provide leakage of selected cavities within the valve. The pump also avoids the use of a deicer mist by an adjustable bleed of high pressure air to provide a two-step exhaust.

Abstract: A fluid operated pump comprising a housing including first and second cylinders. First and second pistons are rigidly fixed to each other and situated in their respective cylinders, the cylinders alternately receiving pressurized fluid for operating the pump. The pump includes novel valving means and novel seals.

Abstract: The sealing surfaces of a coke oven door are cleaned with high-pressure fluid by a hydraulically operated high-pressure piston pump which displaces either a hot or a cool conveyed media ladened with solid particles such as a coal mass and a fluid for cleansing the sealing surfaces of the coke oven doors and door frames. The pump includes a closed pump cylinder having an inlet and outlet valve for a conveyed medium at both ends of the cylinder and a partition dividing the cylinder. Inlet and outlet valves for hydraulic fluid are located in the cylinder on each side of the partition. An inner double piston is axially movable to and fro with the cylinder and comprises two output piston portions with a piston rod connected to each portion and located between them guided on bearings in the cylinder. A delivery space is formed between the piston portions and each end of the pump cylinder and the respective delivery spaces at each end simultaneously and oppositely decrease and increase during an operation.

Abstract: A double-acting, pneumatic, reciprocating diaphragm pump and reversing mechanism therefor including a pump housing including a pair of spaced apart chambers, a diaphragm member dividing each chamber into a driving section and a discharge section, a shaft interconnecting the diaphragm members and a protrusion extending from the shaft, fluid inlet and outlet manifolds interconnecting inlet and outlet ports, respectively, in the discharge sections and inlet and outlet valves in the housing for controlling fluid flow to and from the discharge sections, a driving fluid manifold interconnecting inlet-outlet port means in the driving sections, a control valve between the chambers including a valve element movable between two positions to alternately direct driving fluid to one of the two driving sections while also alternately venting the other one, a control valve accuating member mounted for movement and having means for contacting and moving the valve element and having surfaces for being contacted by the shaft p

Abstract: There is described a fluid pressure booster including a pair of cylinders connected to the opposite sides of a central partition wall of a casing with an inlet port, an outlet port and air exhaust ports, a pair of pistons reciprocable in the cylinders and defining a boosting chamber and a drive chamber in each cylinder, and a switch valve adapted to supply a line air pressure alternately to the drive chambers of the two cylinders, thereby reciprocating the pistons to intensify the fluid pressure in the boosting chambers. The switch valve of the booster is provided with a spool stall preventive means which is arranged to suppress the pressing force on the valve body of the switch valve with the fluid pressure or biasing action of a spring until the valve body reaches the neutral position thereof and to encourage the pressing action on the valve body with a biasing force after reaching the neutral position to prevent stalls of the valve body at that position.

Abstract: Motor-pumping method and apparatus for recovery of energy from spent brine discharged from a reverse osmosis desalination system are disclosed. Energy of spent brine discharged from the reverse osmosis system is used to pump a portion of the fresh brine input to the system. The novel apparatus includes a pair of closed cylinders having pistons reciprocable therein which are interconnected for simultaneous piston movement. First valve means movable between first and second conditions are provided for atternatively connecting a source of fresh brine to the reduced piston area side of one of said cylinders while connecting the reduced area piston side of the other cylinder to the inlet of the reverse osmosis canister included in the reverse osmosis system.

Abstract: A double-acting, pneumatic, reciprocating diaphragm pump and reversing mechanism therefor including a pump housing including a pair of spaced apart chambers, a diaphragm member dividing each chamber into a driving section and a discharge section, a shaft interconnecting the diaphragm members and a protrusion extending from the shaft, fluid inlet and outlet manifolds interconnecting inlet and outlet ports, respectively, in the discharge sections and inlet and outlet valves in the housing for controlling fluid flow to and from the discharge sections, a driving fluid manifold interconnecting inlet-outlet port means in the driving sections, a control valve between the chambers including a valve element movable between two positions to alternately direct driving fluid to one of the two driving sections while also alternately venting the other one, a control valve actuating member mounted for movement and having means for contacting and moving the valve element and having surfaces for being contacted by the shaft p

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump comprises a center body 10 and two end-caps 11, 12, the outer peripheries of two diaphragms 20, 21 being clamped between the center body and the two end-caps respectively. The diaphragms are interconnected by a hollow push-rod 26 slidably and sealingly mounted in a bush 17 in the center body. A shaft 30 extends centrally through the push-rod, diaphragm and end-cap and has a radial flange at one end and a nut engaged on a screw-thread at its other end whereby the end-caps, diaphragm and center body are clamped axially together. Air under pressure is supplied to the two axially outer chamber 23, 24 formed between the diaphragms and the end-caps under the control of a change-over spool valve 45, change-over operation of which is initiated by the approach of the push-rod 26 to either end of its reciprocating movement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for handling a pressurized fluid inletted from a pressurized fluid supply line into a container and outletted therefrom through a pressurized outlet line in order to avoid pressurizing the container. According to the described method and apparatus, the energy of the fluid inletted from the pressurized fluid supply line into the container is utilized for driving a motor, thereby reducing the pressure of the fluid stored in the container; and the motor is utilized for driving a pump which increases the pressure of the fluid outletted from the container to the pressurized fluid outlet line. The invention is described particularly with respect to hot water supply systems in order to avoid the need of making the storage tank of pressurized construction.

Abstract: A double-acting air-powered diaphragm pump having a pair of identical pump assemblies detachably secured within a frame-like manifold assembly. Each of the pump assemblies contains a pair of mating halves and a web-like resilient diaphragm defining an air cavity and a fluid cavity. Each of the diaphragms is operated by means of a centrally attached shaft, the facing ends of the shafts being joined by a chain link which allows for potential misalignment. The pump assemblies, which are substantially identical in construction, may be easily and individually removed from the manifold assembly for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A rodless submersible down hole pumping unit for a producing oil and/or gas well and including in combination a submersible prime mover operably connected with a source of electrical power from the surface of the ground through a suitable electrical cable. A pressure fluid source, a fluid moving pump operably connected with the motor for actuation thereby, a shifting valve assembly operable between the fluid moving pump and a shift rod assembly for transmitting reciprocation to a piston rod, the piston rod cooperating with a product valve unit for drawing well fluid from the fluid reservoir of the oil and/or gas well into the interior of the apparatus and discharging the well from the interior of the apparatus into the well tubing during continued reciprocation of the piston rod whereby the well fluid may be delivered to the surface of the ground for recovery thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating three-way valve having particular application to a double diaphragm pump. The valve is operative without a lubricating oil mist or the inefficiency resulting from air leakage between the valve piston and cylinder. Sticking and stalling of the valve piston are prevented by deformation of the cylinder under pressure to provide leakage of selected cavities within the valve. The pump also avoids the use of a deicer mist by an adjustable bleed of high pressure air to provide a two-step exhaust.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump pumping arrangement includes two diaphragm pumps which are arranged and operate in tandem. Each of the diaphragm pumps includes a housing and a movable wall that includes a flexible diaphragm and subdivides the interior of the respective pump housing into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber. An air distributing control arrangement interposed between and connected to the pump housings includes a spool valve movable in a bore of an aluminum casing of the control arrangement between two end positions in which it alternatingly achieves the admission of the compressed air into one, and discharge of the air from the other, actuating chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-driven reciprocating pump comprises a pair of pumping heads each containing a displaceable member defining a driving chamber and a pumping chamber, a mechanical connection coupling the two displaceable members for reciprocation together, and means for connecting the driving chamber of one pumping head to a source of pressurized fluid and the pumping chamber of that pumping head to a source of material to be pumped. The pump further includes means for connecting the driving chamber of the other pumping head to a source of pressurized fluid and for selectively connecting the pumping chamber of the other pumping head either to a source of material to be pumped to produce a double-action pumping operation wherein the material is pumped during both reciprocations of the displaceable members, or to the source of pressurized fluid to produce a single-action pumping operation wherein the material is pumped during only one of the two reciprocations of the displaceable members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved air driven pump for pumping products such as beverage syrups. Two opposed pistons are mounted on a common piston shaft for reciprocal movement within a housing. Cavities corresponding to the pistons are alternately vented and pressurized to intake the product into a pair of cylinders and to drive the pistons to pump the product. A spool valve stem extends into the cavity being vented so that the piston performing an intake stroke moves the valve stem into the other cavity. A pair of axial passages and corresponding side openings in the valve stem provide fluid flow paths for venting and pressurizing the cavities. A valve body biased toward the cavity being vented includes a vent passage for alternately venting the cavities through the side inlets. While one cavity vents, pressurized fluid flows into the other cavity through the corresponding side inlet and axial passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping fluent solid material comprising first and second expansible chamber pumps and means interconnecting the pumps. The first expansible chamber pump has an inlet with a check valve for intake of material from a supply thereof on an intake stroke of the first pump and an outlet with a check valve for discharge of the material on a discharge stroke of the first pump. The apparatus also has a line for delivery of material from the outlet of the first pump. The second expansible chamber pump has an inlet with a check valve for intake of gas on an intake stroke of the second pump and an outlet with a check valve for discharge of gas on a discharge stroke of the second pump. Means interconnect the pumps for operation of the second pump through a discharge stroke on an intake stroke of the first pump and through an intake stroke on a discharge stroke of the first pump.

Abstract: A downhole well pump powered by pressurized fluid conducted to it through a power fluid conduit connected to its upper end by a remotely releasable connector which makes it possible to run and retrieve the pump either at the time the power fluid conduit is run or retrieved, or separately, and when run or pulled separately either through use of the conduit or other means such as wireline, rods, pipe, or the like, the connector being releasable simply by dropping a ball into the conduit and then building fluid pressure against the ball. Actuation of the connector to disconnect also opens a drain or equalizing passage in the pump automatically. The power fluid conduit being inside the well tubing makes it practical to install this pump in wells having casing of sizes insufficient to accommodate power fluid conduits exterior of the tubing. Installations and methods for their preparation are also disclosed. Gas lift valves may be used in the power fluid conduit, where the power fluid is gas.

Abstract: A gas compressor has at least one closed container with gas inlet means for filling the container with a gas to be compressed and gas outlet means through which compressed gas can leave the container. When the container has been filled with gas to be compressed, a fluid is forced into the container to compress the gas therein and force it out of the container. After the container has been filled with fluid and the gas forced therefrom, the fluid is drained while gas again enters and fills the container. The output of the container is generally connected to a gas storage tank and the cycle of filling the container with gas and then expelling it is repeated until a desired pressure of gas is obtained in the storage tank.The compressor is particularly suited to filling a storage tank, such as a natural gas storage tank in a vehicle, over an extended period of time of several hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved diaphragm pump having two material pumping chambers. The material pumping chambers are operated by two working fluid chambers which are separated from the material pumping chambers by two diaphragms. The diaphragms are interconnected to provide that the two material pumping chambers alternatively receive and discharge the material to be pumped. A control valve controls the stroke reversal of the improved diaphragm pump. The control valve is actuated by the pressurized working fluid which is being discharged from a pressurized fluid chamber. Further valving provides for a portion of the pressurized working fluid being discharged from a pressurized fluid chamber to be reused and introduced into the exhausted fluid chamber to initiate expansion of the exhausted fluid chamber. The pre-pressurization of the exhausted fluid chamber reduces the amount of source air required at the beginning of the stroke.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump pumping arrangement includes two diaphragm pumps which are arranged and operate in tandem. Each of the diaphragm pumps includes a housing and a movable wall that includes a flexible diaphragm and subdivides the interior of the respective pump housing into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber. An air distributing control arrangement interposed between and connected to the pump housings includes a spool valve movable in a bore of an aluminum casing of the control arrangement between two end positions in which it alternatingly achieves the admission of the compressed air into one, and discharge of the air from the other, actuating chamber.

Abstract: A fluid operated double-acting diaphragm pump housing and method comprising a one-piece molded plastic pump body having a pair of spaced-apart end sections and interconnecting manifold means and connected at each end thereof to one of a pair of identical, one-piece molded plastic end caps, by means of mating connecting flanges. One of four identical check valve cartridges is located in each of four mating inlet and outlet ports in the connecting flanges, and a diaphragm is sealed between each pair of connecting flanges.

Abstract: A fluid-operated reciprocating pump having a central housing, a pair of chamber housings attached to opposite sides of the central housing, and a pumping diaphragm in each chamber housing that separates an inner pressure chamber from an outer pressure chamber. Each outer pressure chamber is connected to an inlet manifold and a discharge manifold, and one-way check valves control the flow of the material being pumped through the chamber. The pumping diaphragms are connected together by a connecting rod that extends through the central housing. The central housing defines inlet and outlet ports for operating fluid, a reversing valve chamber, a pilot valve chamber, and passages connecting the reversing valve chamber to the pilot valve chamber, the inlet port and the inner pressure chambers.

Abstract: A double acting hydraulically actuated pump and engine valve assembly for use downhole in a borehole for producing fossil fuel therefrom. High pressure hydraulic power fluid is forced downhole to a special control valve means located between opposed engine pistons. The valve means causes the power fluid to apply an alternating force to confronting faces of the pistons, while the opposed faces of the spaced apart pistons serve to pump and force production fluid to flow from a production zone, upward to the surface. The pump assembly can be used in combination with existing bottom hole assemblies, fixed or free type, already installed downhole in the wellbore.

Abstract: A fluid-operated reciprocating pump having a central housing, a pair of chamber housings attached to opposite sides of the central housing, and a pumping diaphragm in each chamber housing that separates an inner pressure chamber from an outer pressure chamber. Each outer pressure chamber is connected to an inlet manifold and a discharge manifold, and one-way check valves control the flow of the material being pumped through the chamber. The pumping diaphragms are connected together by a connecting rod that extends through the central housing. The central housing is formed by a pair of identical, generally tubular, molded sections secured to one another in reverse relationship to define inlet and outlet ports for operating fluid, a reversing valve chamber, a pilot valve chamber, and passages connecting the reversing valve chamber to the pilot valve chamber, the inlet port and the inner pressure chambers.

Abstract: A peripheral portion of a diaphragm is clamped beween respective clamping surfaces of clamping members by means of a band which embraces the clamping members. An abutment on one of the clamping members establishes a predetermined positional relation between the clamping members. In the fully tightened condition of the band, the pressure between the diaphragm and the clamping surfaces of the clamping members is independent of the tension in the band.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for a reciprocating pump provided in a common housing or module removably secured to the pump body adjacent to the pump shaft. The module housing includes top and bottom pieces which slide together with suitable tongue and groove elements. The top piece houses a reversing valve, and has a slot on the underside thereof for receiving a yoke member of the reversing mechanism. The sides of the slot form bearing surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pump shaft. The yoke slides or reciprocates on these bearing surfaces. The bottom piece comprises a support for opposed snap-acting springs. The yoke has a pair of upwardly extending spaced arms for actuating opposite ends of the reversing valve when it reciprocates, and a pair of downwardly extending spaced arms for engaging a transverse pin in the pump shaft as the shaft reciprocates. A central pin in the yoke couples it to the snap-acting springs. A special nested bearing structure is provided for the snap-acting springs.

Abstract: A back-up system is provided for a pumping plant or a pressure reservoir system used to maintain insulating oil under pressure in high voltage submarine power cables which includes a gas driven membrane pump to insure a small outflow of oil at a rupture point in the power cable to prevent water from penetrating the cable. The proper operation of the membrane pump is insured by introducing degasified oil at the drive side of the pump during the stand-by and test modes of operation of the back-up system.