Abstract: A chemical liquid supplying apparatus capable of discharging chemical liquid with high accuracy and monitoring a leakage of an incompressible medium from a region between a piston and a cylinder is provided. A pump has a flexible tube for partitioning a pump chamber and a drive chamber, and the incompressible medium is supplied to the drive chamber by the piston reciprocating within a cylinder hole of the cylinder. A first bellows cover for forming a first seal chamber is provided between a large-diameter piston portion and the cylinder, and a second bellows cover for forming a second seal chamber is provided between a small-diameter piston portion and the cylinder. To detect pressure of the incompressible medium enclosed in the seal chambers, a seal-chamber pressure sensor is attached to the cylinder, and a deterioration degree of seal members is determined by detecting the pressure.

Abstract: Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

Abstract: An air operated double diaphragm pump comprises an integrated electric generator and an air efficiency device. The integrated electric generator increases the portability of the air operated double diaphragm pump. The air efficiency device varies the amount of compressed fluid entering the pump between a high volume and a low volume dependent upon the velocity and position of the pump's diaphragm assemblies to optimize the pump's efficient use of the compressed air.

Abstract: The invention provides a pumping system for delivering a plurality of different materials serially at a location at substantially the same flow rate wherein the system has a plurality of diaphragm pumps wherein each diaphragm pump has a first chamber for receiving a hydraulic fluid from a first and/or second hydraulic fluid source and a second chamber for receiving a material to be pumped from one of a plurality of pumpable material sources and wherein the system has a sensor for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in each of the first chambers of the plurality of diaphragm pumps which sensor is operable connected to a source of hydraulic fluid such that the sensor can activate the source of hydraulic fluid to ensure that the hydraulic fluid in each of the first chambers of the plurality of diaphragm pumps has an equivalent pressure at a time when delivery from one of the diaphragm pumps ceases and delivery from another commences; and a method of delivering a plurality of different materials at a lo

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump includes an performance control actuator having a housing with opposed air chambers. The pump includes pump chambers facing the air chambers and pump diaphragms extending between each air chamber and each pump chamber, respectively. The actuator further includes an air valve, an intake to the air valve and an engagement. The intake includes an intake passage and a performance control intake adjuster rotatably mounted. The intake adjuster has a helical channel and a closure element extending adjustably into the intake passage. The engagement engages the helical channel for control of the intake. The helical channel has varied pitch to provide a nonlinear relationship between rotation and axial advancement of the intake adjuster. The nonlinear relationship gives flow rate proportional to the angular rotation of the intake adjuster.

Abstract: A driver is disclosed for powering a pneumatically operated implantable device, such as an artificial heart with a left and a right ventricle. The driver includes a pair of compressors that each has a first and a second compression chamber. In a first mode of operation, both the first and the second compressor power the left and right ventricle of the artificial heart. In the event of a malfunction in the second compressor, the left and right ventricles of the artificial heart may be powered by the first compressor. Similarly, if a malfunction occurs in the first compressor, the artificial heart may be fully powered by the second compressor.

Abstract: A pump apparatus comprises a piston, which is provided displaceably along a first chamber formed in a body under the action of a pilot pressure, an indirect medium composed of a non-compressive fluid and which is to be pressed by the piston, and a diaphragm that is flexibly bendable in cooperation with the indirect medium. When the fluid is discharged from a discharge port, a change in volume caused by the displacement of the piston in the axial direction is identical to the change in volume caused by the displacement of the diaphragm in the axial direction.

Abstract: A pump for one or more different process fluids is provided including a pumping chamber having a process fluid inlet and outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber. An actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to actuating fluid chambers is provided that is in communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of incompressible actuating fluid. A diaphragm separates each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. The actuation mechanism is removable by a quick disconnect that provides for disconnection of the activation mechanism without affecting process fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism to displace actuating fluid causes actuating fluid to flow only into each actuating fluid chamber having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.

Abstract: A simple structured thermal actuation pump for reducing energy loss is provided. The thermal actuation pump includes: a first chamber having at least one working fluid inlet and at least one working fluid outlet; a second chamber having at least one working fluid inlet and at least one working fluid outlet; and a thermoelectric element arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber and including one side being cooled and the other side being heated according to a direction of current for changing inside pressures of the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A pressure driven pumping system includes a piston disposed within a first bore of a housing to separate a process chamber from a working chamber. A rod member coupled to the separating member extends into a reduced pressure chamber. The piston has a first face exposed to the process chamber and a second face exposed to the working chamber. The second face has an effective area less than an effective area of the first face. The housing may be placed in seawater at a selected depth. The process chamber can be in fluid communication with a well to pass well fluid into the process chamber at well pressure to move the piston, to discharge seawater from the seawater chamber. The working fluid, typically seawater in a subsea application, is pumped into the working chamber to move the piston, which discharges well fluid from the process chamber.

Abstract: A pump for transferring a process fluid has a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber. A motive fluid actuates the pump chambers and control flow valves. The direction of process fluid flow is controlled by varying the amounts of pressure or the use of a vacuum. The control flow valves utilize diaphragms for actuation.

Abstract: A pump that has a cavity (13) in which is located a non-elastomeric membrane (14). An inlet (24) opens into the cavity (13) and is associated with a valve (27). A valve (28) is likewise provided in an outlet (25). Also opening into cavity (13) is a port (22) to which means for applying negative and positive pressures can be connected whereby the membrane (14) can be moved between its two stable states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of statically sealing a reciprocating-type fuel pump, such as a direct injection high pressure piston-type fuel pump. The first embodiment of the invention is a fuel pump comprising a pump body, a fuel reservoir within the pump body, wherein the fuel reservoir is capable of holding fuel and a bellows attached to the pump body, wherein the bellows is a stretchable membrane acting as a static seal. The second embodiment further comprises a diaphragm seal inside the pump body, and adjacent to the fuel reservoir, and a working fluid reservoir adjacent to the diaphragm seal, wherein the working fluid reservoir is capable of holding fluid. The diaphragm seal is a static seal separating the working fluid reservoir and the fuel reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven pump includes a diaphragm, a piston, a transfer chamber, a fluid reservoir, and a valve spool. The transfer chamber is defined between the diaphragm and piston and is filled with a hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the transfer chamber via at least one valve. The valve spool is configured to control fluid flow between the transfer chamber and the fluid reservoir. The valve spool is movable to open and close an opening into the at least one valve only when an overfill condition or an underfill condition exists in the transfer chamber. The valve spool is moveable along an axis that is non-coaxial with an axis of movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for operating and controlling AOD pumps.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes first and second conduits having respective first and second flanges in abutment with each other, a stopper in the second conduit, and a valve body secured between the first and second flanges. The valve body includes a body bore in communication between the first and second conduits. The body bore defines a circular opening in one end of the valve body. The valve body also includes a circumferential notch that substantially insulates the circular opening from distortion arising from securing the valve body. The stopper snuggly seats against the circular opening to prevent fluid flow from the second conduit to the first conduit, but unseats to permit fluid flow from the first conduit to the second conduit. An o-ring may surround a portion of the valve body and be energized as the valve body is secured. A lip may surround the circular opening to provide a seat for the stopper.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump including, in a pump body, a hydraulic control chamber disposed between a piston for executing reciprocating motion and the diaphragm, the pump including elements for compensating leaks from the hydraulic chamber, the elements including a refilling duct opening out into the hydraulic chamber via a normally-closed compensation shutter that is driven into the open position by the diaphragm, wherein the above-mentioned compensation shutter being driven by the diaphragm pressing against a free end of a rod for controlling the shutter, the diaphragm being subjected to the force of a suction-assistance spring which co-operates with the above-mentioned shutter to return it to its closed position by pushing the free end of the control rod back towards the diaphragm, the spring co-operating with the shutter to form a moving assembly that is moved without being deformed by the diaphragm during suction overtravel.

Abstract: A bezel and bezel assembly in which the bezel is a rigid block with a plurality of cavities. A depression in the block has ribs extending up therefrom to form an elevated contour. The depression includes at least one cavity therein for the application of air pressure into the depression and over the elevated contour. A gasket fits over the bezel so that positive pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression forces a gasket membrane to expand away from the pumping side and negative pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression pulls the gasket membrane against the elevated contour of the ribs. The bezel may include solvent bondable tubing connections for making pneumatic connections to the bezel.

Abstract: A pump assembly comprising an apparatus for reducing process noise manifest in a piping system. The invention introduces a pump pulse to counteract a negative dip in pressure when the reciprocating pump is at the completion of each pump stroke.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for operating and controlling AOD pumps (10, 10?, 10?, 100, 460, 580, 740) and other pumps.

Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, drive power of a drive-power supply member is transmitted to a diaphragm within a diaphragm drive chamber via operating fluid. An operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber for regulating the flow of operating fluid is located between the drive-power supply member and the diaphragm drive chamber. A first gas discharge member and a second gas discharge member are respectively located in an upper part of the inside of the operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber and an upper part of the inside of the diaphragm drive chamber. The first gas discharge member is held in fluid communication with the second gas discharge member so as to constitute a single gas discharge mechanism. This single gas discharge mechanism is provided with a reverse-flow prevention member for preventing a reverse flow of fluid from the first gas discharge member to the second gas discharge member.

Abstract: A pump structure connectable with an aircushion or a bladder. The pump structure includes: a flexible main body defining a valve room in which a relief valve is arranged and a compressible chamber; a one-way valve permitting the fluid to one-way flow into the chamber; and a thin membrane-type check valve. The check valve has a first end and a second end, which are operable between opened position and closed position. The first and second ends respectively communicate with the chamber and an output tube, which is connectable with the aircushion or bladder. The first and second ends of the check valve are respectively positioned in spaces provided by the chamber and the valve room. A substrate board is disposed under the flexible main body. The substrate board has a through hole and a notch formed on positions where the first and second ends of the check valve are formed.

Abstract: A downhole motor to drill a wellbore including a pumping apparatus having a first chamber configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid, and a first flexible diaphragm disposed with the first chamber configured to separate the first and second fluid, wherein the first flexible diaphragm is configured to transfer a hydraulic energy between the first fluid and the second fluid. In addition, the downhole motor includes a motor portion coupled to the pumping apparatus and configured to receive the second fluid and convert the hydraulic energy of the second fluid into a mechanical energy, thereby creating a torque. Further, the downhole motor includes a bit shaft coupled to the motor portion, configured to receive the torque from the motor portion and the first fluid from the pumping apparatus.

Abstract: An expansible chamber pneumatic system, for example a fluid pump system, includes two or more double-acting diaphragm pumps, each with symmetrical left and right pump housings, each housing including an air chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a movable diaphragm. The diaphragms are connected for reciprocating movement in unison to pump fluid through their respective fluid chambers. Each pump includes an air valve actuated by Control air to direct Process air into one of the air chambers, simultaneously releasing used Process air from the other air chamber to thereby move the diaphragms, thereby to pump fluid. A pilot valve directs Control air to the air valve to position the air valve. The pilot valve is responsive to diaphragms reaching their travel limit in one direction to direct Control air to reverse the directions of Process air flow through the air valve to thereby reverse the movement of the pump diaphragms. Control air exhausts through the pilot valve to atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for operating and controlling AOD pumps.

Abstract: An improved implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a pressurized drug reservoir. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume pulse to an outlet catheter. In order to improve the pump's accuracy and to increase pumping volume while optimizing the pump's overall size and energy usage a two way diaphragm accumulator is used. The unit can be externally programmed or can be used in a fixed rate configuration that is never programmed but set at the factory or in the current programmable configuration.

Abstract: An easily cleaned and/or sterilized fluid pumping assembly including a first pump housing including a first inner chamber. The first pump housing includes a fluid access port adapted to provide fluid communication between an outside of the first pump housing and the first inner chamber. Also, included is a second pump housing having a first coupling flange securely mated to the first pump housing. The second pump housing includes a second coupling flange adapted to be removeably and securely mated to a third coupling flange on a piston housing. Additionally, a flexible diaphragm is provided disposed between the first and second pump housings. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with the first inner chamber. Also, the diaphragm is displaceable by a driven piston for expelling fluid from the first inner chamber. More than one such assembly is used in combination to provide a constant flow fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A reciprocating fluid transfer pump in which a pilot valve assembly block can be mounted to a main body block in a simple, easy and reliable manner. In the reciprocating fluid transfer pump, a fluid, which has been suctioned into a fluid delivering chamber (19), is discharged therefrom by causing an expanding and contracting action of a barrier membrane (6) which is attached to either end of a center rod (5). The center rod is capable of reciprocating with respect to the main body block (2). A peripheral portion of the barrier membrane (6) is clamped fixedly to the main body block (2) via a main ring (30), and a pilot valve assembly block (17) having an integrated pilot valve (16) for detecting the reciprocating motion of the center rod (5) is pressed against and thus fixedly secured to the main ring (30) via a sub ring (34).

Abstract: The present invention relates to positive displacement pumps, and particularly to diaphragm positive displacement pumps. An inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump is provided comprising at least one pumping chamber containing a deformable hose diaphragm, a working fluid cylinder fluidly connected to the deformable hose diaphragm, and at least one linear motor to displace the working fluid within the working fluid cylinder and thereby increase and decrease the volume of the pumping chamber. An inventive method of controlling an inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump comprising at least one pumping chamber and powered by at least one linear motor is also provided.

Abstract: A pump for use in handling one or more different process fluids includes a plurality of pumping chambers having a process fluid inlet and a process fluid outlet, process fluid outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber, an actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to a plurality of actuating fluid chambers in fluid communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of actuating fluid, and at least one diaphragm separating each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber, for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism displaces actuating fluid and causes actuating fluid to flow only into each of the actuating fluid chambers having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.

Abstract: A membrane pump powered by an activating element includes a chamber body. The interior of the chamber body is provided with a first chamber and a second chamber that are in fluid communication with each other. One side or both sides of the chamber body are provided with an inlet pipeline and an outlet pipeline that are in fluid communication with the first chamber and second chamber, respectively. Valves are provided on the inner wall face of same side of the first chamber and the second chamber, thereby preventing the working fluid from generating a backflow phenomenon. Furthermore, the top surface of the chamber body is provided with a membrane. An activating element abuts on the membrane for driving the membrane to swing up and down, thereby pressing the working fluid within the first chamber to circulatively flow in one direction.

Abstract: A membrane pump device powered by an activating element includes a chamber body and a second chamber body. The interior of the chamber body is provided with a chamber. Both sides of the chamber body are provided with an inlet pipeline and an outlet pipeline that are in fluid communication with the aforementioned chamber, respectively. A valve is provided on the inner wall face of the chamber, thereby preventing the working fluid from generating a backflow phenomenon. Furthermore, the top surface of the chamber body is provided with a membrane. An activating element abuts on the membrane for driving the membrane to swing up and down, thereby pressing the working fluid within the chamber to circulatively flow in one direction. Finally, the second chamber body is in fluid communication with the chamber body. The interior of the second chamber body is provided with another valve.

Abstract: The apparatus for generating a mixture of reducing agent and air has a pumping agent feed pump having a pump housing and a mixing chamber into which reducing agent and air pumped by the feed pump can be introduced; the mixing chamber is embodied in a mixing chamber body which communicates directly with the pump housing of the feed pump and forms a cap of the pump housing. The feed pump has a drive shaft which protrudes into the pump housing, and the mixing chamber body is disposed at least approximately radially to the drive shaft The apparatus has a compact structural size and only a slight reducing agent-filled idle volume.

Abstract: A disposable positive displacement pump is disclosed. The pump includes a pump housing having head portion and a body, the head portion having one or more fluid passage openings. The pump also includes a rolling diaphragm internal to the pump housing and defining a fluid chamber within the pump housing. The pump further includes a piston drive unit configured to reciprocally drive the rolling diaphragm to move fluid in or out of the fluid chamber. A method of dispensing a fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven multicylinder diaphragm pumping machine for pumping difficult-to-pump materials comprises pump cylinders each having at one end (20) an inlet/outlet (21) for fluid material to be pumped supplied under adjustable pneumatic pressure, and at the other end (30) an inlet and outlet (31,32) for hydraulic oil. A separator (40) movable to-and-fro inside the pump cylinder (10) is connected to the fluid-material end of the cylinder by a bellows-like flexible diaphragm (45) and to the fluid material end (30) by another bellows-like diaphragm (46) leaving an outer annular space (49) that contains hydraulic fluid. The total volume of pumping hydraulic oil in the cylinders (10.1-10.12) is maintained constant and equal to ½ the total displacement volume of the cylinders by a device (65) that compensates for thermal expansion and controls the necessary return flow of hydraulic oil for driving the pump.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven pump includes a diaphragm, a piston, a transfer chamber, a fluid reservoir, and a spool member. The transfer chamber is defined between the diaphragm and piston and is filled with a hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the transfer chamber via at least one valve. The spool member is configured to control fluid flow between the transfer chamber and the fluid reservoir. The spool member is movable to open and close an opening into the at least one valve only when an overfill condition or an underfill condition exists in the transfer chamber.

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump includes two diaphragms affixed to a common shaft. The shaft extends through an air valve providing reciprocating pressurized air to the diaphragms through associated air chambers. A pump chamber with intake and exhaust valves is associated with one of the two diaphragms while a further air chamber replaces a pump chamber and is associated with the other of the diaphragms. A passage extends through the shaft and is in communication with the air chamber adjacent to the pump chamber and with the further air chamber converted from the pump chamber.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supplying apparatus capable of discharging chemical liquid with high accuracy and monitoring a leakage of an incompressible medium from a region between a piston and a cylinder is provided. A pump has a flexible tube for partitioning a pump chamber and a drive chamber, and the incompressible medium is supplied to the drive chamber by the piston reciprocating within a cylinder hole of the cylinder. A first bellows cover for forming a first seal chamber is provided between a large-diameter piston portion and the cylinder, and a second bellows cover for forming a second seal chamber is provided between a small-diameter piston portion and the cylinder. To detect pressure of the incompressible medium enclosed in the seal chambers, a seal-chamber pressure sensor is attached to the cylinder, and a deterioration degree of seal members is determined by detecting the pressure.

Abstract: A valve for a gas-driven motor and a valve assembly and reciprocating pump incorporating the valve are provided. The valve includes a shiftable valve for alternatively supplying a motive gas through first and second supply ports to opposed first and second power pistons in opposed motive gas chambers, respectively, and for effecting alternating exhaust of said chambers. The shiftable valve has a front face with a valve projection located thereon and a rear face with a valve projection located thereon.

Abstract: An electromagnetic machine with a deformable membrane (1) includes at least one fixed part which can direct a magnetic flow interacting with at least one moveable part (12) having regions which are magnetically polarized in order to ensure that alternative displacement of the moveable part (12) corresponds to an alternative variation of the magnetic flow in the fixed part, the moveable part (12) being kinetically linked to an edge (5) of the membrane (1) such that an undulation of the membrane (1) corresponds to an alternative displacement of the moveable part (12), wherein the fixed part and moveable part (12) are arranged in such a way that the moveable part (12) can be displaced in a rotating manner.

Abstract: In a pump system for supplying powder, in particular coating powder, to a powder coating apparatus, time controller is used to introduce compressed gas into a metering chamber as a function of the predetermined delay time elapsed since a predetermined operational point for the purpose of expelling a quantity of powder that was introduced into the metering chamber until the end of the time delay.

Abstract: A micro-pump having a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate flexible layer is disclosed. The first layer and second layer may be of moldable plastics. The intermediate layer may be a substantially flat PDMS membrane layer having an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The first layer and the second layer are disposed on either side of the intermediate layer to define a pumping chamber that encloses an actuatable portion of the intermediate layer and valve seats that abut the inlet hole and the outlet hole of the intermediate layer. The actuatable portion is moveable to increase and reduce the volume of the pumping chamber to allow pressure to lift the respective intermediate layer portions surrounding the inlet hole and the outlet hole to thereby draw fluid and expel fluid from the pumping chamber respectively.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pumping fluids from a well utilizing a submersible pumping system. In one embodiment, the pump comprises a pump body operable to be disposed within tubing within a well. The pump body encloses a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the well. A diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and forms a boundary between the pump chamber and a diaphragm chamber. A piston is moveably disposed within the diaphragm chamber. The piston may be moved within the diaphragm chamber by a pressure intensifier supplied with a pressure differential from the surface.

Abstract: A liquid chemical supply system includes a liquid chemical pump having a pump chamber for supplying a liquid chemical and a volume variation member that will vary the volume of the pump chamber, and will intake or discharge the liquid chemical based upon a change in the volume of the pump chamber in accordance with the volume variation member. The system also comprises an operation means for causing the volume variation member to operate, an operation amount detection means for detecting the operation amount of the volume variation member, a displacement control means for performing displacement control so that the volume variation member will be displaced by the operation means when liquid chemical ports that lead to the pump chamber are in the closed state, and a determination means for determining the presence or absence of gas inside the pump chamber based upon the operation amount detection results from the operation amount detection means during displacement control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: An air driven hydraulic pump includes two opposed cylinders to either side of a center section. Two pneumatic pistons are slidable in the opposed cylinders and are coupled with one another by a common shaft extending through the center section. The pneumatic pistons ride in the opposed pneumatic cylinders and include hydraulic plungers extending therefrom. Cylinder heads integral with the cylinders provide hydraulic cylinders aligned with the hydraulic plungers. An air valve delivers pneumatic pressure to alternate sides of both pneumatic pistons such that the forces on the pistons are additive alternately in each direction.

Abstract: A drilling system is provided for drilling a borehole into an earth formation, the drilling system comprising pump means for pumping drilling fluid into the borehole and discharge means for discharging drilling fluid from the borehole. The discharge means comprises at least one pressure chamber for temporarily accommodating drilling fluid being discharged from the borehole, and control means for controlling the fluid inflow into each pressure chamber.

Abstract: A reciprocating air distribution system includes a valve housing, having a cylinder therein. A valve element is slidably mounted within the cylinder. Also provided is an inlet to the cylinder, an exhaust from the cylinder and air distribution passages which are controlled by the valve element to be connected either with the intake or the exhaust. A nonmetallic gasket of thermally insulative material and thickness is between the inlet and air distribution passages on one side and the valve element and exhaust on the other. The buna elastomer has carbon black filer to make the gasket statically dissipative. The nonmetallic gasket provides channels which are part of valve control passages which are associated with a pilot valve. The valve control passages are from the inlet to both ends of the cylinder with at least one passage controlled by the pilot valve. These channels are closed by one of the components between which the gasket is located.

Abstract: A restorable sand or pellet pile is provided for use as an amusement or exercise device. A sand or pellet collection chamber has inclined side walls that converge toward each other in a downward direction and having a bottom surface connected to the side walls. A support deck is positioned above the side walls of the collection chamber and is adapted to support sand or pellets on its upper surface. A safety grating is formed around the perimeter of the support deck to allow sand or pellets to flow downwardly therethrough into the collection chamber as children or adults play or exercise on the pile. A diaphragm pump is positioned in the collection chamber and pumps sand upwardly through a vertically extending conduit to restore the pile. The pump may be operated intermittently or continuously. Other pumping mechanisms may be used. The preferred embodiment utilizes resilient inclined side walls in the collection chamber and a vibrator connected to the side walls to cause the side walls to vibrate.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump which overcomes the problem of diaphragm failure due to overfill of the oil transfer chamber. An overfill preventive element in the form of a mechanical stop, a fully closed coil spring, or a valve system, or alternatives are provided.