Abstract: A switch mechanism for a pneumatic tool includes a rotating body and a lever. The rotating body has a surface, wherein a combining portion is disposed on the surface. The lever is slidably disposed in the combining portion, wherein the lever includes a first operating end and a second operating end, and either one of the first operating end and the second operating end protruding from the pneumatic tool or both the first operating end and the second operating end protruding from the pneumatic tool are controlled by pushing the lever along an extending direction of the combining portion.

Abstract: A reciprocating linear motor powered by one directional fluid flow is provided, having small external diameter, optimized for length, with few moving parts and effective seals, low mass and thus low inertia in direction changes. The motor provides reciprocating linear powered motion for use by attached equipment such as a pump, chisel, hammer, valve, or other machine requiring such power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a uniflow fluid engine having at least one cylinder having at least one high-pressure input and at least one low-pressure output. In some embodiments, the engine includes piston-operated valves that are related to the piston shaft and pistons that may also act as exhaust valves. In some embodiments, a valve is slidably positioned within the cylinder on the piston shaft, the valve being movable between a first position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through a first passage and blocking input fluid from a second passage, and a second position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through the second passage and blocking input fluid from the first passage.

Abstract: A method adaptively learns torque converter (TC) slip in a transmission having a hydrodynamic torque converter assembly by setting a baseline TC slip profile, determining an actual TC slip value at different temperatures, generating an adapted TC slip profile by adapting the baseline TC slip profile in response to the actual TC slip values, and controlling the amount of TC slip during a neutral idle (NI) state of the transmission using the adapted TC slip profile. A vehicle includes a torque converter and a controller. The controller calibrates the TC slip during a first transmission state, and controls the amount of TC slip during a second transmission state. The controller measures actual TC slip data points, and adapts a TC slip profile to more closely approximate a natural slip curve of the vehicle in response to the actual slip TC slip value data points.

Abstract: A pump comprising a valve housing and a spool slidably positioned within the valve housing. The spool has a supply face, a first end face, and a second end face, and is slidable between a first position wherein pressurized supply air is supplied to the supply face and the first end face, the first end face having a greater surface area than the supply face, a second position wherein the supply air is supplied to the supply face and is blocked from both the first and second end faces, and a third position wherein the supply air is supplied to the supply face and the second end face.

Abstract: A method for reducing ice formation in a gas-driven motor and a reduced-icing, gas-driven motor are provided, the motor having a housing with a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. At least one partition is disposed in the housing and is reciprocally moveable therein responsive to a motive gas being alternately provided to and exhausted from the first and second pressure chambers. A motive gas conduit is disposed between and connects the pressure chambers such that, upon providing the first pressure chamber with motive gas and exhausting the second pressure chamber of motive gas, a portion of the motive gas is permitted to pass from the first pressure chamber to the second pressure chamber through the motive gas conduit. Also provided are a reduced-icing diaphragm and piston pumps having the reduced-icing, gas-driven motor according to the present invention.

Abstract: An air driven double diaphragm pump including two opposed pump chambers with an air motor having air chambers therebetween. The pump chambers and air chambers form pumping cavities divided by diaphragms. Each pump chamber includes an inlet ball valve and outlet ball valve. An inlet manifold is positioned below the pump chambers and an outlet manifold above. Tie-rods extend both across the pump from one pump chamber to the other with nuts to place the assembly in compression. Tie-rods also extend from the outlet manifold through the pump chambers, to the inlet manifold and to feet mounted therebelow. Two plates, one to either side of the air motor extend to grooves in the inlet and outlet manifold and also extend to grooves in the pump chambers so as to close of the side of the pump structure. With the plates, an outlet manifold is provided from which air may be exhausted remotely. The ball valves include small diametrical clearance and a limitation on lift for added performance.

Abstract: An air driven double diaphragm pump including two opposed pump chambers with an air motor having air chambers therebetween. The pump chambers and air chambers form pumping cavities divided by diaphragms. Each pump chamber includes an inlet ball valve and outlet ball valve. An inlet manifold is positioned below the pump chambers and an outlet manifold above. Tie-rods extend both across the pump from one pump chamber to the other with nuts to place the assembly in compression. Tie-rods also extend from the outlet manifold through the pump chambers, to the inlet manifold and to feet mounted therebelow. Two plates, one to either side of the air motor extend to grooves in the inlet and outlet manifold and also extend to grooves in the pump chambers so as to close of the side of the pump structure. With the plates, an outlet manifold is provided from which air may be exhausted remotely. The ball valves include small diametrical clearance and a limitation on lift for added performance.

Abstract: A fluid-driven reciprocating pump includes a housing and a reciprocating assembly defining first and second working fluid chambers. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet for introduction and exhaustion of the working fluid. A valve member slidably moves against a valve surface between a first position, in which communication is established between the first working fluid chamber and either the power fluid inlet or outlet, and a second position in which communication is established between the second working fluid chamber and the same inlet or outlet. The reciprocating assembly includes a rod which moves in response to the introduction and exhaustion of the power fluid into and out of the first and second working chambers. A control valve actuator shifts the valve member between the first and second positions in response to the movement of the reciprocating rod and also urges the valve member toward the valve surface to form a fluid-tight union therebetween.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic driving device having a cylindrical housing in which a piston element is axially displaceable. The piston element has at its ends a front piston and a rear piston which are connected to each other by a connecting pipe. A switch element is mounted in the housing between the pistons and defines a variable front chamber with the front piston and a variable rear chamber with the rear piston. Two inlet openings acted on by pressure are formed in the housing and can be connected with the front and rear chambers respectively. The switch element, in a first position, frees the inlet opening to the rear chamber so that the rear piston travels axially outward and the front piston axially inward and, in a second position, frees the inlet opening to the front chamber so that the front piston moves axially outward and the rear piston axially inward. The inwardly moving pistons reverse the switch element between the two positions.

Abstract: A vibrator for transporting articles has a base, a sliding carriage having an article-carrying surface, a piston arrangement with two expansion chambers in the base for vibrating the carriage, and a pneumatic valve assembly operated by the piston arrangement. Preferably, two pistons are oppositely aligned on a common axis and bear outwardly against the carriage. The pneumatic valve assembly includes a pair of spaced cam rods and a crossbar extending between the cam rods at their midpoints. The cam rods are parallel to the axis of the pistons, slide in unison with the carriage, and cooperatively push the crossbar between opposite extreme positions. The crossbar switches the air flow directions for the power and exhaust strokes of each piston. Air flow to or from one of the expansion chambers is throttled such that the carriage is moved more forcefully in one direction than in the other. Articles on the article-carrying surface are incrementally displaced in the direction opposite to the more forceful stroke.

Abstract: The design of an air operated double diaphragm pump provides improved assembly, mounting flexibility, multiple plumbing combination including check valves which allow the pump to be mounted in any position without effecting its ability to prime or pump. A two shell housing design provides an enclosure for the air motor and includes structural ribbing, internal baffling, and all connections are made on the end of the pump in line with the diaphragm centerline allowing the pump to be installed in any access in line with the plumbing system.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump subassembly, having a pair of diaphragm mounting plates, wholly confines an air valving mechanism between the plates. The mechanism is modular in nature, being substantially devoid of fasteners, and is nested in the plates for easy removal and parts replacement.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 reciprocating device comprising a housing having a chamber and a reciprocable member reciprocable in the chamber. First and second pressure valves are connectible to a source of fluid under pressure to drive the reciprocable member and first and second passages lead from the first and second pressure valves to the chamber on opposite sides of the reciprocable member, respectively. First and second exhaust valves are coupled, respectively, to the first and second passages at locations intermediate the associated pressure valve and the chamber and communicating with the first and second vents, respectively. Actuators are drivable by the piston for switching the valves between first and second positions, and the fluid under pressure retains the valves in whichever of the positions they are placed.

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: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor having fluid inlet and outlet, wherein reciprocation is controlled by a reciprocable valve spool communicating with said fluid inlet and outlet and cooperating with a valve slide shiftable on said valve spool to control reciprocation of said valve spool. A needle valve assembly controls the exhaust rate proportionally to the operative speed of the motor.

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: An air driven diaphragm pump having an actuator valve for converting a source of compressed air into a reciprocating drive. The actuator valve includes a valve piston for alternately directing air to one side or the other of the pumps, a control rod fixed to the reciprocating elements of the pump and means for shifting the valve piston responsive to the position of the control rod. An axially spaced bifurcated inlet is employed to provide additional energy to the shifting of the valve piston. The valve piston also is arranged to cover vent ports as a mechanism for closing off all compressed air under stalled conditions of the pump.

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 down hole pump operated by gas in which the fluid in the production conduit may first be gas lifted. The exhaust gas from the pump aerates the well fluids in the production conduit. The pump is controlled by a valve whose operation is in turn controlled by a pilot valve shiftable in response to operation of the pump.

Abstract: An air operated reciprocating tool, including, an air operated double ended piston positioned within a cylinder for reciprocation within the cylinder, a valve assembly in communication with a source of air for controlling the application of the source of air in alternation to opposite portions of the piston for reciprocation of the piston, a shoe member for supporting a tool and with the shoe member mounted for sliding motion, and belt means forming a loop for interconnecting the ends of the double ended piston and the shoe member and with the belt means supported by pulley members located adjacent the ends of the double ended piston and with the reciprocating motion of the double ended piston transmitted to reciprocating motion of the shoe member.

Abstract: An actuator valve for an air driven reciprocating device wherein the valve includes a control rod responsive to movement of the reciprocating device and a valve piston pneumatically actuated by movement of the control rod. The valve piston selectively directs air to reciprocate the driven mechanism. The control rod includes dual axial passageways to selectively vent each end of the cylinder within which the valve piston operates. The passageways are sealed such that unused pressurized air will not escape from the air valve.

Abstract: A reversing control valve for a fluid operated downhole oil well pump having reciprocating pistons that is constructed to control the velocity and reversing of the pistons. The control valve functions to control the piston velocity and prevent damage to the pump components due to shock stresses induced by pressure impulses typically associated with pumped well fluids. The reversing control valve is constructed to regulate the piston velocity in response to the sensing of several pressure conditions in the well and in the pump.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor providing great flexibility in its mounting and the location of the motor shaft and fluid inlet lines. Relatively few component parts are employed and a number of the components are used as-cast or with minimal machining operations required.

Abstract: An actuator valve for an air driven reciprocating device wherein the valve includes a control rod responsive to movement of the reciprocating device and a valve piston pneumatically actuated by movement of the control rod. The valve piston selectively directs air to reciprocate the driven mechanism. The control rod includes a single axial passageway to selectively vent each end of the cylinder within which the valve piston operates.

Abstract: A pressure gas operated pump, comprises, a housing which has two spaced apart double pump chambers, with diaphragms stretched across each pump chamber so as to define a driving fluid chamber and a pump fluid chamber and a rigid coupling interconnects the diaphragms. There are valve inlet and outlet passages connected into the respective pump fluid chambers for handling the pump fluid during the movement of the diaphragm. A control valve is mounted in a control valve chamber, and it is connected to the fixed coupling by means of a bar spring which has its center portion fulcrummed on a contact with the wall of a bore through a transverse thin member of the housing. The driving gas is directed onto the valve chamber and it flows through the center of the valve member and, depending upon the position of the valve, which is regulated by the diaphragm, it will flow into respective ones of the two driving fluid chambers.

Abstract: A reciprocating, fluid operated pump, which is reversed at opposite ends of its travel by shifting of a directional valve, is characterized by a control valve for rapidly and completely shifting the directional valve.In the disclosed embodiment, the pump includes a pair of pumping portions each operated by a respective reciprocating air motor. The air motors are coupled for conjoint reciprocation, and the directional valve alternately applies compressed air to one and then to the other of the air motors. The arrangement is such that when air is applied to one of the motors fluid is forced from its associated pumping portion to an outlet from the pump while fluid is drawn into the other pumping portion from an inlet to the pump, and when air is applied to the other of the motors fluid is forced from its associated pumping portion to the outlet from the pump while fluid is drawn from the pump inlet into the one pumping portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic impact tool wherein hydraulic power is used to lift a ram against a bias to store energy and wherein the ram then is permitted to accelerate toward an impliment to which it imparts energy upon impact. A reciprocating cylindrical sleeve slidable about the ram is arranged to control the hydraulic fluid. The sleeve is initially carried in each direction by the ram and is shifted relative to the ram by hydraulic power.