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Title: Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus

Abstract

A pair of control valve assemblies is described for alternately actuating a pair of fluid-driven free-piston devices by using fluid pressure communication therebetween. Each control valve assembly is switched by a pressure signal depending on the state of its counterpart`s piston. The communication logic is arranged to provide overlap of the forward strokes of the pistons, so that at least one of the pair will always be pressurized. Thus, uninterrupted pumping of liquid is made possible from a pair of free-piston pumps. In addition, the speed and frequency of piston stroking is entirely dependent on the mechanical power load applied. In the case of a pair of pumps, this enables liquid delivery at a substantially constant pressure over the full range of flow rates, from zero to maximum flow. Each of the valve assemblies uses an intake-exhaust valve and a signal valve with the signal valve of one pump being connected to be pressure responsive to the piston of the opposite cylinder or pump. 15 figs.

Inventors:
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Univ. of California (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
87714
Patent Number(s):
5427507
Application Number:
PAN: 8-081,695
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:  
W-7405-ENG-48
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 27 Jun 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES; PUMPS; CONTROL EQUIPMENT; ACTUATORS; OPERATION; FLOW RATE; LIQUIDS; VALVES; HYDRAULICS

Citation Formats

Whitehead, J C. Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus. United States: N. p., 1995. Web.
Whitehead, J C. Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus. United States.
Whitehead, J C. Tue . "Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus". United States.
@article{osti_87714,
title = {Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus},
author = {Whitehead, J C},
abstractNote = {A pair of control valve assemblies is described for alternately actuating a pair of fluid-driven free-piston devices by using fluid pressure communication therebetween. Each control valve assembly is switched by a pressure signal depending on the state of its counterpart`s piston. The communication logic is arranged to provide overlap of the forward strokes of the pistons, so that at least one of the pair will always be pressurized. Thus, uninterrupted pumping of liquid is made possible from a pair of free-piston pumps. In addition, the speed and frequency of piston stroking is entirely dependent on the mechanical power load applied. In the case of a pair of pumps, this enables liquid delivery at a substantially constant pressure over the full range of flow rates, from zero to maximum flow. Each of the valve assemblies uses an intake-exhaust valve and a signal valve with the signal valve of one pump being connected to be pressure responsive to the piston of the opposite cylinder or pump. 15 figs.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 1995},
month = {Tue Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 1995}
}

Patent:
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