Abstract:
An impedance shaping element (or more simply, an impedance shaper) physically alters or shapes the mechanical impedance of a drive system as it appears from an interface and facilitates use of feedback control to improve performance by altering or shaping a dynamic coupling between an interface and a control system. For example, the impedance shaper can be used to adjust a coupling value from a first value to a second different value. In one embodiment, an impedance shaper controls the compliance, damping and inertia characteristics of fluid within a fluid path.
Abstract:
A hydraulic pressure reservoir having at least one pressure chamber formed between two opposed, movable inner boundary members. Each inner boundary members includes a spring cover and a diaphragm spring. An outer boundary member peripherally surrounds the movable inner boundary members and has a U-shaped cross section along at least a part of its periphery to axially support the diaphragm springs in a fixed axial position. The outer boundary member can be formed in several pieces that are held together by interconnections or by a surrounding outer tensioning member.
Abstract:
A fluid transmission system adapted to provide a controlled force to a dynamic system includes a controller, a drive system coupled to the controller and to a path having a captured amount (mass) of fluid contained therein and an interface coupled to the captured fluid path.
Abstract:
A control valve assembly has a first chamber with a first port, a second chamber with a second port, and a first valve that is operative to open between the first and second chambers in response to elevated pneumatic pressure in the first chamber. A second valve is operative to open between the second chamber and a primary exit port to vent the second chamber in response to elevated pneumatic pressure in the second chamber. A third valve is operative to open between the first chamber and a bypass exit port to vent the first chamber in response to elevated pneumatic pressure in the first chamber.
Abstract:
A liquid-gas accumulator having a housing with a top port and a bottom port. The top port is adapted to receive a gas charging valve. A liquid inlet-outlet valve seat is positioned in the bottom port and a riser tube is coaxially positioned about the valve seat and extends upwardly in the housing. The tube includes one or more fluid openings adjacent the lower end of the tube and positioned above the valve seat. The upper end of the tube is closed but includes an orifice adjacent to the top. A float is positioned in the tube having a valve element for coacting with and seating on the valve seat when liquid is expelled from the accumulator. The orifice is sized to allow gas to enter the tube at a rate which keeps the fluid level in the tube substantially equal to the fluid level in the housing. Preferably, the orifice is adjustable. Either the valve seat or the float may include a coating of sealing material on the valve element. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the tube is less than the cross-sectional area of the bottom port for removal of the float and tube. Preferably, the valve seat is threadably secured into the bottom port and the tube is threadably secured to and about the valve seat.
Abstract:
A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer is provided with a wing shut-off valve. Radially inwardly directed outlet parts are aimed at the bottom of the valve wing to generate unbalanced reaction forces which oppose the bernoulli effect forces caused by rapid movement of fluid through the chamber of the shut-off valve, thus preventing premature closing of the valve.
Abstract:
A guided-float accumulator suitable for use with a hydraulic system for an oil well blowout preventer is provided with a vented float movable along a transversely centered, normally vertical guide rod according to the level of the liquid fill within the vessel. The vent outlet for the float and a ballast weight for the float are positioned on opposite sides of the guide rod and the float is mounted for free turning around the guide rod. Whatever the degree of liquid fill of the vessel, sidewise tilting of the vessel will be accompained by rotation of the vent outlet to the then-high side of the guide rod to maintain the float directly vented to the ullage space of the vessel.