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:
An improved float and valve assembly for a liquid-gas accumulator including a buoyant float having a density selected in accordance with the working pressure, a float which can be lengthened or shortened, and friction and drag is reduced by optimizing the bore to rod length, honing coacting parts, providing a crown engaging the spring, and providing grooves in the exterior of the valve stem.
Abstract:
A liquid-gas accumulator having a housing with a top gas port and a bottom liquid port. A spring-loaded, normally open valve is positioned in the liquid port and a buoyant float is rigidly connected to the valve element for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in response to the liquid level in the housing. A resilient seal may be provided between the float and the valve element positioned to seat around the valve as the valve closes thereby providing a secondary seal.
Abstract:
A method for providing a controlled force to a dynamic system includes applying a force to a first actuator, transmitting the force from the first actuator to a second actuator through a closed fluid path containing a captured volume of fluid, and providing, via the second actuator, a controlled force to the dynamic system.
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 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:
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 resilient seal for a liquid-gas accumulator of the type having a housing with a top gas port and a bottom liquid port. A valve assembly including a spring-loaded normally open poppet valve surrounded by a sleeve is positioned in the liquid port, and a device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in response to the level of liquid in the housing is also provided within the housing. The resilient seal is positioned on top of the popper valve and comprises a first resilient seal member and a second resilient seal member. The first resilient seal member is positioned to seat on the first end of the sleeve outside of the valve seat as the valve closes thereby providing a secondary seal. The second resilient seal member is positioned atop the first resilient seal member and is positioned to seat on a first end of an anti-extrusion ring surrounding the sleeve as the valve closes, thereby providing a tertiary seal and creating a suction effect causing the first resilient seal member to better adhere to the first end of the sleeve.
Abstract:
An expandable float assembly is insertable through the lower valve bore in an accumulator or a hole in a tank. The assembly includes a sleeve member and a plurality of floatable arm members. The floatable arm members may be folded to a position substantially parallel to the sleeve members for insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank. After insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank the floatable arm members are deployed to a position substantially perpendicular to the sleeve member.
Abstract:
A float system for a ball type accumulator includes a circular hollow float member which surrounds the float travel guide rod in the ball type accumulator. Connecting the float member to the vertical guide rod is a ball member which is located in the center of the float. A circular arcuate band surrounds the ball member thus allowing the float to tilt with respect to the vertical guide rod as the level of the fluid tilts within the accumulator. The tilting of the float prevents the float from flooding when the ball type accumulator is moved.