EP3377763B1 - Hin- und herbewegender antriebsmechanismus mit spulenentlüftung - Google Patents

Hin- und herbewegender antriebsmechanismus mit spulenentlüftung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3377763B1
EP3377763B1 EP16866838.2A EP16866838A EP3377763B1 EP 3377763 B1 EP3377763 B1 EP 3377763B1 EP 16866838 A EP16866838 A EP 16866838A EP 3377763 B1 EP3377763 B1 EP 3377763B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spool
fluid
housing
chamber
vent
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP16866838.2A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3377763A1 (de
EP3377763A4 (de
Inventor
Ray GUCCIONE
Richard Marcis
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Monkey Pumps LLC
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Monkey Pumps LLC
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Priority claimed from US14/945,787 external-priority patent/US9670921B2/en
Application filed by Monkey Pumps LLC filed Critical Monkey Pumps LLC
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Publication of EP3377763A4 publication Critical patent/EP3377763A4/de
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B7/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving
    • F04B7/02—Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving the valving being fluid-actuated
    • F04B7/0208—Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving the valving being fluid-actuated the distribution member forming both the inlet and discharge distributor for one single pumping chamber
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B7/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving
    • F04B7/02—Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving the valving being fluid-actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
    • F04B9/08—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid
    • F04B9/12—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air
    • F04B9/123—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber
    • F04B9/125—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting elastic-fluid motor
    • F04B9/1253—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting elastic-fluid motor one side of the double-acting piston fluid motor being always under the influence of the fluid under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
    • F04B9/08—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid
    • F04B9/12—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air
    • F04B9/123—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber
    • F04B9/125—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting elastic-fluid motor
    • F04B9/1256—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting elastic-fluid motor with fluid-actuated inlet or outlet valve

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to control valves and reciprocating drive mechanisms, and more specifically, to reciprocating drive mechanisms with control valves such as injection pumps adapted to selectively change the directional flow of fluids for a piston.
  • Reciprocating drive mechanisms such as injection pumps and pneumatic pumps may be used to transport fluids, liquids, and/or gases and are generally used in various applications, such as manufacturing process control, hydraulic systems, and the like.
  • the control valve of a reciprocating drive mechanism may comprise a spool valve coupled to piston. As a spool shifts between a first position and second position, control fluid may be selectively communicated between various ports and lines for pressurized movement of the piston. This pressurized movement preferably creates a pumping action of the piston through a repetitive series of motions.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,776,773, issued to Anthony J. Quartana, III discloses a pilot control valve for changing the directional flow of fluid to a piston.
  • the Quartana reference discloses a valve member or spool disposed within the upper housing.
  • the spool is coupled to a piston via a valve stem and includes slide valves that are loosely mounted on the sides of the spool.
  • the slide valves may shift between a first and second position on the spool and are used for selective communication of the control fluid. For example, when the slide valves are in the first position, the slide valves allow communication of the control fluid from the upper housing to the lower surface of the piston.
  • the Quartana control valve also includes an exhaust port located on the side of the housing for the release of fluid or air buildup behind the spool.
  • a reciprocating drive mechanism comprising: a spool assembly; and a spool housing; wherein the spool housing may comprise a spool chamber; wherein the spool assembly may be disposed in and reciprocally movable within the spool chamber; wherein the spool housing may comprise a first seal, a second seal, and a third seal; wherein, when the spool assembly is disposed within the spool chamber of the spool housing, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal may divide the spool chamber into a distal chamber, an intermediate chamber, a supply chamber, and a proximal chamber, respectively, such that: (i) the first seal may divide the spool chamber into the distal chamber and the intermediate chamber; (ii) the second seal may divide the spool chamber into the intermediate chamber and the supply chamber; and (iii) the third seal may divide the spool chamber into the supply chamber and the proximal chamber; wherein the spool assembly may comprise a
  • the spool housing may further comprise a first exhaust port; wherein the spool assembly may further comprise a first slide valve; wherein the first slide valve may be coupled to an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; wherein the first exhaust port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the outlet of the first housing vent; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards a distal end of the spool housing during an upstroke, a first internal valve space of the first slide valve may align with an outlet of the first housing vent and the first exhaust port so as to allow the fluid within the first housing vent to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port; and wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards a proximal end of the spool housing during a downstroke, at least a portion of the first slide valve may block the outlet of the first housing vent so as to prevent the fluid within the first housing vent to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port.
  • the spool housing may further comprise a second housing vent; wherein the second housing vent may be proximal and adjacent to the first exhaust port and may comprise an inlet and an outlet; wherein the inlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the proximal chamber and wherein the outlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the distal end of the spool housing during an upstroke, the outlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber, such that the proximal chamber is in fluid communication with the supply chamber; and wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the proximal end of the spool housing during a downstroke, the first internal valve space of the first slide valve may align with the outlet of the second housing vent and the first exhaust port, so as to allow the fluid within the second housing vent and the proximal chamber to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port.
  • the spool housing may further comprise: a first fluid port, a second fluid port, and a second exhaust port; wherein the second exhaust port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the first fluid port; wherein the second fluid port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the second exhaust port; wherein the first fluid port and the second fluid port may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber; wherein the spool assembly may comprise a second slide valve coupled to an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the distal end of the spool housing during the upstroke: (i) a second internal valve space of the second slide valve may align with the first fluid port and the second exhaust port so as to allow the fluid within the first fluid port to communicate through the second internal valve space of the second slide valve and through the second exhaust port; and (ii) the second fluid port may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber, so as to prevent the fluid in the second fluid port to communicate through the second internal valve space and the second exhaust port; wherein, as the spool
  • the spool assembly may comprise a center bore; wherein the center bore of the spool assembly may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein, when a pressurized fluid travels from the center bore and towards the distal chamber, the spool assembly may perform the downstroke.
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism may further comprise: a piston housing; a piston; and a valve stem; wherein the piston housing may comprise a top flange, a bottom flange, and a cylindrical side wall; wherein the top flange, the bottom flange, and the cylindrical side wall may form a piston chamber; wherein the piston may be reciprocally movable within the piston chamber and may divide the piston chamber into a first cylindrical space and a second cylindrical space; wherein a proximal portion of the valve stem may be connected to the piston; wherein a distal portion of the valve stem may be configured to slideably and reciprocally engage within the center bore of the spool assembly; wherein the valve stem may comprise a valve stem bore and at least one passage; wherein the valve stem bore and the at least one passage may be in fluid communication with the center bore of the spool assembly, such that the valve stem bore and the at least one passage may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein the top flange may comprise a valve stem opening and a fourth seal disposed
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism may further comprise: a first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit; wherein the first fluid conduit may be coupled between the first fluid port and the bottom flange of the piston housing; wherein the first fluid conduit may allow the first fluid port to be in fluid communication with the first cylindrical space; wherein the second fluid conduit may be coupled between the second fluid port and the top flange of the piston housing; and wherein the second fluid conduit may allow the second fluid port to be in fluid communication with the second cylindrical space.
  • the spool assembly may comprise a second spool vent having an inlet and an outlet; wherein an inlet of the second spool vent may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein the outlet of the second spool vent may be located at an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing vent when the spool assembly reciprocates within the spool housing and aligns the outlet of the first spool vent within the intermediate chamber, such that a fluid trapped within the distal chamber may be allowed to escape the distal chamber and into the intermediate chamber to the first housing vent via the second spool vent.
  • the fluid may be a gas.
  • This disclosure also relates to a reciprocating drive mechanism, comprising: a spool assembly; and a spool housing; wherein the spool housing may comprise a spool chamber; wherein the spool assembly may be disposed in and reciprocally movable within the spool chamber; wherein the spool housing may comprise a first seal, a second seal, and a third seal; wherein, when the spool assembly is disposed within the spool chamber of the spool housing, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal may divide the spool chamber into a distal chamber, an intermediate chamber, a supply chamber, and a proximal chamber, respectively, such that: (i) the first seal may divide the spool chamber into the distal chamber and the intermediate chamber; (ii) the second seal may divide the spool chamber into the intermediate chamber and the supply chamber; and (iii) the third seal may divide the spool chamber into the supply chamber and the proximal chamber; wherein the spool assembly may comprise
  • the spool housing may further comprise a first exhaust port; wherein the spool assembly may further comprise a first slide valve; wherein the first slide valve may be coupled to an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; wherein the first exhaust port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the outlet of the first housing vent; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards a distal end of the spool housing during an upstroke, a first internal valve space of the first slide valve may align with an outlet of the first housing vent and the first exhaust port so as to allow the fluid within the first housing vent to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port; and wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards a proximal end of the spool housing during a downstroke, at least a portion of the first slide valve may block the outlet of the first housing vent so as to prevent the fluid within the first housing vent to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port.
  • the spool housing may further comprise a second housing vent; wherein the second housing vent may be proximal and adjacent to the first exhaust port and comprises an inlet and an outlet; wherein the inlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the proximal chamber and wherein the outlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the distal end of the spool housing during an upstroke, the outlet of the second housing vent may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber, such that the proximal chamber is in fluid communication with the supply chamber; and wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the proximal end of the spool housing during a downstroke, the first internal valve space of the first slide valve may align with the outlet of the second housing vent and the first exhaust port, so as to allow the fluid within the second housing vent and the proximal chamber to communicate through the first internal valve space of the first slide valve and the first exhaust port.
  • the second housing vent may be proximal and adjacent to the first
  • the spool housing may further comprise: a first fluid port, a second fluid port, and a second exhaust port; wherein the second exhaust port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the first fluid port; wherein the second fluid port may be positioned proximally and adjacent to the second exhaust port; wherein the first fluid port and the second fluid port may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber; wherein the spool assembly may comprise a second slide valve coupled to an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; wherein, as the spool assembly moves towards the distal end of the spool housing during the upstroke: (i) a second internal valve space of the second slide valve may align with the first fluid port and the second exhaust port so as to allow the fluid within the first fluid port to communicate through the second internal valve space of the second slide valve and to the second exhaust port; and (ii) the second fluid port may be in fluid communication with the supply chamber, so as to prevent the fluid in the second fluid port to communicate through the second internal valve space and the second exhaust port; wherein, as the spool
  • the spool assembly may comprise a center bore; wherein the center bore of the spool assembly may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein, when a pressurized fluid travels from the center bore and towards the distal chamber, the spool assembly may perform the downstroke.
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism may further comprise: a piston housing; a piston; and a valve stem; wherein the piston housing may comprise a top flange, a bottom flange, and a cylindrical side wall; wherein the top flange, the bottom flange, and the cylindrical side wall may form a piston chamber; wherein the piston may be reciprocally movable within the piston chamber and may divide the piston chamber into a first cylindrical space and a second cylindrical space; wherein a proximal portion of the valve stem may be connected to the piston; wherein a distal portion of the valve stem may be configured to slideably and reciprocally engage within the center bore of the spool assembly; wherein the valve stem may comprise a valve stem bore and at least one passage; wherein the valve stem bore and the at least one passage may be in fluid communication with the center bore of the spool assembly, such that the valve stem bore and the at least one passage of the valve stem may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein the top flange may comprise a valve stem opening and a
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism may further comprise: a first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit; wherein the first fluid conduit may be coupled between the first fluid port and the bottom flange of the piston housing; wherein the first fluid conduit may allow the first fluid port to be in fluid communication with the first cylindrical space; wherein the second fluid conduit may be coupled between the second fluid port and the top flange of the piston housing; and wherein the second fluid conduit may allow the second fluid port to be in fluid communication with the second cylindrical space.
  • the spool assembly may comprise a second spool vent having an inlet and an outlet; wherein an inlet of the second spool vent may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein the outlet of the second spool vent may be located at an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; and wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing vent when the spool assembly reciprocates within the spool housing and aligns the outlet of the second spool vent within the intermediate chamber, such that a fluid trapped within the distal chamber may be allowed to escape the distal chamber and into the intermediate chamber to the first housing vent via the second spool vent.
  • the fluid may be a gas.
  • This disclosure also relates to a reciprocating drive mechanism, comprising: a spool assembly; a spool housing; a piston housing; a piston; a valve stem; a first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit; wherein the spool assembly may comprise: a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, a first spool vent and first slide valve; wherein the spool housing may comprise: a spool chamber, a first exhaust port, a second exhaust port, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port; wherein the spool assembly may be disposed in and reciprocally movable within the spool chamber; wherein, when the spool assembly is disposed within the spool chamber of the spool housing, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal may divide the spool chamber into a distal chamber, an intermediate chamber, a supply chamber, and a proximal chamber, respectively, such that: (1) the first seal may divide the spool chamber into the distal chamber and the intermediate
  • the spool assembly may comprise a second spool vent having an inlet and an outlet; wherein an inlet of the second spool vent may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be located at an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; and wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be in fluid communication with the first housing vent when the spool assembly reciprocates within the spool housing and aligns the inlet of the first housing vent within the intermediate chamber, such that a fluid trapped within the distal chamber is allowed to escape the distal chamber and into the intermediate chamber to the first housing vent via the second spool vent.
  • Another embodiment may be a reciprocating drive mechanism, comprising: a spool assembly; a spool housing; a piston housing; a piston; a valve stem; a first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit; wherein the spool housing may comprise: a spool chamber; a first seal, a second seal, a third seal, a first exhaust port, a second exhaust port, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port; wherein the spool assembly may be disposed in and reciprocally movable within the spool chamber; wherein, when the spool assembly is disposed within the spool chamber of the spool housing, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal may divide the spool chamber into a distal chamber, an intermediate chamber, a supply chamber, and a proximal chamber, respectively, such that: (i) the first seal may divide the spool chamber into the distal chamber and the intermediate chamber; (ii) the second seal may divide the spool chamber into the intermediate chamber and the
  • the spool assembly may comprise a second spool vent having an inlet and an outlet; wherein an inlet of the second spool vent may be in fluid communication with the distal chamber; wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be located at an outer perimeter of the spool assembly; and wherein an outlet of the second spool vent may be configured to be in fluid communication with the first housing vent when the spool assembly reciprocates within the spool housing and aligns the outlet of the first spool vent within the intermediate chamber, such that a fluid trapped within the distal chamber may be allowed to escape the distal chamber and into the intermediate chamber to the first housing vent via the second spool vent.
  • spool vent is a vent located in the spool assembly and preferably allows trapped air inside the pump to exit into the atmosphere.
  • the nature of standard pump designs generally limits the length of the spool.
  • the new design disclosed herein preferably does not limit stroke length, which is directly related to how much fluid volume the reciprocating mechanism can pump.
  • the new reciprocating drive pump provides a path that allows air to escape to the atmosphere, thereby providing smoother strokes.
  • the vents of the housing assembly and spool assembly may be aligned when the spool assembly forms a distal chamber of approximately 0.110 inches from the distal end of the housing assembly to the distal end of the spool assembly.
  • reciprocating drive mechanism refers to any mechanical device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both.
  • the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, refer to a deviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of the spool valve.
  • one embodiment of the spool valve 100 may comprise: a spool assembly 105 and a spool housing 110.
  • the spool assembly 105 may comprise a spool body 121, a first slide valve 115, a second slide valve 120, and a spool vent 125.
  • the spool housing 110 may comprise a spool chamber 150, a first housing vent 160, a second housing vent 155, a first exhaust port 165, a second exhaust port 170, a first fluid port 180, and a second fluid port 175.
  • the spool housing 110 is preferably a structure that houses or contains the spool assembly 105 within a spool chamber 150.
  • the spool assembly 105 is a structure (preferably cylindrical) that is configured to move back and forth in a reciprocating manner, so as to control the flow of fluid, such as a liquid or a gas within the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 (shown in FIGS. 3A-G ).
  • the spool vent 125, first housing vent 160, second housing vent 155, first fluid port 180, and second fluid port 175 are preferably openings that serve as inlets and/or outlets for fluid, liquid, and/or gases within the spool valve 100 ( i.e., spool assembly 105 and spool housing 110).
  • first slide valve 115 and second slide valve 120 are preferably rectilinear valves used to control the emission of fluid, liquid, and/or gas from the reciprocating drive pump 100.
  • slide valves 115, 120 are preferably D-slide valves with a curved outer perimeter, each of which having an internal valve space 117, 118 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • first slide valve 115 preferably has an internal valve space 117
  • second slide valve 120 has an internal valve space 118.
  • FIG. 1 shows a spool valve 100 with a single spool vent 125, multiple spool vents may also be used.
  • the spool vent 125 may traverse from a distal end of the spool assembly 105 to an outer perimeter surface of the spool assembly 105.
  • the housing vents 155, 160 may traverse within the inner wall of the spool housing 110 and towards a middle area of the inner wall.
  • first housing vent 160 may traverse from the distal end of the spool housing 110 and towards a middle area of the inner wall
  • second housing vent 155 may traverse from the proximal end of the spool housing 110 and towards a middle area of the inner wall.
  • first internal valve space 117 of first slide valve 115 may provide a temporary and one-way passageway for the outlet 156 of second housing vent 155 and the outlet 161 of first housing vent 160.
  • the distal end of the spool chamber 150 and outer machining of the spool assembly 105 are plugged via seals (shown in FIGS. 2A , 2B ) to isolate the paths from distal chamber 201 and the atmosphere.
  • the housing vents 155, 160, exhaust port 165, and slide valve 115 are located within a relatively short distance from one another within the spool valve 100. This preferably allows the outlets, 156, 161 of housing vents 155, 160, exhaust port 165, and first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 to align in close proximity with each other as the spool assembly 105 moves to a certain position within the spool housing 110 during the reciprocating upstroke or downstroke motion of the spool assembly 105.
  • fluid ports 175, 180, exhaust port 170, and slide valve 120 are also located within a relatively short distance from one another within the spool valve 100.
  • This also preferably allows the fluid ports 175, 180, exhaust port 170, and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 to align in close proximity with each other as the spool assembly 105 moves to a certain position within the spool housing 110 during the reciprocating upstroke or downstroke motion of the spool assembly 105.
  • This may also allow the fluid communicating through fluid ports 175, 180 to access to the outside or exterior portion of the spool housing 110 via the exhaust port 170.
  • FIG. 2A is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the spool valve during the downstroke of the spool assembly.
  • one embodiment of the spool valve 100 may comprise: a spool assembly 105, spool housing 110, and cover 111.
  • the spool assembly 105 may comprise a spool body 121, a first slide valve 115, a second slide valve 120, and a spool vent 125.
  • the first slide valve 115 may comprise a first internal valve space 117
  • the second slide valve 120 may comprise a second internal valve space 118.
  • the spool housing 110 may comprise a first housing vent 160, a second housing vent 155, a first exhaust port 165, a second exhaust port 170, a first fluid port 180, a second fluid port 175, first seal 190, a second seal 191, and a third seal 192.
  • FIG. 2A also show that spool housing 110 may also comprise a substantially hollow spool chamber 150, which may run essentially the entire length of the spool housing 110.
  • FIG. 2A also shows that the spool assembly 105 may comprise a center bore 151 that may extend essentially the entire length of the spool assembly 105, and that a valve stem 301 or rod may be slidably engaged with the center bore 151.
  • valve stem 301 is provided with a valve stem bore 302 and a passage 303.
  • Valve stem bore 302 may extend inward from upper end valve stem 301 and generally has a suitable depth such that the end of bore 302 may engage with the shoulder of center bore 151 of spool assembly 105.
  • the width of the spool chamber 150 is the same or almost the same as the width of the spool assembly 105.
  • the length of the spool chamber 150 is preferably longer than the length of the spool assembly 105.
  • the spool assembly 105 is almost always preferably longer than the spool housing 110 in overall length, but the spool chamber 150 formed by the spool housing 110 and the top flange 602 (shown in FIGS 3A to 3G ) may create a chamber that is longer than the spool assembly 105.
  • the spool assembly 105 may traverse up and down (or back and forth, depending upon the orientation of the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000) the length of the spool chamber 150 within the spool housing 110.
  • the spool assembly 105 may move towards a distal end of the spool housing 110 near the cover 111 and reciprocate back to its original position at a proximate end of the spool housing 110.
  • the spool assembly 105 may contract the distal chamber 201 when moving towards the distal end of the spool housing 110, and may expand the distal chamber 201 when reciprocating back to its original position (at the proximate end of the spool housing 110).
  • FIG. 2A shows that the outer distal portion of the spool assembly 105 and rear interior portion of the spool housing 110, in combination, may form a distal chamber 201.
  • the distal chamber 201 may also be formed based on the location of the first seal 190.
  • the distal chamber 201 may be located near or at the distal end of the spool housing 110 and preferably just interior to the cover 111.
  • the inlet 124 of the spool vent 125 is in communication with the distal chamber 201, such that fluid or gas within the distal chamber 201 may flow through inlet 124 and through the spool vent 125.
  • the center bore 151 of the spool housing is preferably in communication with the distal chamber 201.
  • FIG. 2A shows that the outer perimeter of the spool assembly 105 and an interior portion of the spool housing 110, in combination, may form an intermediate chamber 202.
  • This intermediate chamber 202 may be formed based on the location of the first seal 190, second seal 191, and the spool assembly 105.
  • the intermediate chamber 202 may be located near or adjacent to the distal chamber 201 of the spool housing 110 and may be proximate to the distal chamber 201.
  • the inlet 159 of the housing vent 160 may be in communication with the intermediate chamber 202, such that fluid or gas within the intermediate chamber 202 may flow through inlet 159 of the housing vent 160 and through the housing vent 160.
  • FIG. 2A shows that the outer perimeter of the spool assembly 105 and an interior portion of the spool housing 110, in combination, also may form a supply chamber 203.
  • the supply chamber 203 may be formed based on the location of the second seal 191 and third seal 192 and may be located near or adjacent to the intermediate chamber 202 of the spool housing 110.
  • the second housing vent 155, second fluid port 175, and third fluid port 180 may either be in communication with the supply chamber 203 or may be in communication with the internal valve spaces 117, 118 of slide valves 115, 120.
  • first housing vent 160 is preferably in fluid communication with the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 at the upstroke of spool valve 100 while the first slide valve 115 is at its first position ( i.e., during the upstroke of the spool valve 100, shown in FIG. 2B ) and is preferably blocked by the first slide valve 115 or a portion thereof at the downstroke when the first slide valve 115 is at its second position ( i.e., during the downstroke of the spool valve 100 shown in FIG. 2A ).
  • an outer perimeter of the spool assembly 105 and an interior portion of the spool housing 110, in combination, also may form a proximal chamber 204 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3G ).
  • the proximal chamber 204 may be formed based on the location of the third seal 192 and may be located near or adjacent to the supply chamber 203 of the spool housing 110.
  • inlet 154 of housing vent 155 is in fluid communication with the proximal chamber 204, such that fluid or gas in the proximal chamber 204 may flow through the second housing vent 155.
  • the proximal chamber 204 is preferably in communication with the second cylindrical space 359 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3G ) of the piston housing 601.
  • FIG. 2A also shows that, in a preferred embodiment, the exhaust ports 165, 170 are generally in communication with internal valve spaces 117, 118 of slide valves 115, 120.
  • first exhaust port 165 may be in fluid communication with the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 when the first slide valve 115 is at its first position ( i.e., during the upstroke of the spool valve 100, shown in FIG. 2B ), and the second exhaust port 170 may be in fluid communication with the second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 when the second slide valve 120 is at its second position ( i.e., during the downstroke of the spool valve 100, shown in FIG. 2A ).
  • second fluid port 175 or first fluid port 180 may be in fluid communication with the second internal valve space 118.
  • outlet 156 of the second housing vent 155 or outlet 161 of housing vent 160 may be in fluid communication with the first internal valve space 117.
  • FIG. 2A also shows that, during the downstroke of the spool valve 100, second fluid port 175 may be in fluid communication with the second exhaust port 170.
  • first fluid port 180 is preferably in fluid communication with the supply chamber 203, thereby allowing any fluid or gas within the supply chamber 203 to travel through the first fluid port 180.
  • outlet 156 of the second housing vent 155 is preferably in fluid communication with the first internal valve space 117 (and thus also in fluid communication with the first exhaust port 165).
  • the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 is preferably straddled or blocked by the first slide valve 115 or a portion thereof when the first slide valve 115 is at its second position to prevent any fluid or gas from traveling through the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160.
  • FIG. 2A shows that when the spool assembly 105 moves within the spool chamber 150, the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 may align within the intermediate chamber 202. This may allow any fluid or gas located within the distal chamber 201 to travel or communicate with the intermediate chamber 202 via spool vent 125 and thus the first housing vent 160 through its inlet 159.
  • first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 aligns with the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 and first exhaust port 165 ( i.e., when the first slide valve 115 is at its first position)
  • fluid or gas in the first housing vent 160 may also communicate through the first exhaust port 165.
  • FIG. 2A shows that a valve stem 301 may be slideably engaged with the center bore 151 of the spool assembly 105.
  • FIG. 2A also shows that the vavle stem bore 302 and passage 303 of the valve stem 301 is generally in fluid communication with the center bore 151 of the spool assembly 105 and thus distal chamber 201. This preferably allows any fluid or gas located in the valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 of the valve stem 301 (and perhaps the center bore 151) to travel or communicate towards and within the distal chamber 201, which may expand the distal chamber 201 and push or act against spool assembly 105 to perform a downstroke.
  • FIG. 2A shows a specific number of vents and slide valves, any number of vents and valves may be used to allow fluid/gas to exit the reciprocating drive pump.
  • FIG. 2B is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the spool valve during the upstroke of the spool assembly.
  • FIG. 2B shows that, during the upstroke of the spool valve 100, first fluid port 180 may be in communication with the second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120. This may allow any fluid or gas in the first fluid port 180 to communicate through the second exhaust port 170.
  • the second fluid port 175 is preferably in fluid communication with the supply chamber 203, thereby allowing any fluid or gas within the supply chamber 203 to travel through the second fluid port 175.
  • outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 preferably communicates with the first internal valve space 117 (and hence the first exhaust port 165).
  • the second housing vent 155 is preferably in fluid communication with the supply chamber 203, thereby allowing any fluid or gas within the supply chamber 203 to also travel through the second housing port 155.
  • proximal chamber 204 is preferably in communication with the second cylindrical space 359 of the piston housing 601, control fluid in supply chamber 203 may communicate with second cylindrical space 359 depending upon whether spool assembly 105 is performing the upstroke or downstroke.
  • FIG. 2B shows that, when the spool assembly 105 is positioned approximately near the distal end of the spool housing 110 or cover 111, the spool vent 125, first housing vent 160, first exhaust port 165, and first internal valve space 117 of slide valve 115 may align with one another at certain time periods so that air within the distal chamber 201 may escape.
  • the outlet 126 of spool vent 125 may align within the intermediate chamber 202 at the same time while the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 aligns with both the exhaust port 165 and the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160.
  • this alignment happens when the distance between the distal end of the spool assembly 105 and the cover 111 is very small.
  • the outlet 126 of spool vent 125, first housing vent 160, first exhaust port 165, and first internal valve space 117 of the slide valve 115 may align with one another at other various distances between the spool assembly 105 and cover 111, such as approximately between 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches.
  • the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 may not align with the intermediate chamber 202 (e.g., the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 may be straddled or blocked by seals 190, 191). This may prevent any fluid or gas located within the distal chamber 201 and the spool vent 125 to travel or communicate within the intermediate chamber 202 and thus first housing vent 160. However, once the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 aligns within the intermediate chamber 202, fluid or gas within the distal chamber 201 and spool vent 125 may also communicate through the first housing vent 160.
  • fluid or air located inside the distal chamber 201 may exit the spool housing 110 at various time intervals. This may occur when the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 first aligns within the intermediate chamber 202, such that air moves from distal chamber 201, into the intermediate chamber 202. However, during this time, the outlet 161 of first housing vent may be blocked or straddled by the first slide valve 115 (when the first slide valve 115 is at its second position), thus preventing fluid or air from communicating through the first internal valve space 117 and thus first exhaust port 165.
  • outlet 161 of first housing vent 160 may be in communication with the first internal valve space 117, thereby allowing the fluid or air in the first housing vent 160 to communicate through the first exhaust port 165.
  • the fluid or air that has first moved into the first housing vent 160 may then pass through the outlet 161 of the the first housing vent 160 to the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 and out through the first exhaust port 165 when the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 aligns with the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 and first exhaust port 165 (when the first slide valve 115 is at its first position).
  • the outlet 126 of the spool vent 125 may first align within the intermediate chamber 202, which will allow fluid or air within the distal chamber 201 to flow through the spool assembly 105, through the intermediate chamber 202 and through the inlet 159 of the first housing vent 160.
  • the fluid or gas in the housing vent 160 may then travel through the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 and through the first slide valve 115 and first exhaust port 165 once the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115 aligns with the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160 and first exhaust port 165, such that any air trapped in distal chamber 201 may exit the spool valve 100. Because the air trapped in distal chamber 201 is released, it preferably does not interfere with the movement of the spool assembly 105, thereby allowing the spool assembly 105 to continue traveling towards the cover 111.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G are illustrations of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the reciprocating drive mechanism and shows the reciprocating drive mechanism in operation.
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 generally refers to any mechanical device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G show that the spool valve 100 may be coupled to a piston assembly 600 for driving a pump.
  • the piston assembly 600 may be formed by a piston housing 601, piston 320, and valve stem 301.
  • the piston housing 601 may comprise a top flange 602, bottom flange 603, and a cylindrical side wall 604.
  • top flange 602, bottom flange 603, and the cylindrical side wall 604 may form a piston chamber where the piston 320 is reciprocally movable within the piston chamber and divides the piston chamber into cylindrical spaces 359, 360.
  • piston 320 may divide the piston chamber to a first cylindrical space 360 and a second cylindrical space 359.
  • first cylindrical space 360 preferably narrows while second cylindrical space 359 expands.
  • first cylindrical space 360 preferably expands while second cylindrical space 359 narrows.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G also show that the proximal portion of the valve stem 301 is preferably connected or attached to the piston 320, while the distal portion of the valve stem 301 is preferably slideably and reciprocally engaged within the center bore 151 of the spool assembly 105.
  • top flange 602 preferably comprises a valve stem opening 605 and a fourth seal 610 disposed within the valve stem opening 605, the fourth seal 610 is preferably slideably engaged with said valve stem 301.
  • valve stem 301 preferably comprises a valve stem bore 302 and a passage 303, wherein the valve stem bore 302 and the passage 303 are preferably in communication with the center bore 151 of the spool assembly 105.
  • This allows fluid or gas to communicate from the valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 to the distal chamber 201 of the spool valve 100.
  • valve stem bore 302 of valve stem 301 communicates with the second cylindrical space 359.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G also shows that the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 may comprise a first fluid conduit 401 and a second fluid conduit 402.
  • fluid conduit 401 is preferably coupled between first fluid port 180 and first port 503 of the bottom flange 603 of the piston housing 601, such that first fluid conduit 401 allows fluid or gas in the first fluid port 180 to communicate with the first cylindrical space 360.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G also shows that the second fluid conduit 402 is preferably coupled between the second fluid port 175 and second port 502 of the top flange 602 of the piston housing 601, such that the second fluid conduit 402 allows fluid or gas in second fluid port 175 to communicate with the second cylindrical space 359.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3G also shows the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 in operation.
  • FIG. 3A shows the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 at the beginning of its downstroke.
  • pressurized control fluid communicates or travels in the direction of ARROW B from the supply chamber 203 to the second cylindrical space 359 via the second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, and second port 502 to apply pressure against the top surface of piston 320 in order to move piston 320 and valve stem 301 downwards in the direction of ARROW C.
  • Pressurized control fluid is also preferably communicated from supply chamber 203 through the second housing vent 155 and into proximal chamber 204, which is preferably in communication with the second cylindrical space 359. This also preferably provides longitudinal downstroke movement in the direction of ARROW C.
  • the first cylindrical space 360 is preferably vented to ambient pressure as the first cylindrical space 360 is in communication with the second exhaust port 170 via first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, first port 503 and second internal valve space 118 of second slide valve 120 in its first position.
  • FIG. 3B shows the piston 320 and valve stem 301 during their downwards longitudinal movement.
  • first cylindrical space 360 is preferably in communication with second exhaust port 170 via first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, first port 503, and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 in its first position.
  • fluid in second cylindrical space 360 continues to vent through the second exhaust port 170 towards ambient pressure in the direction of ARROW A.
  • Pressurized control fluid continues to communicate in the direction of ARROW B from supply chamber 203 through second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, and second port 502, to apply pressure and act against the top surface of piston 320.
  • Pressurized control fluid is also communicated from supply chamber 203 through housing vent 155 and proximal chamber 204, both of which are also preferably in fluid communication with the first cylindrical space 359.
  • spool assembly 105 is still positioned near or adjacent to cover 111.
  • the continued downward motion of piston 320 will also move valve stem 301 towards first cylindrical space 359 until the upper end portion of the valve stem exposes passage 303 into the first cylindrical space 359, as shown in FIG. 3C .
  • Additionally exposing passage 303 of valve stem 301 preferably allows pressurized fluid to communicate through valve stem bore 302, center bore 151 of spool assembly 105, and eventually the distal chamber 201 of the spool valve 100.
  • valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 provides communication between second cylindrical space 359 and the distal chamber 201, spool assembly 105 also performs its downward movement due to pressurized fluid acting against the distal end of the spool assembly 105 in distal chamber 201.
  • FIG. 3C shows valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 in communication with the second cylindrical space 359.
  • piston 320 and valve stem 301 may be near the end of their downwards longitudinal movement.
  • Control fluid provided by the supply chamber 203 of spool valve 100 preferably still communicates through the second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, second port 502, in the direction of ARROW B to second cylindrical space 359 to provide control or supply fluid acting on the top surface of piston 320.
  • Pressurized control fluid is also communicated from supply chamber 203 and proximal chamber 204 through the second housing vent 155, which is also preferably in communication with the second cylindrical space 359. This preferably continues to drive piston 320 and its valve stem 301 in the direction of ARROW C.
  • first cylindrical space 360 continues to vent fluid through the second exhaust port 170 towards ambient pressure via the first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, first port 503, and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 in direction ARROW A.
  • control fluid supplied into the second cylindrical space 359 communicates through valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 and travels through center bore 151. This may cause pressurized fluid to build in distal chamber 201 of the spool housing 110, thereby acting against spool assembly 105.
  • spool assembly 105 may begin to perform a downstroke towards the piston assembly 600, which preferably causes slide valve members 115, 120 to shift from their first position and towards their second position.
  • the shifting of slide valve members 115, 120 from their first position towards their second position preferably causes (1) the second exhaust port 170 to be in communication with the second fluid port 175 and (2) the first exhaust port 165 to be in communication with the second housing vent 155, as shown in FIG. 3D .
  • FIG. 3D shows the spool assembly 105 performing a downstroke due to the pressurized control fluid buildup in the distal chamber 201.
  • passage 303 has been exposed within the second cylindrical space 359, thereby causing pressurized control fluid within the second cylindrical space 359 to travel into distal chamber 201 via center bore 151 of spool assembly 105 and valve stem bore 302.
  • Movement of spool assembly 105 causes slide valves 115, 120 to shift from their first position to the second position.
  • second exhaust port 170 is in communication with the second fluid port 175, and the first exhaust port 165 is in communication with the second housing vent 155. This preferably causes pressurized control fluid to travel into the first cylindrical space 360 in the direction of ARROW A.
  • Fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 begins to vent to ambient pressure through exhaust ports 170, 165.
  • the second cylindrical space 360 is preferably in communication with the first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, and first port 503, which causes control fluid to travel from the supply chamber 203 and into the first cylindrical space 360. This preferably creates pressure against the bottom surface of piston 320, thereby moving the piston 320 and valve stem 301 upwards in the direction of ARROW C.
  • the second cylindrical space 359 is preferably in communication with exhaust port 170 via second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, second port 502, and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 in its first position. This causes control fluid to travel from supply chamber 203 and into the first cylindrical space 360, thereby creating pressure against the bottom surface of piston 320 and thus moving piston 320 and valve stem 301 upwards in the direction of ARROW C.
  • outlet 126 of spool vent 125 may be in communication with intermediate chamber 202 of spool valve 100. This allows fluid in the distal chamber 201 to travel through spool vent 125, intermediate chamber 202, and into the first housing vent 160. Because spool valve 105 is in the downstroke position, a portion of the first slide valve 115 may straddle or block the outlet 161 of the first housing vent 160, thereby preventing fluid in the first housing vent 160 from communicating through the first exhaust port 165.
  • FIG. 3E shows the piston 320 and valve stem 301 during their upwards longitudinal movement.
  • fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 continues to vent through the first exhaust port 170 towards ambient pressure via the second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, second port 502, and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 in its second position.
  • fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 continues to vent through the first exhaust port 165 via the second housing vent 155, first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115, and the proximal chamber 204.
  • Pressurized control fluid continues to communicate in the direction of the ARROW A from supply chamber 203 through fluid port 180, fluid conduit 401, and first port 503, in order to apply pressure against the bottom surface of piston 320.
  • Spool assembly 105 is generally still positioned near or adjacent to the top flange 602 but the continued upward motion of piston 320 will also preferably move the upper end of the valve stem 301 towards the distal end of the center bore 151 until the upper end portion of the valve stem engages against the shoulder of center bore 151, as shown in FIG. 3F .
  • This upward movement preferably shifts the valve stem bore 302 and passage 303 within the spool assembly 105, thereby preventing fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 from traveling through passage 303, valve stem bore 302, center bore 151, and distal chamber 201.
  • pressurized control fluid no longer communicates into the distal chamber 201.
  • Fluid within the distal chamber 201 may still remain within the spool vent 125, intermediate chamber 202, and housing vent 160 due to the blockage of outlet 161 caused by the first slide valve 115.
  • FIG. 3F shows the upper end of valve stem 301 engaged against the shoulder of center bore 151.
  • fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 generally continues to vent through the second exhaust port 170 towards ambient pressure in the direction of ARROW B via second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, second port 502, and the second internal valve space 117 of the second slide valve 120 in its second position.
  • Fluid in the second cylindrical space 359 also preferably continues to vent through the first exhaust port 165 via the second housing vent 155, proximal chamber 204, and first internal valve space 118 of the first slide valve 120 in the second position.
  • Pressurized control fluid continues to communicate in the direction of the ARROW A from supply chamber 203 through the first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, and first port 503.
  • FIG. 3G shows the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 and spool valve 100 at the end of its upstroke.
  • slide valves 115, 120 are preferably in their first position. This preferably allows fluid in the intermediate chamber 202, and the first housing vent 160 to travel through the first exhaust port 165 via the first internal valve space 117 of the first slide valve 115.
  • pressurized control fluid is communicated in the direction of the ARROW B from supply chamber 203 to the second cylindrical space 359 through the second fluid port 175, second fluid conduit 402, and second port 502, to again apply pressure against the top surface of piston 320.
  • Pressurized control fluid is also communicated from supply chamber 203 through the second housing vent 155, which is also preferably in fluid communication with the second cylindrical space 359. This also preferably provides longitudinal downstroke movement in the direction of ARROW C.
  • the first cylindrical space 360 is preferably vented towards ambient pressure as the first cylindrical space 360 is in communication with the second exhaust port 170 via the first fluid port 180, first fluid conduit 401, first port 503 and second internal valve space 118 of the second slide valve 120 in its first position.
  • the reciprocating drive mechanism 1000 or pump now repeats the strokes from left to right again ( i.e., FIGS. 3A-3G ) following the above method over and over again repeatedly.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of another embodiment of the spool valve and shows the spool valve with two spool vents.
  • another embodiment of the spool valve 800 may comprise: a spool assembly 805, spool housing 810, and cover 811.
  • the spool assembly 805 may comprise a spool body 821, a first slide valve 815, a second slide valve 820, and a first spool vent 825.
  • the spool housing 810 may comprise a first housing vent 860, a second housing vent 855, a first exhaust port 865, a second exhaust port 870, a first fluid port 880, a second fluid port 875, a first seal 890, a second seal 891, and a third seal 892.
  • FIG. 4 also show that spool housing 810 may also comprise a substantially hollow spool chamber 850, which may run essentially the entire length of the spool housing 810.
  • the spool assembly 805 along with the first seal 890, second seal 891, and third seal 892 may also form the distal chamber 901, intermediate chamber 902, supply chamber 903, and proximal chamber 904, similar to the distal chamber 201, intermediate chamber 202, supply chamber 203, and proximal chamber 204 shown in FIGS 2A-2B and 3A-3G .
  • FIG. 4 shows that the spool assembly 805 of the spool valve 800 may also comprise a second spool vent 925.
  • the second spool vent 925 may provide an additional passage for fluid or air buildup in the distal chamber 201 to communicate to the first housing vent 855.
  • the inlet 824 of the first spool vent 825 may be in communication with the distal chamber 901, and the outlet 826 of the first spool vent 825 may be located at an outer perimeter of the spool assembly 805. This may allow the first spool vent 825 to traverse from a distal end of the spool assembly 805 to an outer perimeter surface of the spool assembly 805.
  • the inlet 924 of the second spool vent 925 may be in communication with the distal chamber 901, and the outlet 926 of the second spool vent 925 may be located at another location at the outer perimeter of the spool assembly 905. This may also allow the second spool vent 925 to traverse from a distal end of the spool assembly 905 to an outer perimeter surface of the spool assembly 905. This addition of a second spool vent 925 may increase the removal or transfer of air or fluid buildup from the distal chamber 901 to the first exhaust port 865. For example, when the spool assembly 805 moves within the spool chamber 850, the outlet 826 of the first spool vent 825 may align within the intermediate chamber 902.
  • the outlet 926 of the second spool vent 925 may also align within the intermediate chamber 902. This may also allow any fluid or gas located within the distal chamber 901 to alternately travel or communicate with the intermediate chamber 902 via the second spool vent 925. Once inside the intermediate chamber 902, the fluid or air may communicate with the first housing vent 860, through inlet 859.
  • the internal valve space 817 of the slide valve 815 may align with the outlet 861 of the housing vent 860 and exhaust port 865 ( i.e., when slide valve 815 is at its first position), thereby allowing fluid or gas within housing vent 860 to also communicate through the exhaust port 865.
  • FIG. 4 only shows two spool vents, any number of spool vents such as three or four may be used for the reciprocating drive mechanism.
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-section view of another embodiment of the spool valve and shows the seals disposed around the spool assembly and not the spool housing.
  • another embodiment of the spool valve 1000 may comprise: a spool assembly 1005, spool housing 1010, and cover 1011.
  • the spool assembly 1005 may comprise a spool body 1021, a first slide valve 1015, a second slide valve 1020, a spool vent 1025, a first seal 1090, a second seal 1091, and a third seal 1092.
  • the spool housing 1010 may comprise a first housing vent 1060, a second housing vent 1055, a first exhaust port 1065, a second exhaust port 1070, a first fluid port 1080, a second fluid port 1075.
  • FIG. 5 also show that spool housing 1010 may also comprise a substantially hollow spool chamber 1050, which may run essentially the entire length of the spool housing 1010.
  • the spool assembly 1005 along with the first seal 1090, second seal 1091, and third seal 1092 may also form the distal chamber 1001, intermediate chamber 1002, supply chamber 1003, and proximal chamber 1004, similar to the distal chamber 201, 901, intermediate chamber 202, 902, supply chamber 203, 903, and proximal chamber 204, 904 shown in FIGS 2-4 .
  • spool valve 1000 shown in FIG. 5 , has the first seal 1090, second seal 1091, and third seal 1092 disposed and positioned around the grooves or outer perimeter of the spool assembly 1005 (rather than within the grooves of the spool housing 1010).
  • the outlet 1026 of the spool vent 1025 is preferably in constant communication with the intermediate chamber 1002.
  • inlet 1059 may not always be in communication with the intermediate chamber 1002 because the intermediate chamber 1002 may shift along the spool chamber 1050, depending upon the position of the spool assembly 1005 within the spool chamber 1050.
  • the inlet 1059 of the first housing vent 1060 may align within the intermediate chamber 1002. This may allow any fluid or gas located within the distal chamber 1001 to travel or communicate into intermediate chamber 1002 via the first spool vent 1025 and possibly to the first housing vent 1060. Once inside first housing vent 1060, the fluid or air may communicate with the exhaust port 1065, depending upon the position of the spool assembly 1005 within the spool chamber 1050 ( i.e., the internal valve space 1017 of the slide valve 1015 may align with the outlet 1061 of the housing vent 1060 and exhaust port 1065 when slide valve 1015 is at its first position).
  • FIG. 5 shows all the seals 1090, 1091, 1092 located on the spool assembly 1000, the seals may be disposed both within the spool assembly and/or spool housing.

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Claims (10)

  1. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus, umfassend:
    eine Spuleneinheit (105); und
    ein Spulengehäuse (110);
    wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) eine Spulenkammer (150) umfasst;
    wobei sich die Spuleneinheit (105) in der Spulenkammer (150) befindet und in dieser hin und her beweglich ist;
    wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) eine erste Dichtung (190), eine zweite Dichtung (191) und eine dritte Dichtung (192) umfasst;
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) in der Spulenkammer (150) des Spulengehäuses (110) befindet, die erste Dichtung (190), die zweite Dichtung (191) und die dritte Dichtung (192) die Spulenkammer (150) entsprechend in eine distale Kammer (201), eine intermediäre Kammer (202), eine Zufuhrkammer (203) und eine proximale Kammer (204) unterteilen, so dass:
    (i) die erste Dichtung (190) die Spulenkammer (150) in die distale Kammer (201) und die intermediäre Kammer (202) teilt;
    (ii) die zweite Dichtung (191) die Spulenkammer (150) in die intermediäre Kammer (202) und die Zufuhrkammer (203) teilt; und
    (iii) die dritte Dichtung (192) die Spulenkammer (150) in die Zufuhrkammer (203) und die proximale Kammer (204) teilt;
    wobei die Spuleneinheit (105) eine erste Spulenentlüftung (125) umfasst;
    wobei sich die erste Spulenentlüftung (125) in Fluidkommunikation mit der distalen Kammer (201) befindet;
    wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) eine erste Gehäuseentlüftung (160) mit einem Einlass (159) und einem Auslass (161) umfasst;
    wobei sich der Einlass (159) der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) in Fluidkommunikation mit der intermediären Kammer (202) befindet; und
    wobei sich die erste Spulenentlüftung (125) in Fluidkommunikation mit der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) befindet, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) in dem Spulengehäuse (110) hin und her bewegt, und einen Auslass (126) der ersten Spulenentlüftung (125) in der intermediären Kammer (202) ausrichtet, so dass ein in der distalen Kammer (201) eingeschlossenes Fluid aus der distalem Kammer (201) und in die intermediäre Kammer (202) zu der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) austreten kann.
  2. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Fluid ein Gas ist.
  3. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1,
    wobei die erste Spulenentlüftung (125) einen Einlass (124) aufweist;
    wobei sich der Einlass (124) der ersten Spulenentlüftung (125) in Fluidkommunikation mit der distalen Kammer (201) befindet, und wobei sich der Auslass (126) der ersten Spulenentlüftung (125) an einem äußeren Perimeter der Spuleneinheit (105) befindet;
    wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) eine erste Gehäuseentlüftung (160) mit einem Einlass (159) und einem Auslass (161) umfasst;
    und wobei sich der Auslass (161) der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet.
  4. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 1 oder 3, wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) ferner einen ersten Auslassanschluss (165) umfasst;
    wobei die Spuleneinheit (105) ferner ein erstes Schieberventil (115) umfasst;
    wobei das erste Schieberventil (115) mit einem äußeren Perimeter der Spuleneinheit (105) gekoppelt ist;
    wobei der erste Auslassanschluss (165) proximal und angrenzend an den Auslass (161) der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) positioniert ist;
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Aufwärtshub in Richtung eines distalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt, ein erster innerer Ventilraum (117) des ersten Schieberventils (115) mit einem Auslass (161) der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) und dem ersten Auslassanschluss (165) ausgerichtet wird, so dass Fluid in der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) durch den ersten inneren Ventilraum (117) des ersten Schieberventils (115) und den ersten Auslassanschluss (165) kommunizieren kann; und
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Abwärtshub in Richtung eines proximalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt, wenigstens ein Teil des ersten Schieberventils (115) den Auslass (161) der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) blockiert, um zu verhindern, dass Fluid in der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (160) durch den ersten inneren Ventilraum (117) des ersten Schieberventils (115) und den ersten Auslassanschluss (165) kommuniziert.
  5. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 4, wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) ferner eine zweite Gehäuseentlüftung (155) umfasst;
    wobei die zweite Gehäuseentlüftung (155) proximal und angrenzend an den ersten Auslassanschluss (165) angeordnet ist und einen Einlass (154) und einen Auslass (156) umfasst;
    wobei sich der Einlass (154) der zweiten Gehäuseentlüftung (155) in Fluidkommunikation mit der proximalen Kammer (204) befindet, und wobei sich der Auslass (156) der zweiten Gehäuseentlüftung (155) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet;
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Aufwärtshub in Richtung des distalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt, sich der Auslass (156) der zweiten Gehäuseentlüftung (155) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet, so dass sich die proximale Kammer (204) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet; und
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Abwärtshub in Richtung eines proximalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt, sich der erste innere Ventilraum (117) des ersten Schieberventils (115) mit dem Auslass (156) der zweiten Gehäuseentlüftung (155) und dem ersten Auslassanschluss (165) ausrichtet, so dass das Fluid in der zweiten Gehäuseentlüftung (155) und der proximalen Kammer (204) durch den ersten inneren Ventilraum (117) des ersten Schieberventils (115) und den ersten Auslassanschluss (165) kommunizieren kann.
  6. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Spulengehäuse (110) ferner folgendes umfasst: einen ersten Fluidanschluss (180), einen zweiten Fluidanschluss (175) und einen zweiten Auslassanschluss (170);
    wobei der zweite Auslassanschluss (170) proximal und angrenzend an den ersten Fluidanschluss (180) positioniert ist;
    wobei der zweite Fluidanschluss (175) proximal und angrenzend an den zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) positioniert ist;
    wobei sich der erste Fluidanschluss (180) und der zweite Fluidanschluss (175) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befinden;
    wobei die Spuleneinheit (105) ein zweites Schieberventil (120) umfasst, das mit einem äußeren Perimeter der Spuleneinheit (105) gekoppelt ist;
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Aufwärtshub in Richtung des distalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt:
    (i) sich ein zweiter innerer Ventilraum (118) des zweiten Schieberventils (120) mit dem ersten Fluidanschluss (180) und mit dem zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) ausrichtet, um es zu ermöglichen, dass das Fluid in dem ersten Fluidanschluss (180) durch den zweiten inneren Ventilraum (118) des zweiten Schieberventils (120) und zu dem zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) kommuniziert; und
    (ii) sich der zweite Fluidanschluss (175) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet, um es zu verhindern, dass das Fluid in dem zweiten Fluidanschluss (175) durch den zweiten inneren Ventilraum (118) und den zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) kommuniziert;
    wobei, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (105) während einem Abwärtshub in Richtung des proximalen Endes des Spulengehäuses (110) bewegt:
    (i) sich ein zweiter innerer Ventilraum (118) des zweiten Schieberventils (120) mit dem zweiten Fluidanschluss (175) und dem zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) ausrichtet, um es zu ermöglichen, dass das Fluid in dem zweiten Fluidanschluss (175) durch den zweiten inneren Ventilraum (118) des zweiten Schieberventils (120) und zu dem zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) kommuniziert; und
    (ii) sich der erste Fluidanschluss (180) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrkammer (203) befindet, um es zu verhindern, dass das Fluid in dem ersten Fluidanschluss (180) durch den zweiten inneren Ventilraum (118) und den zweiten Auslassanschluss (170) kommuniziert.
  7. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Spuleneinheit (105) eine Mittenbohrung (151) umfasst;
    wobei sich die Mittenbohrung (151) der Spuleneinheit (105) in Fluidkommunikation mit der distalen Kammer (201) befindet;
    wobei, wenn Druckfluid von der Mittenbohrung (151) und in Richtung der distalen Kammer (201) verläuft, die Spuleneinheit (105) den Abwärtshub ausführt.
  8. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 7, ferner umfassend:
    ein Kolbengehäuse (601);
    einen Kolben (320); und
    einen Ventilschaft (301);
    wobei das Kolbengehäuse (601) einen oberen Flansch (602), einen unteren Flansch (603) und eine zylindrische Seitenwand (604) umfasst;
    wobei der obere Flansch (602), der untere Flansch (603) und die zylindrische Seitenwand (604) eine Kolbenkammer (359, 360) bilden;
    wobei der Kolben (320) in der Kolbenkammer (359, 360) hin und her beweglich ist und die Kolbenkammer (359, 360) in einen ersten zylindrischen Raum (360) und einen zweiten zylindrischen Raum (359) teilt;
    wobei ein proximaler Teil des Ventilschafts (301) mit dem Kolben (320) verbunden ist;
    wobei ein distaler Teil des Ventilschafts (301) so gestaltet ist, dass er verschiebbar und hin und her beweglich in der Mittenbohrung (151) der Spuleneinheit (105) eingreift;
    wobei der Ventilschaft (301) eine Ventilschaftbohrung (302) und mindestens einen Durchgang (303) umfasst;
    wobei sich die Ventilschaftbohrung (302) und der mindestens eine Durchgang (303) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Mittenbohrung (151) der Spuleneinheit (110) befinden, so dass sich die Ventilschaftbohrung (302) und der mindestens eine Durchgang (303) des Ventilschafts (301) in Fluidkommunikation mit der distalen Kammer (201) befinden;
    wobei der obere Flansch (602) eine Ventilschaftöffnung (605) und eine vierte Dichtung (610) umfasst, die sich in der Ventilschaftöffnung (605) befindet;
    wobei die vierte Dichtung (610) verschiebbar mit dem Ventilschaft (301) eingreift; und
    wobei, wenn der mindestens eine Durchgang (303) in dem zweiten zylindrischen Raum (359) frei liegt, nachdem sich der Kolben (320) zu dem unteren Flansch (603) bewegt hat und den mindestens einen Durchgang (303) des Ventilschafts (301) in dem ersten zylindrischen Raum (359) verschiebt, sich die Ventilschaftbohrung (302) des Ventilschafts (301) in Fluidkommunikation mit dem ersten zylindrischen Raum (359) befindet.
  9. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 8, ferner umfassend:
    eine erste Fluidleitung (401); und
    eine zweite Fluidleitung (402);
    wobei die erste Fluidleitung (401) zwischen den ersten Fluidanschluss (180) und den unteren Flansch (603) des Kolbengehäuses (601) gekoppelt ist;
    wobei es die erste Fluidleitung (401) ermöglicht, dass sich der erste Fluidanschluss (180) in Fluidkommunikation mit dem ersten zylindrischen Raum (360) befindet;
    wobei die zweite Fluidleitung (402) zwischen den zweiten Fluidanschluss (175) und den oberen Flansch (602) des Kolbengehäuses (601) gekoppelt ist; und
    wobei es die zweite Fluidleitung (402) ermöglicht, dass sich der zweite Fluidanschluss (175) in Fluidkommunikation mit dem zweiten zylindrischen Raum (359) befindet.
  10. Kolbenantriebsmechanismus nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Spuleneinheit (805) eine zweite Spulenentlüftung (925) mit einem Einlass (924) und mit einem Auslass (926) umfasst;
    wobei sich ein Einlass (924) der zweiten Spulenentlüftung (925) in Fluidkommunikation mit der distalen Kammer (901) befindet;
    wobei sich der Auslass (926) der zweiten Spulenentlüftung (925) an einem äußeren Perimeter der Spuleneinheit (805) befindet;
    wobei ein Auslass (926) der zweiten Spulenentlüftung (925) so gestaltet ist, dass er sich in Fluidkommunikation mit der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (860) befindet, wenn sich die Spuleneinheit (805) in dem Spulengehäuse (810) hin und her bewegt, und den Auslass (826) der zweiten Spulenentlüftung (825) in der intermediären Kammer (902) ausrichtet, so dass ein in der distalen Kammer (901) eingeschlossenes Fluid über die zweite Spulenentlüftung (825) aus der distalen Kammer (901) und in die intermediäre Kammer (902) zu der ersten Gehäuseentlüftung (860) austreten kann.
EP16866838.2A 2015-11-19 2016-10-31 Hin- und herbewegender antriebsmechanismus mit spulenentlüftung Active EP3377763B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/945,787 US9670921B2 (en) 2015-09-17 2015-11-19 Reciprocating drive mechanism with a spool vent
PCT/US2016/059708 WO2017087146A1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-10-31 Reciprocating drive mechanism with a spool vent

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EP3377763A1 EP3377763A1 (de) 2018-09-26
EP3377763A4 EP3377763A4 (de) 2019-08-28
EP3377763B1 true EP3377763B1 (de) 2020-12-09

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Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2562957B1 (fr) * 1984-04-11 1986-11-21 Wabco Westinghouse Emetteur de pression hydraulique a double piston
US4776773A (en) * 1987-08-10 1988-10-11 Quartana Iii Anthony J Pilot control valve for controlling the pumping rate of an injection pump
NO170236C (no) * 1989-04-06 1992-09-23 Speeder As Lineaermotor
US5468127A (en) * 1995-01-31 1995-11-21 Checkpoint Fluidic Systems International Ltd. Pilot control valve having means for recovering exhaust fluids
DE29818762U1 (de) * 1998-10-21 1998-12-24 Festo AG & Co, 73734 Esslingen Fluidbetätigte Arbeitsvorrichtung
US6183217B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2001-02-06 Andrew C. Elliott Pilot control valve for controlling a reciprocating pump
US6736046B2 (en) * 2002-10-21 2004-05-18 Checkpoint Fluidic Systems International, Ltd. Pilot control valve utilizing multiple offset slide valves
US7074020B2 (en) * 2003-08-15 2006-07-11 Cott Technologies, Inc. Sanitary pump and sanitary valve

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WO2017087146A1 (en) 2017-05-26
EP3377763A1 (de) 2018-09-26
CA2997814C (en) 2021-09-28
CA2997814A1 (en) 2017-05-26
EP3377763A4 (de) 2019-08-28

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