US3712337A

US3712337A - Air operated timing mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3712337A
Application number: US00117369A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Kice; H Vanderlip
Original assignee: K B ENGINEERING CO
Current assignee: K B ENG CO US; K B ENGINEERING CO
Priority date: 1971-02-22
Filing date: 1971-02-22
Publication date: 1973-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-23

Abstract

An improved air operated timing mechanism is provided for automatically and repeatedly controlling the operation of a given device with the use of fluid power providing utmost safety under explosive atmospheric conditions. The improved invention has means to move sequentially by fluid power a movable valve means to be used in controlling a given device.

Description

nited States Kice et a1.

atet I191 1 Jan. 23, 1973 1541 AIR OPERATED TIMING MECHANISM [75] Inventors: Jack W. Kice; Herbert l). Vanderlip,

both of Wichita, Kans.

[73] Assignee: K-B Engineering Company [22] Filed: Feb. 22, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 117,369

[52] U.S. Cl. ..l37/624.14, 91/218, 91/306 [51] Int. Cl ..F1Sb 11/08, Fl5b 13/04, F16h 53/00 [58] Field of Search ..137/625.6, 625.66, 624.14, 137/624.18, 624.13, 624.15, 624.2; 91/218,

[56] References Cited UNITED'STATES PATENTS 6/1963 Riopelle ..9l/306 X 7/1967 Rymer 25l/230 X 2/1970 Rice et al.

Primary Examiner-M. Cary Nelson Assistant Examiner-Robert J. Miller Attorney-John H. Widdowson [57] ABSTRACT 4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures AIR OPERATED TIMING MECHANISM The timing mechanism of this invention is an improvement of the invention of our U.S. Letters Patent, entitled AIR OPERATED TIMING MECHANISM, Pat. No. 3,496,834, issued Feb. 24, 1970. Numerous types of timing devices are known in the prior art. Many of them cannot be used in an explosive dustladened atmosphere. These'prior art devices, even if they will operate satisfactorily in an explosive atmosphere, are expensive to manufacture and maintain in a reliable operating condition.

In a preferred specific embodiment of this invention, an improved air operated timing mechanism operable solely by fluid under pressure is provided including an actuator piston and cylinder assembly; a control valve to control fluid flow through the actuator piston and cylinder assembly; and a movable valve moved by the piston and cylinder assembly. The control valve is supplied with fluid under pressure and is operable to direct the fluid to the actuator piston and cylinder assembly. Fluid flow to the actuator piston and cylinder assembly causes extension of the piston rod to engage the movable valve assembly whereupon the control valve causes the piston rod to be retracted moving the movable valve assembly resulting in the actuation of an air valve or fluid motor, or the like.

In the preferred specific embodiment of this invention, an improved air operated timing mechanism is provided to control operation of various devices in an explosive or dust-ladened atmosphere. The improved air operated timing mechanism includes an actuator piston and cylinder assembly having a piston rod extendable by fluid pressure and retractable by spring pressure. An actuator arm is connected to the outer end of the piston rod. The actuator piston and cylinder assembly is secured to a frame which supports the overall mechanism. A rocker arm assembly is pivotally attached to the actuator arm. The movable valve assembly includes a stationary member secured to the frame and a movable member attached to the stationary member. The stationary valve assembly member has a plurality of valve ports therein connectible to given fluid operated devices adapted to pass fluid from the devices. The movable valve assembly member is in sliding contact with the stationary valve assembly member; it has a fluid passageway therethrough; it is adapted to be aligned and disaligned with the fluid passageway in the movable valve member when moved by the actuator arm. The control valve assembly includes a threeway free piston poppet valve having conduits connecting same to a pressure fluid source, to the actuator piston and cylinder, and conduits connecting it to the opposite sides of the control valve to a control means engagable with the actuator arm. The control valve control means is preferably a pair of axially adjustable conduit holders axially aligned with the actuator arm and a conduit closing member extending from the actuator arm to automatically close the conduits from opposite sides of the control valve thereby shifting it to control the fluid pressure on the actuator piston and cylinder assembly.

One object of this invention is to provide an improved air operated timing mechanism overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Another object of the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention is to provide a timing mechanism that will operate in an explosive type atmosphere with a very high degree of safety.

Yet another object of the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention is to provide a timing mechanism that has a minimum number of moving parts and will operate in a dusty atmosphere without mechanical difficulty.

STill another object of this invention is to provide an air operated timing mechanism which can easily be programmed to operate at desired predetermined times a plurality of devices such as air valves, motors or the like.

One other object of the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention is to provide a timing mechanism having a control valve operable to regulate fluid flow to an actuator piston and cylinder assembly with a piston rod attached the piston; an actuator arm secured and forming the outer end of the piston rod; a control valve assembly engagable with the actuator arm to operate the control valve; a movable valve assembly with a stationary member having a plurality of ports in sliding contact with a movable member having a single port adapted to be moved by and attached to the actuator arm; and movement of the actuator arm by the piston and cylinder assembly is operable to move the movable valve assembly wherein the complete operation of the timing mechanism is accomplished by fluid pressure without danger of ignition of a surrounding explosive type atmosphere.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the improved air operated timing mechanism shown in an enclosure partially cut away for clarity, with the actuator arm shown in a retracted position in solid lines and in an extended position in dashed lines and having a portion of the piston and cylinder assembly cut away for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the improved air operated timing mechanism alone taken on line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the improved air operated timing mechanism alone taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the movable valve assembly showing the movable plate and fastening nut in solid lines and the stationary plate in dashed lines;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the movable valve assembly with the stationary and movable valve plates shown in cross section with conduits attached to the stationary plate; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the improved air operated timing mechanism connected for use to a filter collector device.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. I, the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention, indicated generally at 12 includes a frame 14; an actuator piston and cylinder assembly 16 secured to the frame 14; an actuator arm assembly 18 attached to the piston rod of the piston and cylinder assembly 16; a control valve assembly 20, communicably connected to the piston and cylinder assembly 16 and engagable with the actuator arm assembly 18, operable to regulate and control fluid flow to and from the piston and cylinder assembly 16; and a movable valve assembly 22 mounted with the frame assembly 14 and movable by the actuator arm assembly 18 adapted to pass fluid through its ports in sequential manner as required for the operation of a given fluid controlled device.

The frame assembly 14 includes a generally boxshaped housing 24 having a base 26 and a back wall 28 integral with upright end walls 30 joined to a top member 32. A cover member, not shown, is also provided to close the housing 24 and protect the contents of the housing 24. The frame assembly 14 includes a frame member 34 enclosable within the housing 24 on which the major components of the air operated timing mechanism 12 are attached. The frame member 34 has a base 36 pivotally attached to the base 26 of the housing 24 by a nut and a bolt as indicated at 38 and resting on slide block 40 so the entire frame member 34 and attached components can be pivoted and partially removed from the housing 24 for easy access. The frame member 34 has

upright members

42 and 44 and a transverse member 46 integral with the base 36 on which the components of the air operated timing mechanism are attached.

The actuator piston and cylinder assembly 16 includes an enclosed cylinder 48 mounted on the upright frame member 42 containing a piston 50 attached to an elongated piston rod 52 and having a spring 54 between the portion of the cylinder adjacent to the frame 34 and the piston 50 urging the piston 50 to a retracted posi tion. A conduit 56 is connected to the cylinder 48 on the outer end thereof adapted to supply fluid under pressure into the cylinder 48 forcing the piston 50 against the force of the spring 54 to move it inwardly or toward the frame 34. The piston rod 52 is connected to the actuator arm assembly 18; it moves back and forth through the cylinder 48 at the sleeve 58 on the inner end of the cylinder 48. The piston rod 52 and actuator arm assembly could be constructed all in one piece, but practice has shown it is preferable to construct it in two separate pieces. A normal retracted position of the piston 50, piston rod 52 and actuator arm assembly 18 is the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. A normal extended position for the actuator arm assembly 18 is that shown in the dashed lines in FIG. 1; when in this position the spring 54 is compressed and the piston 50 is closer to the inner end of the cylinder than shown in the solid lines.

The control valve assembly includes a threeway fluid operable poppet valve 60, attached on the transverse frame member 46; a control valve actuator 62, depends from the actuator arm assembly 18; and a poppet valve oiler 64 is connected in the operating fluid inlet conduit 66 of the poppet valve 60. The three-way poppet valve 60 has an inlet 68 connected to the operating fluid inlet conduit 66, an operating pressure port 70 connected to the cylinder 48 by the conduit 56, an exhaust outlet 72, and a pair of

control ports

74 and 76 on opposite sides of the valve 60. The poppet valve 60 has a free piston valve therein adapted to direct fluid flow in two fluid paths. One fluid path is from the operating pressure inlet 68 to the port. this position causes the piston rod 52 to be extended. The other fluid path is from the port 70 to the exhaust outlet 72; this position allows the fluid under pressure in the cylinder 48 to escape, thereby retracting the piston rod 52. Opposite ends of the poppet valves free piston are in communication with the

control ports

74 and 76 and they are connected by

conduits

78 and 80 to the control valve actuator 62. Basically as one or the other of the

control ports

74 or 76 is closed by the control valve actuator 62, the poppet valves free piston is shifted redirecting fluid flow through it.

The control valve actuator 62 as can be seen in FIG. 1 includes a pair of axially

adjustable conduit ends

82 and 84 threadedly mounted in a support block member 86, a T-shaped conduit closing member 88 attached to the actuator arm 90, a drag link 92 connecting the end of the actuator arm 90 and a support block 86. As the actuator am 90 is extended and retracted, the drag link 92 causes it to move in a generally horizontal path and hold the upright portion of the T-shaped conduit closing member 88 generally vertical. The axially adjustable conduit ends 82 and 84 are threaded on the outside to facilitate easy axial positioning of them in the support block 86; they are provided with an aperture therethrough to provide communication between the attached conduits and the

respective end portions

94 and 96.

When the actuator arm 90 and piston rod 52 are in the retracted position, as shown in the solid lines of FIG. 1, the conduit closing member 88 covers the end 96 of the conduit end 84; this prevents fluid flow from the conduit 80 and the control port 76 of the poppet valve 60. When fluid flow is not allowed from the control port 76, it causes the free poppet valve piston to shift position and redirect the fluid flow; in this case operating fluid flow is diverted to the cylinder 48. When the actuator arm 90 is in the extended position, as shown in the solid lines of FIG. 1, the conduit closing member 88 covers the end 94 of the conduit end 82, thus preventing fluid flow from the conduit 76 and control port 74 of the poppet valve 60. If fluid flow is stopped from the control port 74, it causes the free poppet valve piston to change position and redirect the fluid flow; here the main fluid flow from the inlet 68 is stopped and the port 70 is connected to the exhaust port 72 so the fluid under pressure in the cylinder 48 is released. In the preferred operation of the improved air operated timing mechanism 12 of this invention, the working fluid is air and it is exhausted from the cylinder to the atmosphere.

Operating fluid, air or the like, is supplied to the improved air operated timing mechanism 12 through an inlet conduit 100 which is connected to a filter unit 102. A sequence valve l04'is connected to the filter unit 102. The sequence valve 104 isoperable to open at a predeterminable pressure to allow the operating fluid to pass through it. The sequence valve 104 is connected to an oiler 64 which functions only to supply lubrication for the poppet valve by injecting lubricant into the operating fluid flow. In operation the sequence valve 104 is set at a specific pressure and when the operating fluid supplied reaches that pressure, it opens passing the fluid into the control valve assembly 20.

The movable valve assembly 22 has a stationary member mounted on the frame 34 and a movable member adapted to be moved by the actuator arm assembly 18. The preferred movable valve assembly 22 has a circular stationary valve plate 106 and a circular movable valve plate 108. The stationary valve plate 106 is bolted to a mount 1 111 that is integrally attached to the frame member 42. The mount 110 has an axle 112 extending from it through the stationary valve plate 106 on which the rotating valve plate 138 is attached. A thrust washer 114, beveled spring 116 and locking nut 118 on the axle 112 are tightened against the rotating valve plate 108 to press it firmly into contact with the stationary valve plate 1116. As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the stationary valve plate 106 has a plurality of ports 120 through it in a circle concentric with the axle 112 and the movable valve plate has one port 128. Also, the valve plates have an open circular cavity 121 so they contact one another only on a ringed and ported portion. The ports 120 are connected to a plurality of conduits 122 which provide for the input of fluid to the movable valve assembly 22. The plurality of conduits 122 are connected to a junction block 123 on the top 32 of the housing 24 so they can be connected with other input conduits 125 as desired in order to produce the desired operation of the timing mechanism 12. In a preferred operation of the timing mechanism 12 the

conduits

122 and 125 carry fluid under pressure to the movable valve assembly 29 where it is periodically released. It is to be noted that without fluid pressure being applied to the valve plates 106 and 1118 that they are held together tightly by the beveled spring 116 and once fluid pressure is applied to them the pressure lessens the force between them so the movable plate 108 can be easily rotated by the actuator assembly 18. An additional aperture 124 is provided through the stationary plate 106 adapted to vent the cavity 121 between the valve plates. The rotating valve plate 108 has a thick center portion joumaled on the shaft 1 12 by a bearing 126 and the thrust washer 114; it has a thinner outer rim portion with the port 128 therethrough into the ringed inner portion and a plurality of transversely mounted lugs 1311 on the outer portion thereof. Note the aperture 128 is positioned midway between a pair of lugs 1311. The port 128 is placed to align with the other ports 120 when the plates are rotated to the position shown in FIG. 5. In normal operation the movable port 128 is positioned midway between two fixed ports 120 in the closed position. As the movable port 128 moves past a fixed port 121), fluid can freely pass through them. The lugs 1311 extend transversely through the rotating valve plate 111% and protrude on both sides of it for easy attachment by the actuator arm assembly 18. It is to be noted that the valve plate 106 is shown with 12 lugs 1311; however, it can be constructed with any number depending upon the needs of a particular application of the invention.

The actuator arm assembly includes a rocker arm 134 pivotally attached to the actuator arm 90 adapted to engage the lugs 130 on the rotatable valve plate 103 in order to rotate it. The rocker arm 134 as can be seen in FIG. 1 has an extended paw portion 136 on one end, a pivotal mounting pin 138 in its center portion, and a weight 140 on the opposite end. The rocker arm 134 has two identical members on opposite sides of the actuator arm 90 which are connected by the weight 140 and move as a unit pivoting freely about the mounting pin 138. The paws 136 are spaced on opposite sides of the rim portion of the rotating valve plate 108 adapted to contact the lug 130. FIG. 1 shows the actuator arm in a normal retracted position, in the solid lines; note a lug 1311 is adjacent to the upper end portion of the paw 136. When the actuator arm moves to an extended position, the curved end of the paw I36 rubs against a lug 1311 rotating it about the mounting pin 138 to an angular position like that shown in FIG. 1. As the paw 136 moves past the lug 130, the rocker arm is rotated to a horizontal position by the imbalanced force of the weight 140. The actuator arm 90 is in the extended position when the paw 136 has past by the lug 130 and is in the horizontal position; at this time in normal operation the control valve assembly 20 causes it to move to the retracted position which turns the rotatable valve plate 108 by pulling on a lug 130. Once the actuator arm 93 reaches the retracted position, in normal operation the control valve 20 causes it to be extended again.

In a preferred use of the improved air operated timing mechanism 12 of this invention, it is shown in FIG. 6 connected to a dust filter/collector apparatus of the type normally found in grain mills. It is to be understood that whereas this invention is described in use and operation with a dust filter/collector apparatus that is not to unduly restrict the scope of the invention in regard to other applications of it. The dust filter/collector apparatus indicated generally at 131 includes a filter assembly 132 containing a plurality of filter bags, and a plurality of quick opening high volume valve assemblies 134 connected to an air reservoir tank 137. The timing mechanism 12 is connected by conduits to the filter collector apparatus. The timing mechanism 12 functions to sequentially actuate the quick opening valve assemblies 134 releasing the air stored in the tank 137 into a portion of the filter bags in order to clean them. Air stored in the tank 137 is substantially all emptied each time a quick opening valve assembly 134 is opened; it is refilled by an air compressor. As the pressure in the tank 137 reaches a predetermined pressure, normally between 6 and l5 pounds per square inch, the timing mechanism 12 actuates one of the valves 134 by releasing the fluid pressure in one of the conduits 125 thereby actuating one of the quick opening valve assemblies 134.

The improved air operated timing mechanism 12 draws its operating fluid, air in this application, from the reservoir tank 137 through the inlet conduit 100. Initially the timing mechanism 12 has the actuator arm assembly 18, piston and cylinder assembly 16 and control valve assembly 20 in the retracted position as described hereinbefore. Also, the fluid in the tank 137 is at a low pressure having been exhausted by a previous operation cycle. As the tank pressure increases, the sequence valve 104 opens to actuate the timing mechanism only when the pressure reaches a predetermined amount. The sequence valve 104 is preferably adjustable so it can be adjusted to open over a range of fluid pressures. When the sequence valve 104 opens, fluid pressure passes through the poppet valve 60 into the cylinder 48 overcoming the force of the spring 54 to extend the piston rod 52 and actuator arm assembly 18. At the time the actuator arm assembly reaches the extended position the paw of the rocker arm 136 is hooked over a lug 130 on the movable valve plate 108 and the conduit end 94 is blocked by the conduit closing member 88. Once the conduit 78 is blocked, the poppet valve 60 is actuated shifting its free piston which shuts off fluid flow into the cylinder 48 and exhausts the fluid presently under pressure in the cylinder 48 to the atmosphere. Force of the spring 54 retracts the actuator arm assembly 18 and rotates the movable valve plate 108 so the movable plate port 128 passes a port 120 in the stationary plate 106 and in so doing exhausts pressure from one of the conduits 125 thereby actuating a quick opening valve assembly 134. With the air tank 137 having been dumped into the filter/collector apparatus 132, the pressure is reduced and the sequence valve 104 closes so no air enters the timing mechanism 12. When the actuator arm assembly 18 is in the retracted position, the conduit closing member 88 blocks the end 96 of the conduit end 84; this will cause the poppet valves free piston to shift position when pressure is applied once the sequence valve 104 opens. The sequence valve 104 remains closed until the tank pressure rises to the predetermined setting; then it opens admitting high pressure air to the poppet valve 60 which shifts position and directs the high pressure air into the cylinder 48 which again extends the actuator arm assembly 18.

It is to be noted that should a quick opening valve assembly 134 not operate or for some reason the tank pressure is not relieved, the timing mechanism 12 will cycle again rotating the valve plate 108 to relieve the pressure of another quick opening valve assembly.

Specifically when the actuator arm assembly 18 is retracted, the poppet valves free piston is shifted because there is pressure to the poppet valve 60; this causes the actuator arm assembly 18 to be extended in another cycle to rotate the valve plate 108.

As can be seen from the above description of the timing mechanism 12, it will operate similarly in a continuous type operation with only the air pressure as the power source. It is obvious that fluids other than air can be used to operate the timing mechanism 12, such as water, oil, nitrogen and other fluids. The timing mechanism can be readily adapted to control other numerous devices, such as motors, valves, switches, etc., which may require a timing of operation or sequencing in their application where a fluid pressure source is available. Also, the timing mechanism can be used where two different fluid sources are available: one source to operate the piston/plunger assembly 16 and control valve assembly 20; and another connected to the movable valve assembly 22.

In the use and operation of the improved air operated timing mechanism 12 of this invention, it operates from fluid source alone and has very little pos sibility of producing sparks or the like which would preclude its use in an explosive type atmosphere. Additionally, it can be seen the improved air operated timing mechanism of this invention is substantially maintenance free due to the minimal number of moving parts and the low fluid pressures necessary for its operation.

In the manufacture of the improved air operated timing mechanism 12 of this invention, it is obvious that it can be easily constructed so as to be adapted for use with air or other operating fluids and in a capacity to operate several valves, motorsor whatever.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description of the applicants improved air operate d timing mechanism, relatively simple and inexpensive timing means have been provided for the sequential operation of a plurality of fluid controllable devices, such as valves, motors or the like.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understoodthat thisrdescription is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A fluid operated timing mechanism, comprising:

a. movable valve means having a first port positionable in communicationwith a port fixed relative thereto,

. an assembly having a piston means movable under fluid pressure within a cylinder means and a rod means secured to said piston means,

0. other valve means,

. conduit means connected to said other valve means and said cylinder means,

' e. means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means and said cylinder means, f. control means in communication withsaid other valve means and operable by said rod means upon movement of same to activate said other valve means to thereby selectively direct fluid through said conduit means into and from said cylinder means to extend and retract said rod means,

.-means with said rod means engagable with said movable valve means to move same to move said first port from a sealed condition, past and aligned with said fixed port, and to a sealed condition which exhausts fluid pressure in said fixed port, and

. means with said rod means engagable with said control means upon movement of said rod means to operate same.

2. The fluid operated timing mechanism as describe in claim 1, wherein:

a. said movable valve means is a rotary valve means having a stationary member with a plurality of said relatively fixed ports, said movable valve means has a member attached to rotate in sliding contact with said stationary member,

. said movable member has a plurality of lug members extending therefrom,

. said means with said rod means to engage with said movable valve means is a rachet means adapted to attach said lug members,

d. said fixed ports each connected to a valve assembly,

e. each of said valve assemblies connected to a storage tank to provide air under fluid pressure thereto for cleansing purposes, and

f. alignment of said fixed ports withrespective ones of said movable ports operates respective ones of said valve assemblies to exhaust fluid from said storage tank therethrough.

3. The fluid operated timing mechanism as described in claim 1 wherein:

a. said means for supplying fluid under pressure to A fluid operated timing mechanism, comprising: movable valve means having a fixed port and movable port adapted to pass fluid when said ports are aligned,

. a piston and cylinder means having a piston rod means movable by fluid pressure to engage and move said movable valve means,

. other valve means having a plunger movable by fluid pressure in one position to direct fluid under pressure to said cylinder through a conduit to extend said piston rod means and operable in a second position to release fluid from said cylinder through said conduit to retract said piston rod means,

. means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means and to said piston and cylinder means,

. control means in communication with said other valve means and said piston rod means operable to move said plunger to said positions,

f. actuator arm means attached to said piston, operable to operate said control means and said movable valve means, and

. said means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means to supply fluid to said other valve means when source fluid pressure reaches a predetermined pressure to initiate activation of said other valve means and said piston and cylinder means.

Claims

1. A fluid operated timing mechanism, comprising: a. movable valve means having a first port positionable in communication with a port fixed relative thereto, b. an assembly having a piston means movable under fluid pressure within a cylinder means and a rod means secured to said piston means, c. other valve means, d. conduit means connected to said other valve means and said cylinder means, e. means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means and said cylinder means, f. control means in communication with said other valve means and operable by said rod means upon movement of same to activate said other valve means to thereby selectively direct fluid through said conduit means into and from said cylinder means to extend and retract said rod means, g. means with said rod means engagable with said movable valve means to move same to move said first port from a sealed condition, past and aligned with said fixed port, and to a sealed condition which exhausts fluid pressure in said fixed port, and h. means with said rod means engagable with said control means upon movement of said rod means to operate same.

2. The fluid operated timing mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said movable valve means is a rotary valve means having a stationary member with a plurality of said relatively fixed ports, said movable valve means has a member attached to rotate in sliding contact with said stationary member, b. said movable member has a plurality of lug members extending therefrom, c. said means with said rod means to engage with said movable valve means is a rachet means adapted to attach said lug members, d. said fixed ports each connected to a valve assembly, e. each of said valve assemblies connected to a storage tank to provide air under fluid pressure thereto for cleansing purposes, and f. alignment of said fixed ports with respective ones of said movable ports operates respective ones of said valve assemblies to exhaust fluid from said storage tank therethrough.

3. The fluid operated timing mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means has an adjustable fluid pressure regulator valve connected to a separate pressure fluid source adapted to supply fluid to said other valve means when source fluid pressure reaches a predetermined pressure thereby initiating the actuation of said other valve means and said piston And cylinder means.

4. A fluid operated timing mechanism, comprising: a. movable valve means having a fixed port and movable port adapted to pass fluid when said ports are aligned, b. a piston and cylinder means having a piston rod means movable by fluid pressure to engage and move said movable valve means, c. other valve means having a plunger movable by fluid pressure in one position to direct fluid under pressure to said cylinder through a conduit to extend said piston rod means and operable in a second position to release fluid from said cylinder through said conduit to retract said piston rod means, d. means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means and to said piston and cylinder means, e. control means in communication with said other valve means and said piston rod means operable to move said plunger to said positions, f. actuator arm means attached to said piston, operable to operate said control means and said movable valve means, and g. said means for supplying fluid under pressure to said other valve means to supply fluid to said other valve means when source fluid pressure reaches a predetermined pressure to initiate activation of said other valve means and said piston and cylinder means.