Importance

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Abstract

A fluid driven reciprocating engine includes a main body having an inlet for receiving a primary fluid and an outlet for discharging the fluid. A drive piston is sealingly mounted in the main body for reciprocating movement in response to flow of the primary fluid through the body. The drive piston divides the body into first and second chambers. A first valve selectively transmits the primary fluid from the inlet to the first and second chambers and a second valve selectively transmits the primary fluid from the first and second chambers to the outlet. An overcenter linkage mechanism that operably interconnects the drive piston and the first and second valves. A spring attached to the overcenter linkage mechanism responds to reciprocating movement of the drive piston for alternating the first and second valves between a first state, in which the first valve transmits primary fluid from the inlet to just the first chamber and the second valve transmits primary fluid from just the second chamber to the outlet, and a second state, in which the first valve transmits primary fluid from the inlet to just the second chamber and the second valve transmits primary fluid from just the first chamber to the outlet. A plurality of stop members are fixed to the pump body and impacted by the linkage during movement of the drive piston to facilitate operation of the valves. The stop members also act as a failsafe apparatus to fully open the valves in the event of spring failure.

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First Claim