US3012574A - Fluid conductor and take-off apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 12, 1961 J. J. BAKER ETAL FLUID CONDUCTOR AND TAKE-OFF APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 QJ-M WM INVENTORS JOHN J. BAKER WILLIAM G. BEN-JEY ATTORNEYS Dec. 12, 1961 J. J. BAKER ETAL FLUID CONDUCTOR AND TAKE-OFF APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 5 m p 2 a m v3 I c M T 7 I. 3 f a 2 a 2 a u \\L l 2 3 7/ 52 3 8 l4 1 w I 2 24 4 7 K22 u 3 5 5 M 9 7 21 am .6 Z 6 f A n 6 1 E, \& J 9 .Z 9; H 7 5 4? 8 8 5 4 6 4f 5: 5 n I III! fl/III! \l l I ID a E m 9 2 H 6 5 7 9 6 3 6 3 5 A A o 2 4 4 z z a 9 a z 5 flu 2 m G F INVENTORS JOHN J. BAKER WILLIAM G.BENJEY ATTORNEYS Dec. 12, 1961 J. J. BAKER ETAL 3,012,574

FLUID CONDUCTOR AND TAKE-OFF APPARATUS Filed March 20, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS JOHN J. BAKER WlLLlAM G. BENJEY ZMMMW ATTORNEYS FIG. 5

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 J. J. BAKER E-TAL FLUID CONDUCTOR AND TAKE-OFF APPARATUS Dec. 12', 1961 Filed March 20, 1958 FIG. 6

FIG. 7

3,012,574 FLUID CONDUCTOR AND TAKE-OFF APPARATUS John J. Baker, 420 N. 2nd Ave, and William G. Benjey, 220 Bedford St, both of Alpena, Mich. Filed Mar. 20, W58, Ser. No. 722,695 18 Claims. (Cl. 137-680) This invention relates to fluid conductor and take-off assemblies adapted to deliver pressure fluid to fluid operated tools or machines and more particularly the invention has reference to an improved fluid conductor and an improved fluid take-01f construction capable of tapping the conductor at any point along the length of the latter.

We previously designed and patented a fluid conductor and take-off assembly of the general class to which the invention pertains, the previous construction being disclosed in Patent No. 2,798,506, granted July 9, 1957. The patented construction operates satisfactorily for the purposes intended and comprises, briefly, a conductor line formed of yieldable material split longitudinally of its length so as to provide a normally sealed opening along the entire length of the conductor. The takeoff device includes a wheel-like member having radially extending passages therein communicating with a substantially centrally located discharge passage. The peripheral edge of the take-off wheel is adapted to be inserted through the slit into the conductor so as to permit fluid from the latter to pass into the takeofl device through the ports in the inserted portion of the wheel. In this construction a portion of the take-ofl device is bodily contained within the fluid conductor and the conductor and the take-off device must be formed with care to assure a fluid tight seal around the portion of the device which is 7 received in the conductor.

Owing to the reception of a portion of the take-oil device within the conductor, movements of-the take-oil device along the conductor are resisted to some extent by the frictional engagement between the conductor walls and the take-ofl' device. Movements of the takeofl device generally are effected by the operators pulling on the delivery tube or hose and, in time, it is possible that the tube will rupture or break loose from its connection to the take-oil device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved fluid conductor and take-off device cooperable with the conductor to tap the latter at any point along its length to deliver pressure fluid to a pressure fluid operated machine or tool.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fluid conductor having normally sealed fluid passages therein capable of being opened by the application of force externally of the conductor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluid take-off device adapted for use in conjunction with a fluid conductor having normally sealed passages therein, the take-oh. device being capable of opening selected passages in the conductor without actually entering the conductor.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressure take-off device of the character described capable of utilizing pressure fluid discharged from the conductor to effect movement of the take-oil device to and fro along the conductor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in detail or will become apparent from the following description when it is read in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary view, partly in side elevation and partly in section, of apparatus constructed Patented Dec. 12, 1961 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary, transverse sectional view of the fluid conduit taken across a closed portion of such conduit in FIG. 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary, sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 and showing certain of the parts in adjusted position;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational View of the structure shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 and looking towards the left of those figures.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 1 and showing another embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 6.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIGURES 1-5 cornprises a pressure fluid line or conductor designated generally by the reference character 1 and including an elongate tube 2 formed of rubber or like material and which is sealed at its opposite ends by means (not shown) so as to form a substantially hollow chamber 3 for pressure fluid such as air or liquid. Fluid may be introduced to the chamber 3 through a suitable fitting (not shown) included in the tube 2 in the manner disclosed in the aforementioned patent. The tube 2 may be similar to the liner disclosed in the above referred to patent in that one wall 4 of the tube is split longitudinally as at 5' to permit egress of the fluid. As is shown in FIGURES 1 and 2a, the lower surface of the wall 4 is flat and smooth in contrast to having a depending head as is shown in FIG- URE 2 of the aforementioned patent. The tube also may include partitioning ribs 6 forming longitudinally extending pressure-equalizing chambers 7 in communication with the passage 3 through ports 8 in the ribs 6. The ribs 6 cooperate to prevent outward bulging of the wall 4 under the pressure of the fluid contained within the tube and the edges of the wall 4 abutting the slit 5 are enlarged as at 9 so as to assure a good pressure seal when the portions 9 abut one another, the juncture of each enlarged part 9 with its wall part of reduced thickness providing a point about which the enlarged parts may rock for a purpose to be pointed out hereinafter.

A metal strip 10 having angular legs 11 and 12 preferably is placed along each side of the tube 2 with the leg 12 engaging a portion of the split wall 4 so as further to reinforce the latter against outward bulging. Both the tube 2 and the strips 10 are received in a preferably metal support 13 which may be provided at intervals along its length with brackets 14 by means of which the tube 2 and its associated parts may be suspended overhead.

Each of the brackets 14 may have welded or otherwise suitably secured to each of its sides a metallic member 15 having a track-forming element 16 formed integrally therewith. The tracks 16 are adapted to support rotatable wheels 17 jonrnaled by suitable shaft assemblies 18 on a hanger device 19 which, in turn, supports a fluid take-oil device designated generally by the reference character 20.

The fluid take-off device 20 comprises a generally discshaped core 21 having lateral projections 22 extending from each face and forming a spindle. The free end of each of the spindles 22 is reduced as at 23 and receives the lower end of a generally segment-shaped supporting arm 24 forming part of the hanger device 19. The upper ends of the arms 24 are maintained in spaced relation by 3 bolts 24a received in spacing sleeves 24b. Each of the bolts is provided at its ends with nuts 240 by means of which the assembly is made rigid. The extremities of the spindles 22 are threaded for reception of nuts 25 by means of which the hanger arms 24 are firmly clamped in supporting relation to the spindles 22.

One of the spindles 22 is provided with an enlarged bore or chamber 26 and the other spindle 22 is provided with a somewhat smaller bore or chamber 27 in communication with the bore 26. The outer end of the bore 26 is interiorly threaded for reception of an elbow coupling 28 in which is fitted a flexible tube 29 extending Tom the coupling 28 to a fluid pressure operated machine of any kind, e.g., a pneumatic Wrench (not shown).

Rotatably mounted within the bore 27 of the spindle 22 is a valve element 39 having a flange 31 at its inner end received in the bore 26 and which prevents inadvertent withdrawal of the valve element from the bore 27. intermediate its ends the bore 27 is grooved to receive a sealing O-ring fitted on the valve element 30. The inner end of the valve element 36 also is bored to provide a fluid passage 27a for a purpose to be explained. The other or outer end of the valve element extends beyond the spindle 22 and receives a collar 32 which is interposed between the ends of an actuating rod or lever 33. The collar 32 is fixed on the projecting end of the valve element 30 by means of a pin 34 so that movement of the operating lever 33 is transmitted to the valve element 30. One end of the operating lever 33 is provided with a loop 35 which receives the flexible tube 29 and the other end of the operating lever extends beyond the collar 32 a distance sufficient to enable it to engage stop bars 36 mounted on and projecting from one of the arms 24 of the hanger device 19.

Rotatably mounted on one of the spindles 22 is disclike plate 37 formed with an integral hub 38 equipped with bearings 39 and seals 40 engaging the associated spindle 22. The plate 37 is provided adjacent to its periphery with a laterally projecting flange 41 which, as is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, is eccentric with respect to the hub 38. Rotatably mounted on the other spindle 22 is another disc-like plate 43 having a hub 44 similar to the hub 38 and in which are mounted bearings 45 and seals 46. The plates 37 and 43 are fixed to one another for conjoint rotation by means of screws 47 extending from the plate 43 into the eccentric flange 41. The plates 43 and 37, together with the flange 41, form a housing C for reception of the core disc 21. Suitable seals such as O-rings 48 are provided at selected points of engagement of the plates 37 and 43 and the core 21. Other seals such as O-rings 4-9 are provided between the flange 41 and the disc-like plate 43.

Mounted within the chamber C is a polished, cylindrical ring 50 which fits closely adjacent to the inner periphery of the eccentric flange 41. The core 21 is provided with a plurality of radially extending slots 51 in each of which is slideably mounted a vane 52 which is urged radially outwardly by means or" a spring 53 having one of its ends bearing against the radially inner end of the vane 52 and its other end seated against the base of an extension 54 of the associated slot 51 formed in the core 21. The length of each of the vanes 52 is such that it is capable of extending from the core to the ring 50 in all positions of the plates 37 and 43 and forming with its adjacent vanes 52 fluid tight compartments 55 of varying volume as caused by the eccentricity of the flange 41. The construction and arrangement of the parts of the fluid take-off device thus far described are such as to provide a fluid motor for a purpose presently to be described.

As is best shown in FIGURES l and 2, the plate 37 is provided with a plurality of radially extending fluid passages 56 adapted to communicate at their radially inner ends with fluid ports 57 formed in the associated spindle 22 The radially outer ends of the passages 56 are sealed by plugs 58 and each passage communicates with a branch passage 59 formed in the flange 41.

Referring now to FIGURES 2-5, the plate 43 is provided with a pair of radially extending fluid passages 60 and 61, the passage 61} being adapted to communicate with the chamber 27a through a port 62 in the spindle 22 and through an opening 63 formed in the valve element 39. The passage 61 is formed with a laterally extending branch 64 adapted to communicate with the chamber 27a through a port 65 in the spindle 22 and through an opening 66 in the valve element 30. The radially outer end of each of the passages 60 and 61 is closed by a plug 67 and 68, respectively, and each of the passages 60 and 61 is provided with a port 69 by means of which fluid may be introduced to one of the compartments 55 within the housing. As is best shown in FIGURES 3-5, the ports 62 and 65 are spaced from one another longitudinally of the spindle 22 and the openings 63 and 66 in the valve element 30 are angularly spaced from one another. The arrangement and spacing of the two pairs of ports and openings are such that when the actuating arm or lever 33 is in its normal or inactive position, as is shown in FIGURE 1, the ports 62 and 65 are sealed from the chamber 270 because neither of the valve openings 63 nor 66 is in alignment with the ports 62 or 65. When the actuating lever 33 is swung to one or the other of its operative positions, however, as determined by the engagement of the rod 33 with one or the other of the stops 36, one or the other of the valve openings 63 or 66 will be aligned with its associated port 62 or 65 so as to permit pressure fluid to be introduced into a compartment 55 for a purpose presently to be explained. Each of the ports 62 and 65 communicates with an annular groove 30]) formed in the spindle 22 so as to assure delivery of fluid to the passages 60 and 61 when the valve element is turned to one of its open positions.

The fluid take-01f device 20 includes a fluid line or conductor engaging member designated generally by the reference character 69 and which, in the disclosed embodiment, comprises an annular element 70 which is force fitted or otherwise suitably secured to the peripheral flange 41 of the housing. Suitable sealing means such as O-rings 71 are interposed between the annulus 70 and the flange 41 to prevent the escape of pressure fluid. The annulus 70 is formed with radially tapering sides 72 which terminate in a flat peripheral edge 73 which is adapted to engage the deformable wall 4 of the tube 2. The annulus 70 is provided with a continuous inner recess 74 terminating short of the peripheral surface 73 so as to form a peripheral wall 75. The peripheral wall 75 is provided with a large number of closely spaced, radially extending ports 76 in communication with the recess 74 and these ports normally are sealed at their radially inner ends by suitable sealing means such as an O-ring 77 formed of yieldable rubber or like material. Preferably, the radially outer end of the recess 74 is formed on a semi-circle having a radius equal to the radius of the sealing ring 77 so as to assure proper seating of the sealing ring against the wall 75.

The apparatus described thus far is conditioned for operation by mounting the fluid conductor 1 in a suitable location such as above a number of pressure fluid operated machines and running the length and width of a machine shop. The fluid take-off device 20 then may be suspended from the conductor 1 by mounting the rollers 17 on the tracks 16 so as to enable the device 20 to be movable to and fro along the length of the condoctor. The length of hte hanger arms 24 is so related to the diameter of the fluid take-ofi device 20 that, in assembled relation, the distance between the deformable wall portion 4 of the tube 2 and the axis of rotation of the take-01f device 20 is less than the radius of the fluid take-off device. As a result, a peripheral portion of the annulus 70 will engage the deformable wall portion 4 of the tube and deform the wall into the fluid passage 3.

The region of maximum deformation of the wall 4 by the device 20 will be at a point which is tangent to the peripheral edge 73 of the annulus 70 at the vertical center line of the latter. At the point of maximum deformation of the wall 4, the abutting walls of the slit 5 will be separated due to the rocking of the enlarged wall sections 9 about the points where they return to their normal thicknesses. Since other deformed portions of the wall 4 are not deformed to the same extent as the wall portion at the point of maximum deformation, the walls of the slit 5 at the other deformed wall portions will not be separated, but will remain in abutting engagement and the pressure of the fluid in the passage 3 will exert a force on the enlarged wall sections 9 tending to return them to their normal or undeformed positions. As a result, a fluid tight seal for all portions of the tube 2 is assured except for the region of maximum deformation of the wall 4 where an opening is desired.

The passages 76 in the peripheral wall 75 of the annulus 70 are so closely spaced as to assure communication between one or more of the passages and the opening formed in the tube 2 at the region of maximum deformation of the wall 4. Fluid under pressure thus is directed through the passages 76 and impinges against the sealing ring 77 with suflicient force to unseat a portion of the latter from sealing engagement with those passages 76. The fluid then passes into the recess 74 and enters one or more of the passages 56 through the branches 59. From the passages 56 the pressure fluid enters the chamber 26 via the ports 57 and thence is conducted through the flexible conduit 29 to the machine or tool to be operated. 'Inconnection with the introduction of pressure fluid to the recess 74, it will be noted that fluid in the recess 74 will exert a radially outer force on the sealing ring 77, tending to move the latter into more firm seating engagement against the inner ends of the passages 76, thereby assuring sealing engagement between the sealing ring 77 and all of those passages 76 except those from which the sealing ring is displaced under the pressure of the fluid in the conductor 1.

When it is desired to move the fluid take-off device 20 along the conductor 1, the user pulls on the flexible conduit 29 so as to rock the operating lever 33 and, consequently, the valve element 30 in one direction or the other to the extent permitted by one of the stops 36. The adjustment of the valve element 30 to either of its operating positions will set the fluid motor in operation to drive the take-off device along the conductor 1. For example, if the lever 33 is rocked clockwise, as viewed in FIGURES 1 or 2, the opening 66 in the valve element 30 will be aligned with the port 65 in the spindle 22 so as to permit pressure fluid to be introduced to one of the compartments 55 via the passages 64, 61 and the port 69. Pressure fluid thus introduced into the compartment 55 will expand and exert a force between the core 21 and the other walls of the chamber. The pressure of the fluid in the fluid charged compartment 55 will be greater than the pressure in any other compartment and, as a result, relative movement will be effected between the housing C and the core 21 so as to cause the fluid take-off device 20 to move to the left as is viewed in FIGURE 1.

. When the fluid take-off device 20 has been set in motion, it will continue in motion as long as the operating lever is maintained in its adjusted position. The pressure differential between the compartment 55 being charged with pressure fluid and the remaining compartments is maintained by the provision of an exhaust port 78 formed in the wall 43 and located intermediate the passages 60 and 61 at a point spaced from the ports 69 the distance of two compartments. Consequently, when the introduction of pressure fluid to one compartment begins, the exhaust of fluid from the immediately rearward compartment also begins.

The fluid take-ofl device may be caused to move in the opposite direction by rocking the lever 33 counterclock- 6 wise, in which event the opening 63 in the valve element 30 will be aligned with the port 62 in the spindle 22 so as to permit fluid to be introduced via the passage 60 and the port 69 into a compartment 55 on the other side of the center line of the housing C.

When the apparatus is conditioned to set the fluid motor in operation, the flexible conduit 29 will be closed either by a valve (not shown) provided therein or by the valve of the pneumatic wrench or other machine so as to assure the delivery of suflicient fluid from the tube 2 into the compartments 55 to assure operation. Inasmuch as the periphery of the annulus 70 merely engages the deformable wall 4 of the tube 2, rather than being received in the latter, the operation of the fluid motor is not impaired by the friction which would exist if the fluid take-off device actually was inserted in the tube 2 through the slit 5.

FIGURES 6, 7 and 8 disclose a modified form of fluid conductor 1a which may be used in lieu of the conductor 1 previously described. The conductor 1a comprises an elongate, inverted, substantially U-shaped housing having a pair of spaced apart legs 81 joined at corresponding ends by a web 82. In the opening defined by the legs 81 is inserted a substantially W-shaped, in section, extruded rubber or the like member having side walls 83 in snug engagement with the inner surfaces of the legs 81, the side walls 83 being joined by a deformable wail 84. At substantially the center of the deformable wall 84 is an enlargement 85 extending inwardly of the housing 80 and another enlargement 86 extending outwardly of the housing 80. The portions 87 of the wall 84 on either side of the enlargements are substantially uniform but thinner than the parts 85 and 86. The walls 83 and the enlargement 85 do not extend completely to the inner face of the web 82 of the housing, but terminate short of the latter so as to provide with the deformable wall 84 and the housing 80 a fluid chamber 3a into which pressure fluid may be introduced through a suitable fitting (not shown). The ends of the passage 3a may be sealed in any convenient manner. g V

The legs 81 of the housing 80 are tapped at suitable intervals along the length of the housing to accommodate bolts 88 by means of which a pair of parallel plates 89 may be secured to the housing. The plates 89 project beyond the sides of the housing 80 so as to provide track sections 90 on which the rollers 17 of the fluid take-ofl supporting means 19 may ride. The plates 89 are separated from one another by a slot 91, the sides of which diverge in a direction towards the housing 80 in a manner to complement the shape of the enlargement 86 of the wall 84 of the liner. The spacing between the plates 89 is suflicient to accommodate freely the annulus 70a of the fluid pressure take-ofl device 20, the annulus 7 0a being similar to the annulus 78 except that the annulus 70a has passages 76a somewhat greater in length than the passages 76 and the passages 76a terminate at their radially outermost ends in flared portions 76b.

The deformable wall 84 of the liner is provided with a plurality of spaced, parallel bores 92 extending, from the outer face of the enlargement 86 a substantial distance into the enlargement 85, but terminating short of the exposed face of the latter. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the bores 92 extend in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the liner 83. The enlargement 85 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced slits 93 which are so located relatively to the bores 92 that each slit 93 bisects one of the bores 92. The slits 93 extend a substantial distance through the enlargement 85 so as to cut through a portion of the sides of the bores 92, but the slits terminate short of the exposed face'of the enlargement 86. Preferably, the slits 93 terminate at a point only slightly spaced from the inner surface of the wall portions 87.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIGURES 6-8 is similar to the operation of the apparatus previous- 1y described in that a portion of the periphery of the annulus 7 a engages the deformable wall 84 and deforms the latter into the passage 3a. The region of maximum deformation of the wall 84 again is in the area of tangency at the vertical center line of the periphery of the annulus 70a. In the region of maximum deformation of the wall 84, the portions of the enlargement 85 on opposite sides of the slits 93 are spread apart, as is indicated in FIG- URE 6, so as to permit fluid to pass from the chamber 3a into the ports 92, whence it enters the passages 76a of the annulus 70. The fluid displaces the sealing ring 77 from the radially inner ends of the affected passages 76a and enters the recess 74 for distribution to a pressure fluid operated machine in a manner similar to that previously explained.

Referring to FIGURE 6, it will be noted that deformation of the deformable wall 84 inwardly of the chamber 3:: will cause those portions of the enlargement 85 at the ends of the deformed portion of the wall to be compressed or squeezed together. Consequently, leakage of pressure fluid from the passage 3a to atmosphere at the ends of the deformed area of the line is positively precluded.

The disclosed embodiments are representative of presently preferred forms of the invention, but are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive thereof. The invention is defined in the claims.

We claim:

1. In a fluid conductor and take-off assembly, means forming an elongate, substantially hollow fluid chamber for containing fluid under pressure, said chamber having at least one wall formed of resilient, deformable material, said wall having a substantially flat external surface and a normally sealed opening therein in communication with said chamber, and fluid take-off means movable along said chamber, said take-off means including a substantially flat part in external engagement only with said surface of said wall and deforming a portion of the latter into said chamber, the deformation of said wall portion by said part unsealing said opening in the region of maximum deformation of said wall.

2. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein said opening comprises a slit in said wall extending longitudinally of said chamber.

3. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein said opening comprises a slit in said wall extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said chamber.

4. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein said opening comprises a bore extending part way through said wall and a slit in said wall in communication with said bore and said chamber.

5. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein said part of said fluid take-off means comprises an arcuate member having an opening therein communicating with the opening in said wall when the latter opening is unsealed.

6. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein said fluid takeoff means comprises a rotatable housing and wherein said part comprises an annular member mounted on said housing for rotation with the latter, said annular member and said housing having passages therein communicating with said opening when the latter is unsealed for receiving fluid discharged therefrom, and means communicating with the passages in said housing and said annular member for conducting fluid therefrom.

7. The assembly set forth in claim 6 including fluid motor means contained in said housing and reacting with the latter and with said annular member for effecting movement of said housing and said member along said line, and means associated with said motor means for introducing fluid thereto from said housing.

8. In a fluid conductor and take-off assembly, an elongate fluid conductor line having normally sealed fluid passage means therein, a fluid take-01f assembly in engagement with said line and mounted for movement along said line and operable to unseal said fluid passage means to permit fluid to pass from said line, said take-01f means comprising a wheel-like member, said member having passages therein for receiving fluid from said line and for discharging fluid from said member, means mounting said member for rotation, fluid motor means on said member operable to rotate said member about said mounting means, and means for supplying fluid from said line to said motor means for operating the latter.

9. A fluid take-off device comprising a first disk-like member having fluid passages therein; a second annular member supported by said first member at the periphery of the latter and having fluid passages extending substantially radially therethrough adapted to communicate with the fluid passages in said first member; sealing means interposed between the passages of said first and second members, said sealing means being formed of resilient material so as to be displaceable under the influence of pressure fluid exerting force on said sealing means in a direction towards the passages in said first member and permit the passage of fluid into said first member; and means connected to said first member and in communication with the passages threin for receiving fluid from said first member.

10. A device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said sealing means comprises an O-ring.

11. A line adapted to carry fluid under pressure and being tappable at any one of a plurality of selected points along its length, said line comprising means forming a substantially hollow chamber having at least one deformable wall formed of resilient material, said wall having a plurality of externally open bores spaced along the length thereof and extending from the outer face of said wall towards said chamber but terminating short of said chamber, said wall being slit transversely of its length from said chamber at least to the point of termination of each of said bores and intersecting the latter, the wall portions on either side of each slit normally abutting one another so as to provide a plurality of normally closed openings along the length of said wall, said deformable wall being deformable in a direction into said chamber so as to separate said normally abutting wall portions and permit communication between said slits and said bores.

12. In a fluid conductor and take-off assembly, means forming an elongate, substantially hollow fluid chamber for containing fluid under pressure, said chamber having at least one deformable wall formed of resilient material and having a substantially flat external surface, said wall being slit longitudinally of said chamber, the portions of said wall on either side of said slit abutting one another so as to form a normally sealed opening in said wall; an annular fluid take-off member; and means mounting said take-off member adjacent to said chamber with a portion of the periphery of said member in engagement with external portions only of said deformable wall on either side of said slit, the engaged portions only of said deformable wall being deformed into said chamber by said peripheral portion of said annular member and the engaged portions of said wall at the region of maximum deformation thereof being separated from abutting relation so as to unseal said normally sealed opening in said region of maximum deformation, said annular member having passages therein extending through said peripheral portion thereof in communication with the unsealed opening in said Wall to receive fluid discharged therethrough.

13. The assembly set forth in claim 12 wherein said mounting means for said annular take-off member includes a housing member having fluid passage means therein in communication with the passages in said annular member, and means in communication with the passage means in said housing member for delivering pressure fluid therefrom.

14. The assembly set forth in claim 13 including annular displaceable sealing means interposed between the passages in said annular member and the passage means in said housing member.

15. The assembly set forth in claim 14 i cluding fluid motor means in said housing member operable to effect rotation of said housing member, valve means interposed between the passage means in said housing member and said fluid motor means for controlling the introduction of fluid from said passage means to said fluid motor means, and means connected to said valve means for operating the latter.

16. In a fluid conductor and take-off assembly, means forming an elongate, substantially hollow fluid chamber for containing fluid under pressure, said chamber having at least one deformable wall formed of resilient material, said wall having a plurality of longitudinally spaced bores therein extending from its outer surface toward said chamber but terminating short thereof, said wall also having a corresponding plurality of longitudinally spaced slits therein extending from its inner surface and communicating with said bores, the portions of said wall on opposite sides of said slits normally abutting so as normally to seal said slits; an arcuate fluid take-01f member; and means mounting said annular member adjacent to said chamber with a portion of the periphery of said member in engagement with a portion of said Wall, the engaged portion of said wall being deformed along the arc of said member into said chamber, the portions of said wall at the region of maximum deformation of said wall being separated from abutting relation so as to unseal the slits at said region, the portions of said wall at the regions of minimum deformation of said wall being squeezed towards one another, said annular member having passages therein extending through the peripheral portion thereof in communication with the unsealed slits in said wall to receive fluid discharged therethrough 17. The assembly set forth in claim 16 wherein the mounting means for said arcuate member includes a housing member having passages therein in communication with the passages in said arcuate member, and means connected to said housing member and in communication With the passages in the latter for receiving fluid therefrom.

18. The assembly set forth in claim 17 wherein said arcuate member is annular in configuration having passages t-herein around its entire periphery and including sealing means for the passages in said arcuate member interposed between the passages in said housing member, said sealing means being displaceable under the force of fluid received by the passages in said arcuate member from the unsealed slits in said wall.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,555,192 Dennedy Sept. 29, 1925 2,242,184 Reuter May 13, 1941 2,310,309 Orr Feb. 9, 1943 2,787,400 Fritsch Apr. 2, 1957 2,798,506 Baker et a1 July 9, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 5,012 Sweden of 1894' 696,015 Great Britain Aug. 19, 1953

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