HOLLOW PISTON PUMP

A positive displacement pump is provided. The pump comprises at least one piston operable to be powered by a power source and to pressurize a fluid. The at least one piston comprises an at least partially hollow piston wherein a flow of fluid is induced into and through the piston and a surrounding piston chamber. The piston preferably comprises a direct-mounted outlet valve for controlling a flow of fluid into and out of the piston.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to pumps. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to piston pumps and positive displacement pumps. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to positive displacement pumps for pressure washers. It will be recognized, however, that features and devices of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of pump or pump application.

BACKGROUND

Conventional positive displacement pumps include those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,872, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The general principal behind positive displacement pumps includes providing a power source, such as a motor, that drives at least one reciprocating piston. The reciprocating motion of the piston provides a vacuum or suction force associated with a downstroke of the piston, and a positive pressure when the piston is compressed on the upstroke. The positive pressure provides a compressive force to the fluid and expels the fluid through a high-pressure outlet.

Existing pumps may be acceptable for certain applications. However, there is a constant need and desire to decrease pump size and weight and to increase a pump's power and/or efficiency.

SUMMARY

U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,055 to Schuller, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a piston pump having a hollow piston. Schuller, however, fails to disclose various features of the present disclosure including, for example, the hollow piston arrangements of the present disclosure and the provision of inlet or outlet valves at least as shown and described herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,831 to Gerlach et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a positive displacement pump with a reciprocating piston. Gerlach et al., however, fail to disclose various novel features of the present disclosure including, for example, the at least partially hollow pistons and associated valve structures of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, pumps of the present disclosure comprise positive displacement pumps having at least one piston and wherein the at least one piston comprises a hollow or partially hollow piston such that a fluid is allowed to travel within or through the piston. In certain embodiments, one or more pistons of the present disclosure comprise a valve provided on one end of the piston. Preferably, the valve comprises a suction valve that is spring-mounted or otherwise biased and provided on a hollow piston. The suction valve(s) enable and regulate a flow of fluid in and through the hollow piston. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one outlet valve is provided generally in-line with the at least one piston. The outlet valve is preferably provided in or adjacent to an outlet flow path, comprises a spring to bias the outlet valve toward a closed position during a draw cycle of the piston, and is forced open under pressure during the stroke of the piston to enable outflow of pressurized fluid.

In one embodiment, a fluid pump is provided that comprises a housing and wherein the housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a crankcase, and a cylinder chamber having a predetermined diameter. An elongated piston is provided within the cylinder chamber, wherein the elongated piston is operable to be driven in a reciprocating motion within the cylinder chamber. The elongated piston comprises a hollow portion and an aperture extending through a sidewall of the elongated piston. A first valve is provided on an end of the elongated piston, wherein the first valve is preferably operable to control a fluid flow between an internal volume of the hollow portion of the piston and an internal volume of the cylinder chamber. A second valve is preferably provided at an outlet of the cylinder chamber, wherein the second valve is operable to control a fluid flow between the internal volume of the cylinder chamber and the fluid outlet.

In another embodiment, a fluid pump is provided. The pump comprises a housing with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a crankcase, and a cylinder chamber having a predetermined diameter. An elongated piston is provided within the cylinder chamber, wherein the elongated piston is operable to be driven in a reciprocating motion within the cylinder chamber. The elongated piston comprises a hollow portion and at least one aperture extending through a sidewall of the elongated piston. A first valve is preferably provided on and translatable with an end of the elongated piston, wherein the first valve is operable to control a fluid flow between an internal volume of the hollow portion of the piston and an internal volume of the cylinder chamber. A second valve is preferably provided at an outlet of the cylinder chamber, wherein the second valve comprises a fixed position relative to the cylinder chamber and is operable to control a fluid flow between the internal volume of the cylinder chamber and the fluid outlet of the pump.

In various embodiments, pumps of the present disclosure are adapted for and particularly well suited for pressure washing applications. Although devices and features of the present disclosure are suitable for pressurizing a working fluid (e.g. water) for pressure washing, it will be expressly recognized that pumps, devices and features of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular application. Pumps, as well as components of pumps described herein, are contemplated for use in various applications. Such applications include, but are not limited to, pressure washing, transfer pumping, chemical pumping, irrigation pumping, petrochemical pumping, coffee and espresso machines, etc.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a positive displacement pump2according to the prior art. The pump2comprises a low-pressure inlet4and a high-pressure outlet6for pressurizing and dispensing a fluid. Pumps of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the pump2shown inFIG. 1, are operable to pressurize and dispense a fluid (e.g. water) and are useful for operating a pressure-washing device. It will be expressly recognized, however, that the devices and features of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular pump application or to a particular fluid.

Referring again toFIG. 1, a power input8is provided and drives a plurality of cams10. A rotational motion of the cams10causes a reciprocating vertical motion of a plurality of pistons12. Each of the pistons12are operable to draw a suction and induce a flow of fluid into the fluid inlet4. Each of the pistons12are also operable to provide a compressive force to the fluid and force the fluid through a flow path16and ultimately eject the fluid from the high-pressure outlet6. A plurality of timing valves14are provided. The valves14comprise a closed position to allow for a fluid to flow into the piston chambers and an open position to allow a pressurized fluid to be conveyed and ejected from the high-pressure outlet6. Although not shown inFIG. 1, the power input8comprises a drive shaft or socket connectable to a drive shaft wherein a motor or engine provides a torque and rotational motion to the power input8, which drives the cams10.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of a pump20according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The pump20comprises a low-pressure fluid inlet22and a high-pressure fluid outlet (not shown inFIG. 2, but see24ofFIG. 5, for example). A power input26is provided. The power input26preferably comprises at least one of a drive shaft and drive shaft socket to be powered by a power source, such as a motor or engine. The power input26provides rotational power to the pump20, which drives a plurality of cams28. The cams28are provided within a crankcase29and each is associated with a piston32, with three pistons32being preferable. The present disclosure and inventions described herein are not limited to any particular number of pistons. It is specifically contemplated that pumps of the present disclosure comprise as few as one piston. It is further contemplated that pumps of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of pistons, including six or more pistons.

The pump20ofFIG. 2comprises a suction section comprising a fluid inlet path36into which fluid is drawn from the low-pressure inlet22. The pump20further comprises a fluid outlet path34through which pressurized fluid is conveyed, and ultimately ejected from the high-pressure outlet. At least one aperture31is provided in the sidewall of each of the pistons32. Each of the distal ends of the pistons32comprises a suction valve33. As shown and described herein, the suction valve33is operable to assume an open position on a downstroke or draw of the piston32, such that the downward draw of the piston32creates a suction force to draw fluid from the low-pressure inlet22into the suction section36and an interior volume of the piston(s)32and the cylinder chamber37by way of the aperture(s)31. When a piston32reaches a bottom of the stroke, the piston chamber is substantially filled with a fluid by way of the suction drawn during the down stroke. The relevant cam28then drives the piston upwardly (at least with respect to the orientation shown inFIG. 2), wherein the suction valve33is forced to a closed position by the compression force on the fluid, and the fluid in the piston chamber is forced upwardly and outwardly through the outlet valve35and the fluid outlet path34. The outlet valves35correspond to each of the pistons32, and preferably comprise a spring that biases the outlet valve to a closed position when the piston32is in its downstroke and which is forced open when the piston is driven upward. The pump20comprises a plurality of valve caps30corresponding to each of the pistons32. The valve caps30provide access means which may be selectively removed to access and service the pistons32, suction valves33, and outlet valves35, for example.

The pump20ofFIG. 2comprises a high-pressure fluid outlet through which fluid is ejected from the fluid outlet path34. A pressure relief valve38is provided. The pressure relief valve38is provided in a closed position during normal operation, such that fluid flow is directed out of the outlet. However, if a predetermined internal pressure of the pump is exceeded (such as may occur if there is an obstruction in the outlet or related dispensing devices), the relief valve38is forced open and fluid is recirculated via the recirculation path39.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a piston32according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the piston32comprises a collar member40for securing the piston to a drive shaft and/or cam (not shown inFIG. 3). The collar member40comprises a rotatable connection42, such that a shaft44of the piston32and the collar member40are capable of articulating at least with respect to each other. The shaft44of the piston32comprises an at least a partially hollow shaft and at least one aperture31. The aperture31is operable to be disposed within a fluid flow path of a suction section when assembled within a pump. Fluid is caused to flow into the hollow portion of the piston via the at least one aperture31. The piston32further comprises a suction valve33disposed on a distal end of the shaft44and having at least one and preferably several apertures52.

FIG. 4is a detailed cross-sectional view of the hollow piston32. The suction valve33ofFIG. 4preferably comprises a direct-mounted cage50. The cage50comprises at least one aperture52to permit passage of fluid in the sidewall. Preferably, and as shown inFIG. 3, the cage50comprises a plurality of apertures in the sidewall and at least one aperture52in the upper portion of the cage50. Provided within the cage50is biasing member preferably in the form of a coil spring54and a valve stopper56. The coil spring54is operable to bias the valve stopper56toward a closed position wherein the valve stopper56seals an outlet57of the hollow piston. In operation, the valve stopper56is forced to an open position while the piston is in a suction or draw state, and is forced to a closed position when the piston is driven and a fluid contained in the piston and chamber is compressed.

The piston ofFIG. 4comprises an at least partially hollow internal volume and an internal conduit58for conveyance of fluid. A transverse channel60is further provided, wherein the aperture31comprises an inlet to the transverse channel60, which is in fluid communication with the internal conduit58. As shown inFIG. 4, the channel60comprises a through-channel wherein a first aperture31ais provided on one side of the piston shaft44, and a second aperture31bis provided on an opposing side of the shaft44. Accordingly, fluid is allowed to flow into the first aperture31a, into the internal conduit58, and out through the second aperture31b. A fluid exiting the second aperture31bis preferably provided to any adjacent pistons provided within the pump. A suction section provides a fluid path to the adjacent pistons and surrounds the piston diameter. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure contemplated that only a single piston may be provided within a pump. In such embodiments, one of skill in the art will recognize that the channel60need not comprise the outlet31bin the sidewall, but rather may simply comprise a first aperture31aas an inlet.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of an assembled pump according to the embodiment ofFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 5, the pump20comprises a fluid inlet22, a fluid outlet24, and a power input26. The power input26is adapted to be secured to and receive power from an electric motor and drive shaft, for example. The plurality of pistons are provided within the pump housing and are aligned with valve caps30. The pump20ofFIG. 5provides a compact positive displacement pump that is suitable for use with various devices including, but not limited to, pressure washers.

FIGS. 6A-6Bare perspective views of the pump20ofFIG. 5provided in combination with a pressure washer70. The pressure washer70comprises a frame72, wheels74, and an engine76. The power input of the pump20is directly mounted to the engine76of the pressure washer, and the pump20is operable to pressurize and dispense a fluid from the high-pressure outlet24(FIG. 5). As shown, the pump20comprises a compact means for pressurizing and dispensing a fluid and does not significantly increase the overall size or weight of an associated pressure washer70.

FIGS. 7-8are perspective and cross-sectional elevation views of a pump100according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The pump100comprises a similar construction to that of the embodiment ofFIG. 2, including a low-pressure inlet102, a high-pressure outlet104, and a plurality of pistons110within a housing. The pump100ofFIGS. 7-8comprises a plastic insert at the suction section108. The plastic insert, which may comprise nylon, polyoxymethylene, or similar materials, reduces an overall weight of the device100. Providing the insert and other portions of pumps as plastic components serves to reduce the overall cost of pump devices and of transport of those devices. In areas of the device such as the insert, various plastics have been shown to provide sufficient strength and durability, and enable cost and weight savings in the pump units.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a pump150according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pump150ofFIG. 9comprises a similar construction as pumps shown and described herein, and is contemplated as comprising at least one hollow cylinder as shown and described herein. The pump150comprises a split cylinder head152that is devoid of valve caps. Additional components, including a suction section154, fluid inlet156, fluid outlet portion158, power input160, and crankcase162are provided.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional elevation view of the pump150shown inFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 10, the cylinder head152comprises a fluid outlet portion within which an outlet valve168is provided for each cylinder164. The construction of the cylinder head152with outlet valves168at least partially disposed therein, reduces a weight and overall height/size of the pump150. The cylinder head152is secured to the pump150by fasteners151, which are selectively removeable such that the cylinder head152can be removed from the pump in order to service internal components.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of a pump200according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pump200comprises a fluid inlet204and a high-pressure fluid outlet206. A crankcase208is provided, and a plurality of pistons are provided in a suction section202and are operable to pressurize a fluid. The crankcase208is operable to receive a crankshaft that is integrated with and/or extends from an engine. The crankshaft preferably comprises integrated cams, as shown and described in more detail inFIGS. 13A-13B.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional elevation view of the pump200ofFIG. 11. As seen inFIG. 12, each of the pistons provided within the pump200comprise contact or bearing surfaces207that are operable to be contacted by and driven by cams of a crankshaft (not shown inFIG. 12).

FIG. 13Ais a perspective view of an engine300suitable for use with the pump according to the embodiment ofFIGS. 11-12. The engine300comprises a gas-powered engine with a fuel tank306and a drive shaft304. The drive shaft comprises a plurality of cams302. The cams302are operable to drive pistons of a pump, including but not limited to the pump of the embodiment ofFIGS. 11-12. The engine300ofFIG. 13Ais provided as one example of a driving device for use with piston cylinders and associated components of the present disclosure. Pump components including valves and piston cylinders as shown and described herein are useful in various applications and devices, and no limitation with respect to pump size, power input devices, etc. is provided herewith.

FIG. 13Bis a perspective view of the drive shaft304and cam members302shown in isolation. The eccentric cams302are provided on the drive shaft304and are operable to displace pistons of a positive displacement pump. The engine300ofFIGS. 13A-13Benable the construction and provision of a pump as shown inFIGS. 11-12wherein the pump200is void of a needle or roller bearing, a crankshaft seal, and/or a pump flange, thereby providing for a simplified and low-cost pump200.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional elevation view of a piston400and related assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The piston400comprises an internal conduit408for fluid, and the pump in which the piston is provided comprises a transverse channel402to allow for ingress of low-pressure fluid into the piston400from the inlet. A first aperture406aand a second aperture406bare provided on opposing sides of a shaft of the piston400to enable fluid flow in and through the piston. A cage valve410is provided on a distal end of the piston400. The cage valve410comprises a coil spring412and a valve stopper414to control a flow of fluid through the distal end of the piston. The coil spring412and the valve stopper414are operable to be provided in an open position on a downstroke of the piston400, thereby enabling and allowing the internal conduit408of the piston400and an upper chamber416to fill with fluid when the piston is drawing a vacuum. The cage valve410preferably comprises a plurality of openings to permit fluid flow between the internal conduit408and the upper chamber416, while also providing a surface upon which the coil spring412can exert a force and bias the valve stopper414toward a closed or sealed position.

As shown inFIG. 14, the piston400comprises a through-channel wherein a first aperture406ais provided on one side of the piston shaft, and a second aperture406bis provided on an opposing side of the shaft. Accordingly, fluid is allowed to flow into the first aperture406a, into the internal conduit408, and out through the second aperture406b. A fluid exiting the second aperture406bis preferably provided to adjacent pistons provided within the pump. The channels402,404provide a fluid path to the pistons, and surround the piston diameter(s).

The pump of the embodiment ofFIG. 14also comprises a high pressure outlet section420. An outlet valve418is provided and associated with each piston400to control fluid flow between the piston400and the chamber416to the high-pressure outlet. The outlet valve418shown inFIG. 14comprises a cage valve comprising a cage422, a coil spring424and a valve stopper426. The outlet valve418comprises a similar construction to that of the cage valve410, but generally operates in an inverse manner. Specifically, when the piston400is provided in a suction state or downstroke, the cage valve410is provided in an open position and allows fluid to flow into the piston400and chamber416. During this downstroke, the outlet valve418is provided in a closed position due in part to the coil spring424forcing the valve stopper426to a closed or sealed position. This arrangement allows the internal conduit408of the piston400and the upper chamber416to fill with fluid without allowing fluid to pass into the high pressure outlet section420. In a pressurized state, wherein the piston400is driven upwardly (at least with respect to the position shown inFIG. 14), the valve seat414is forced to a closed position and the pressure transmitted through the fluid in the pump forces the outlet valve418to an open position wherein the spring force of the coil spring424is overcome, the valve stopper426is forced open, and a pressurized fluid is allowed to flow through the high pressure outlet section420to the high pressure outlet (not shown inFIG. 14). As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, this process will repeat itself in an iterative fashion based on reciprocating motion of the piston that is induced by an engine or motor.

FIG. 15is a perspective view of various components of a positive displacement pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The components provided inFIG. 15are detailed views of the components of the embodiment ofFIGS. 9-10, but may also be provided in additional embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a cylinder head434is provided that comprises a suction section430. Upper portions432of the piston chamber are shown in isolation.

A plurality of cages410are provided for construction of the cage valves (seeFIG. 14). A plurality of seals or races438are provided, with each being adapted to receive a piston, and each permits translation of the piston therethrough and seal the suction chamber430. A piston shaft405is also shown, wherein the piston shaft comprises a hollow piston shaft having a through-aperture406. A valve seat414is depicted, wherein the valve seat414is operable to at least partially control the flow of fluid in and out of the hollow piston. The valve seat414is operable to impacted or biased by a coil spring, wherein one end of the coil spring acts on the valve seat414and a second end of the coil spring is provided against a cage410.

FIG. 16is a view of a piston400and a portion of a cam follower440. The piston400comprises a shaft that is at least partially hollow and comprises an aperture406to permit fluid flow. The cam follower440is connected to the piston shaft at a hinge442to convert a somewhat rotational motion of a drive shaft and the cam follower440to a mostly linear motion of the piston400.

FIG. 17is a perspective view of a partially constructed pump450having a crankcase452and a plurality of hollow pistons400extending therefrom. Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate three pistons provided in series. It will be recognized, however, that alternative arrangement and embodiments contemplate the provision of greater than or fewer than three pistons, as well as alternative spacing and arrangement of the pistons.

FIG. 18is a perspective view of a piston500according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the piston500comprises an at least partially hollow piston member with apertures504,506provided in opposing sidewalls of the piston body to permit fluid flow into a hollow portion510of the piston. The piston500comprises a valve cap502that is interconnected to at least one and preferably two support arms508a,508b. When the piston is provided in a vacuum or suction state, the valve cap502is drawn to an open position, and distal ends of the support arms508are translatable within the apertures504,506. Distal ends of the support arms508contact an interior surface505of the apertures504,506. The support arms508are also connected to the valve cap502to prevent the valve cap502from being dislodged from the piston when the piston is in a suction state. In a pressurized state, a fluid provided in a chamber above the valve cap502(not shown inFIG. 18) provides a compressive force to the valve cap502and seals the valve cap502to the piston. The support arms508thus comprise “catch” members to prevent dislocation of the valve cap502in suction, and which assume a generally passive state when the piston is provided in compression.

The valve cap502preferably comprises a conical or frustoconical member that is displaceable between open and closed position to control a fluid flow through the hollow piston500. When the piston500is provided in a vacuum state, the piston head502is provided in an open position wherein fluid is allowed to flow from the hollow portion510to a piston chamber space provided above the piston. When the piston is driven to force a fluid, the piston head502is provided in a closed position to provide an arrangement suitable for driving and pressurizing a fluid and expelling fluid from the piston chamber.

FIG. 19is a perspective view of a piston600according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the piston600comprises an at least partially hollow piston with a shaft604and at least one aperture605provided in the shaft. The aperture605is operable to receive a fluid from a low-pressure inlet of a pump and ultimately transmit the fluid through the interior volume of the piston. One end of the piston600is in communication with a drive shaft and/or cam of a pump, and the second end of the piston comprises at least one outlet608to expel fluid from the piston600in a high-pressure section of the pump. A valve assembly is provided at the second end of the piston. The valve assembly, as will be shown and described herein, comprises a locking member606to secure a valve cap and a spring.

As shown in more detail inFIGS. 20-21, the second end of the piston600comprises a valve cap612which is biased toward a closed position by biasing member in the form of a coil spring610. The valve cap612and the coil spring610are held in place by the locking member606. Specifically, the locking member comprises a plurality of extensions609. One end of the spring610is provided in force-transmitting communication with the underside of at least one of the extensions609. A second end of the spring is provided in force-transmitting communication with the valve cap612to bias the valve cap612toward a closed position wherein the piston chamber is closed or sealed at the upper end. The extensions609also provide a means to secure or lock the locking member606in place and secure the various components to the piston600. As shown inFIG. 20, the extensions609are selectively positionable with respect to a contoured upper end of the piston600. Specifically, the locking member606is selectively positionable between a locked and unlocked state by way of rotation of the locking member606about a vertical axis. The locking member606comprises an opening607in its upper end to accommodate a screwdriver, a key, or similar tool, and to allow for rotation of the locking member606between a locked or secured state and an unlocked or unsecured state. Locking members606of the present disclosure provide a means for quickly and easily disassembling components of the pistons in the event that such components require service, cleaning, replacement, etc.

As shown inFIG. 21, the valve cap612comprises an upstanding or domed center portion which is operable to receive and align the spring610. The domed portion also provides structural integrity to the valve cap612. The valve cap612is biased toward a closed position (as shown inFIG. 21), and is displaceable between an open position and closed position. When the piston is provided in a suction mode (i.e. the during the downstroke of the piston), the valve cap612is forced to an open position wherein fluid is drawn into the aperture605, the internal volume of the piston600, and wherein the fluid fills a chamber space by flowing through the at least one outlet608provided on the second end of the piston. The spring610is operable to bias the valve cap612toward a closed position. When the piston600is driven to provide a compression to a fluid, the valve cap612is forced to a closed position wherein the internal volume614of the piston600is sealed and fluid that previously translated through the aperture608is forced through a high-pressure section of the pump and expelled as a pressurized fluid.

FIG. 22is an exploded perspective view of a piston600according to the embodiment ofFIG. 19. As shown, the locking member606comprises a plurality of extensions and preferably four extensions609that are operable to secure the locking member, the spring610and the valve cap612. The extensions also provide a contact surface for the coil spring610. The plurality of extensions609are operable to contact and communicate with a contoured upper portion of the piston600.

FIGS. 23A-23Bdepict the piston600ofFIG. 22in an assembled and unlocked state. As shown inFIG. 23A, the plurality of extensions609are provided in alignment with convex portions618of the upper end of the piston600, thereby allowing insertion of the locking member606within the upper end of the piston600.FIGS. 24A-24Bdepict the piston and various components in an assembled and locked state. With reference toFIG. 24A, the locking member606is provided in a locked state by rotating the locking member606about a substantially vertical axis and by about ninety degrees until the protrusions609are provided beneath and in force-transmitting communication with concave portions611(seeFIG. 23A) of the piston. In some embodiments, the protrusions609comprise rounded or curved upper surface, and the concave portions611comprise a rounded lower edge to receive and correspond with the rounded or curved upper surface of the protrusions.FIG. 24Aprovides a piston and valve assembly in a locked or secured state wherein the piston is capable of functioning in its intended manner to pressurize a fluid.

Various features and embodiments of pumping devices are provided herein. It will be recognized, however, that various features are not necessarily specific to certain embodiments and may be provided on any one or more embodiments. The present disclosure and embodiments provided herein are not mutually exclusive and may be combined, substituted, and omitted. The scope of the invention(s) provided herein is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, drawing, or particular arrangement of features.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.