Patent Publication Number: US-9429146-B2

Title: Pressure intensifier

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to pumps and more particularly to a device configured to boost the pressure of incoming fluid, wherein the device is powered by a portion of the incoming fluid to boost the pressure of the outgoing fluid. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Increased fluid pressure is desirable in many different applications. For instance, many devices are installed on the end of a garden hose for increasing the pressure of the outgoing water. In most instances, such devices merely streamline the outgoing fluid, which gives the user the sense the fluid pressure is more powerful, when in reality the pressure is not boosted/increased at all. 
     In order to truly increase the fluid pressure, pumps are typically used. Pumps are well known devices which typically use mechanical action to boost fluid pressure. Pumps generally require a power source for driving the mechanical action of the pump. For instance, many pumps are manually actuated to use energy expended by a user for driving the pump. Other pumps may be driven by other means, such as electricity, gas or wind power. 
     Although conventional pumps may be useful for boosting the pressure of a fluid, conventional pumps suffer from several deficiencies. One deficiency is that the pumps are complex devices which are costly to manufacture and operate. Furthermore, operation of the pump may have a detrimental effect on the environment, as the fuel used to power the pump may generate environmentally harmful emissions. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved pressure boosting device that operates in a more cost effective manner and that is more environmentally friendly. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment there is provided a fluid pressure intensifier configured for use with a pressurized fluid source. The fluid pressure intensifier includes a primary housing including a first chamber, a second chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and an exhaust. A primary inlet passageway extends between the inlet and the first and second chambers. An outlet passageway extends between the outlet and the first and second pump chambers. First and second pistons heads are coupled to each other and are disposed within and moveable within respective ones of the first and second chambers. The first piston head divides the first chamber into a first medial chamber and a first lateral chamber, while the second piston head divides the second chamber into a second medial chamber and a second lateral chamber. A valve housing is coupled to the primary housing and includes an inner valve chamber fluidly coupled to the inlet via a secondary inlet passageway. A valve member is disposed within the inner valve chamber and is transitional relative to the valve housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the inlet is in fluid communication with the first lateral chamber via the inner valve chamber, the first medial chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet via the outlet passageway, the second medial chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet via the primary inlet passageway, and the exhaust is in fluid communication with the second lateral chamber via the inner valve chamber. In the second position, the inlet is in fluid communication with the second lateral chamber via the inner valve chamber, the second medial chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet via the outlet passageway, the first medial chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet via the primary inlet passageway, and the exhaust is in fluid communication with the first lateral chamber via the inner valve chamber. 
     The valve member may include a valve sleeve and a valve stem coaxially aligned with the valve sleeve and moveable relative thereto between a first stem position and a second stem position. 
     An over-center linkage may be coupled to the second piston head and the valve stem to correlate movement of the valve stem to movement of the piston heads. The over-center linkage may includes a slide body translatably coupled to valve stem and a spring element coupled to the second piston head. 
     The valve member may include an inner cylindrical portion defining an inner opening sized to receive the valve stem, and a plurality of annular ribs coupled to and extending radially outward from the inner cylindrical portion. The plurality of annular ribs may define a plurality of channels between adjacent ones of the plurality of rib. At least one of the channels may be in fluid communication with the secondary inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway. 
     The valve sleeve and the valve stem may collectively define a fluid connection passageway which moves relative to the valve housing as the valve sleeve moves between the first and second stem positions. When the valve stem is in the first stem position, the fluid connection passageway is in fluid communication with the first medial chamber and the exhaust, and when the valve stem is in the second stem position, the fluid connection passageway is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first medial chamber. When the valve stem is in the first stem position, the fluid connection passageway may be fluidly isolated from the inlet, and when the valve stem is in the second stem position, the fluid connection passageway may be fluidly isolated from the exhaust. 
     The primary housing may include an intermediate wall separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The intermediate wall may include an aperture formed therein. A connecting rod may extend through the aperture in the intermediate wall and may be connected to the first and second piston heads on opposed end portions thereof. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided a pressure intensifier for use with a pressurized fluid source. The pressure intensifier includes a main body having first and second chambers disposed therein. First and second interconnected piston heads are disposed within respective ones of the first and second chambers, wherein the first piston head divides the first chamber into primary and secondary portions, and the second piston head divides the second chamber into primary and secondary portions. The first and second pistons heads are moveable relative to the main body between first and second piston positions. An inlet valve is connected to the main body and is fluidly connectable with the pressurized fluid source and transitional between first and second inlet configurations for alternately pressurizing the primary portions of the first and second chambers with fluid from the pressurized fluid source. A primary valve member is connected to the main body and is fluidly connectable with the pressurized fluid source and moveable relative to the main body between first and second valve positions for alternately pressurizing one of the secondary portions of the first and second chambers with fluid from the pressurized fluid source, and venting fluid from the other one of the secondary portions of the first and second chambers. An outlet valve member is coupled to the main body and moveable between first and second outlet configurations for alternately venting fluid from the primary portions of the first and second chambers. When the first and second piston heads are in the first position, the inlet valve member is in the first inlet configuration to allow fluid to flow into the primary portion of the first chamber with fluid from the pressurized fluid source, the primary valve member is in the first position to vent fluid from the secondary portion of the first chamber and to direct fluid into the secondary portion of the second chamber, and the outlet valve member is in the first outlet configuration to vent fluid from the primary portion of the second chamber. When the first and second piston heads are in the second position, the inlet valve member is in the second inlet configuration to allow fluid to flow into the primary portion of the second chamber with fluid from the pressurized fluid source, the primary valve member is in the second position to vent fluid from the secondary portion of the second chamber and to direct fluid from the pressurized fluid source into the secondary portion of the first chamber, and the outlet valve member is in the second outlet configuration to vent fluid from the primary portion of the first chamber. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid pressure intensifier comprising a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an exhaust, and a first and second piston chambers each being fluidly connectable to the inlet, the outlet and the exhaust. A first piston head and a second piston head are coupled to each other and are disposed within respective ones of the first and second piston chambers and moveable relative to the housing between a first piston position and a second piston position. The first piston head divides the first piston chamber into a first medial chamber and a first lateral chamber, while the second piston head divides the second piston chamber into a second medial chamber and a second lateral chamber. A valve housing defining a valve chamber is fluidly coupled to the inlet, the exhaust and the first and second piston chambers. A valve member is coupled to the housing and is fluidly connected to the inlet, the outlet and the exhaust. The valve member is moveable relative to the housing between a first valve position and a second valve position. When the valve member is in the first valve position, the inlet is fluidly connected to the second lateral chamber via the valve chamber and the first lateral chamber is fluidly connected to the exhaust via the valve chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the first medial chamber and the second medial chamber is fluidly connected to the outlet. When the valve member is in the second valve position, the inlet is fluidly connected to the first lateral chamber via the valve chamber and the second lateral chamber is fluidly connected to the exhaust via the valve chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the second medial chamber and the first medial chamber is fluidly connected to the outlet. 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a fluid pressure intensifier constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective sectional view of the pressure intensifier taken along a first cross-sectional plane; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective sectional view of the pressure intensifier taken along a second cross-sectional plane; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective sectional view of the pressure intensifier taken along a third cross-sectional plane; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the pump housing; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective sectional view of the pump housing depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective sectional view of the pressure intensifier taken along a fourth cross-sectional plane; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective sectional view of a valve assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the valve assembly depicted in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the valve assembly depicted in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the pressure intensifier; 
         FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of the pressure intensifier with the pistons and valve member in a first position; 
         FIG. 13  is a side sectional view of the pressure intensifier with the pistons moved toward a second position and the valve member in the first position; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom sectional view of the pressure intensifier depicted in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom sectional view of the pressure intensifier with the pistons in the second position and the valve member in the first position; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective sectional view of a pressure intensifier constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a fluid pressure intensifier  10  that is configured for use with a pressurized fluid. The pressure intensifier  10  is specifically adapted to utilize the pressure from the pressurized fluid to amplify or increase the pressure of outgoing fluid (e.g., fluid that exits the pressure intensifier via a pressurized outlet). In this regard, the pressurized fluid drives a pumping mechanism internal to the pressure intensifier to increase the pressure of fluid that exits the pressure intensifier  10 . 
     The pressure intensifier  10  includes a pump housing  12  having an inlet  14  and an outlet  16 . The inlet  14  is coupled to an inlet fitting  15  and the outlet  16  is coupled to an outlet fitting  17 . A valve housing  18  is connected to the pump housing  12  and includes an internal valve mechanism which communicates with an exhaust  20 . Pressurized fluid at a first pressure is introduced into the pressure intensifier  10  through the inlet  14  and the fluid is discharged through the outlet  16  at a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure. Non-pressurized fluid is discharged from pressure intensifier  10  through the exhaust  20 , which may be connected to an exhaust fitting  25 . 
     The pump housing  12  defines first and second internal chambers  22 ,  24 , which are separated by an intermediate wall  26  (see  FIG. 6 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the chambers  22 ,  24  are cylindrical in shape and are co-axially aligned with each other. First and second piston heads  28 ,  30  reside within the first and second internal pumping chambers  22 ,  24 , respectively. The piston heads  28 ,  30  define a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the pumping chambers  22 ,  24 . In the exemplary embodiment, the piston heads  28 ,  30  define a cylindrical configuration having an outer diameter that is complimentary in shape to the diameter defined by the walls of the cylindrically shaped pumping chambers  22 ,  24 . Sealing members  35 ,  37 , e.g., o-rings, are used to form a fluid tight seal between the piston heads  28 ,  30  and the walls which define the chambers  22 ,  24 . 
     Each piston head  28 ,  30  divides the respective chamber  22 ,  24  into a medial portion and a lateral portion. In particular, the first piston head  28  divides the first chamber  22  into a first medial chamber  32  and a first lateral chamber  34 , and the second piston head  30  divides the second chamber  24  into a second medial chamber  36  and a second lateral chamber  38 . 
     The piston heads  28 ,  30  are connected to each other via a connecting rod  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). The connecting rod  40  extends through an aperture  42  (see  FIG. 6 ) formed within the intermediate wall  26  and is connected to the first piston head  28  adjacent a first end portion of the rod  40  and the second piston head  30  adjacent a second end portion of the rod  40 . Given the interconnection of the first piston head  28  to the second piston head  30  via the connecting rod  40 , movement of the piston heads  28 ,  30  is synchronized. In other words, the first piston head  28  moves in the same direction and at the same speed as the second piston head  30 . As will be described in more detail below, the piston heads  28 ,  30  reciprocate between first and second piston positions relative to the pump housing  12  to pressurize fluid located within the first and second medial chambers  32 ,  36 . 
     An intermediate sealing element  44  (see  FIG. 6 ) is disposed within the aperture  42  and provides a seal around the rod  40 , while still allowing the rod  40  to translate within the aperture  42 . The sealing element  44  is intended to prevent fluid migration between the first and second chambers  22 ,  24  through the aperture  42 . In one embodiment, the intermediate sealing element may include a rubber gasket or a series of o-rings disposed about the rod  40 . 
     A valve housing  18  is coupled to the pump housing  12  and defines an internal valve chamber  46 . In the exemplary embodiment, the valve housing  18  mates with the pump housing  12  and a sealing element may be used to create a fluid tight seal between the pump housing  12  and the valve housing  18 . 
     Several of the Figures show various cross sectional views taken along different cross-sectional planes to illustrate various aspects of the pump housing  12  and the internal components. Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pressure intensifier  10  taken in a first cross sectional plane to highlight inlet passageways formed within the pump housing  12  through which fluid flows when it is received at the inlet  14 . In particular, the pump housing  12  includes two internal inlet passageways in fluid communication with the inlet  14 , namely a primary inlet passageway  48  and a secondary inlet passageway  50 . The primary and secondary inlet passageways  48 ,  50  intersect at an inlet junction  52  wherein the inlet fluid is divided such that a portion of the inlet fluid travels through the primary inlet passageway  48  and the remaining portion of the inlet fluid travels through the secondary inlet passageway  50 . Preferably, substantially half of the inlet fluid travels through the primary inlet passageway  48 , while the remaining half travels through the secondary inlet passageway  50 . 
     The primary inlet passageway  48  extends between the inlet  14  and the first and second internal pumping chambers  22 ,  24 , and more specifically, the first and second medial chambers  32 ,  36  thereof. A first inlet valve  54  controls fluid flow from the primary inlet passageway  48  to the first medial chamber  32  of the first pumping chamber  22 , and a second inlet valve  56  controls fluid flow from the primary inlet passageway  48  to the second medial chamber  36  of the second pumping chamber  24 . Under normal operating conditions, when the first inlet valve  54  is open, the second inlet valve  56  is closed, and when the first inlet valve  54  is closed, the second inlet valve  56  is open. In this regard, fluid flowing through the primary inlet passageway  48  typically flows through whichever one of the first and second inlet valves  54 ,  56  is open. 
     According to one embodiment, the first and second inlet valves  54 ,  56  include disc-shaped bodies that move relative to first and second inlet valve openings, such that the valve bodies are moved away from the respective valve openings when the valves  54 ,  56  are in the open position to allow fluid to flow through the valves  54 ,  56 . In the closed position, the valve bodies are seated against the valve openings to cover the valve openings and prevent fluid from flowing through the valves  54 ,  56 . 
     The secondary inlet passageway  50  extends from the inlet junction  52  to a valve inlet passageway  58 , which communicates with the internal valve chamber  46 . Thus, fluid diverted into the secondary inlet passageway  50  is delivered to the internal valve chamber  46  by way of the valve inlet passageway  58 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pressure intensifier  10 , wherein the cross section is taken within a second cross sectional plane to depict a first valve outlet passageway  60  and an internal delivery passageway  62  extending from the internal valve chamber  46  to the first lateral chamber  34  of the first pumping chamber  22 . In this regard, fluid may be delivered from the internal valve chamber  46  to the first pumping chamber  22  via the first valve outlet passageway  60  and the delivery passageway  62 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pressure intensifier  10 , wherein the cross section is taken in a third cross sectional plane to highlight the fluid communication between the outlet  16  and the first and second chambers  22 ,  24 . In particular, the first chamber  22  includes a first outlet valve  64  including one or more first outlet openings  66  and a first outlet valve body  68  that is moveable relative to the openings  66  between closed and open positions. Similarly, the second chamber  24  includes a second outlet valve  70  including one or more second outlet openings  72  and a second outlet valve body  74  that is moveable relative to the openings  72  between closed and open positions. The first and second outlet valves  64 ,  70  are in fluid communication with each other via an outlet manifold  76 , which includes the outlet opening  16  which communicates with an outlet fitting  17 . 
     During routine operation of the pressure intensifier  10 , the first and second outlet valves  64 ,  70  preferably operate oppositely to each other. In other words, when the first outlet valve  64  is open (e.g., the first outlet valve body  68  is spaced from the first outlet openings  66 ), the second outlet valve  70  is closed (e.g., the second outlet valve body  74  is seated against the second outlet openings  72 ). Conversely, when the second outlet valve  70  is open (e.g., the second outlet valve body  74  is spaced from the second outlet openings  72 ), the first outlet valve  64  is closed (e.g., the first outlet valve body  68  is seated against the first outlet openings  66 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the pump housing  12  showing the inlet  14  and the first and second outlet openings  66 ,  72 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective cross sectional view showing the first and second inlet valves  54 ,  56  and the first outlet openings  66 . 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pressure intensifier  10 , wherein the cross section is taken in a fourth cross sectional plane to highlight a valve exhaust passageway  75  that extends from the internal valve chamber  46  to the exhaust  20 . As will be explained in more detail below, fluid exiting the exhaust  20  is different from the fluid exiting the outlet  16 . In particular, fluid exiting the outlet  16  has been pressurized to a pressure that is greater than the inlet pressure. Conversely, fluid exiting the exhaust  20  is not at an elevated pressure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , there is depicted a valve assembly  80  used to control fluid flow within the internal valve chamber  46 . The valve assembly  80  includes an annular valve sleeve  82  and a valve stem  84  disposed within a central opening  86  formed with the valve sleeve  82  wherein the valve stem  84  is translatable relative to the valve sleeve  82 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     The exemplary valve sleeve  82  includes an inner cylindrical portion  88  and three annular ribs  90 ,  92 ,  96  extending radially outward from the inner cylindrical portion  88  in spaced relation to each other to define a pair of annular channels  96 ,  98  between adjacent ribs. In particular, a first annular channel  96  is formed between a first rib  90  and a second rib  92 , and a second annular channel  98  is formed between the second rib  92  and a third rib  94 . The radial end portion of each rib  90 ,  92 ,  94  includes a respective cutout  100 ,  102 ,  104  formed therein that is sized and configured to receive a sealing member  106 , e.g., an o-ring, for creating a fluid tight seal between the valve sleeve  82  and the valve housing  18  such that the first and second annular channels  96 ,  98  define separate flow passages, as will be described in more detail below. 
     The inner cylindrical portion  88  includes a plurality of first channel apertures  106  disposed in a radial pattern and in fluid communication with the first annular channel  96  and a plurality of second channel apertures  108  disposed in a radial pattern and in fluid communication with the second annular channel  98 . A first end portion  110  of the inner cylindrical portion  88  defines a plurality of cutouts  112  positioned in a radial pattern which are configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough, as will be described in more detail below. 
     According to one embodiment, the valve sleeve  82  is formed from three sub-elements, wherein each sub-element defines a respective one of the annular ribs  90 ,  92 ,  96 , as shown in the exploded view depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
     The exemplary valve stem  84  includes a stem neck  114  having an enlarged first end portion  116  and an opposed, enlarged second end portion  118 . The second end portion  118  is connected to a cylindrical stem body  120  which defines an inner stem opening  122 . A pair of annular stem ribs  124 ,  126  extend radially outward from the cylindrical stem body  120  and each stem rib  124 ,  126  includes an annular cutout  128 ,  130  configured to receive a sealing member  132 , e.g., an o-ring, for creating a fluid tight seal between the valve stem  84  and the valve sleeve  82 . 
     The valve sleeve  82  and valve stem  84  collectively define a moveable fluid coupling segment  125  which is defined by the inner surface of the inner cylindrical portion  88 , the first and second ribs  124 ,  126  and the outer surface of the stem body  120  extending between the first and second ribs  124 ,  126 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the fluid coupling segment  125  extends between, and is in fluid communication with, the first annular channel  96  and the second annular channel  98 , which will be described below as the second stem position. The valve stem  84  is moveable to a first stem position, wherein the fluid coupling segment  125  is moved such that the first and second annular channels  96 ,  98  are not in fluid communication with each other. 
     The valve stem  84  further includes an annular end protrusion  134  disposed adjacent an end portion of the stem body  120  opposite the stem neck  114 . The end protrusion  134  also includes a cutout  136  formed to receive a sealing member  138 . 
     A first valve stem cutout  135  is formed on the valve stem  84  between the second end portion  118  of the neck  114 , and the first stem rib  124 . The first valve stem cutout  135  is in fluid communication with the inner stem opening  122 . A second valve stem cutout  140  is formed between the end protrusion  134  and the adjacent one of the pair of stem ribs  126  and is in fluid communication with the inner stem opening  122 . 
     A slide body  142  is coupled to the stem neck  114  and translates along the stem neck  114  between the first and second end portions  116 ,  118  thereof. The slide body  142  is coupled to a pair of spring elements  144 ,  146 , which are also engaged with the second piston head  30 . As will be described in more detail below, the movement of the second piston head  30  energizes the springs elements  144 ,  146 , which causes the slide body  142  to translate along the stem neck  114 , which in turn, causes the valve stem  84  to translate relative to the valve sleeve  82 . 
     With the basic structural features of the pressure intensifier  10  described above, the following discussion will focus on operation of the pressure intensifier  10 . During operation of the pressure intensifier  10 , the piston heads  28 ,  30  transition between first and second piston positions, and the valve stem  84  transitions between first and second stem positions. As the piston heads  28 ,  30  and valve stem  84  reciprocate between their respective first and second positions, the fluid pressure of the fluid received at the pump housing  12  and discharged through the outlet  16  is increased. In particular, the pressure is increased within the medial chamber that is compressed by the movement of the piston heads  28 ,  30 . The force driving the piston heads  28 ,  30  is provided by the pressurized fluid entering the expanding medial chamber portion via the respective inlet valve  54 ,  56 , as well as the pressure in the fluid entering the expanding lateral chamber portion. The expanding medial chamber portion and expanding lateral chamber portions will be located in separate ones of the first and second internal pump chambers  22 ,  24 , and will vary depending on the direction of movement of the piston heads  28 ,  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the piston heads  28 ,  30  are shown in the first piston position and the valve stem  84  is shown in a second stem position. In the first piston position, the first medial chamber  32  is in an expanded state and is filled with fluid from the first valve inlet  54 . The first lateral chamber  34  is in a contracted state and is in fluid communication with the delivery passageway  62  to receive pressurized fluid therefrom. In the second stem position, the valve stem  84  is positioned relative the valve sleeve  82  to allow the first annular channel  96  to be in fluid communication with the second annular channel  98  via the fluid coupling segment  125 . 
     Pressurized fluid is received from the pressurized fluid source via the inlet  14  and the pressurized fluid is diverted at the inlet junction  52  (see  FIG. 2 ) such that a first portion of the pressurized fluid is communicated to the second inlet valve  56  to begin filling the second medial chamber  36  of the second pumping chamber  24 . A second portion of the pressurized fluid is communicated to the internal valve chamber  46  via the valve inlet passageway  58  (see  FIG. 2 ), which is in fluid communication with the second annular channel  98 . When the valve stem  84  is in the second position, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the fluid coupling segment  125  fluidly connects the second annular channel  98  to the first annular channel  96  to allow the inlet fluid received in the second annular channel  98  to be communicated to the first annular channel  96  via the fluid coupling segment  125 . The first annular channel  96  is in fluid communication with the first valve outlet  60  to receive the pressurized inlet fluid from the first annular channel  96  and to deliver the pressurized inlet fluid to the delivery passageway  62 , which in turn, delivers the fluid to the first lateral chamber  34  of the first pumping chamber  22 . 
     Therefore, while the first portion of the pressurized inlet fluid is directed into the second medial chamber  36  of the second pumping chamber  24 , the second portion of the pressurized inlet fluid is directed into the first lateral chamber  34  of the first pumping chamber  22 . 
     The second lateral chamber  38  of the second pumping chamber  24  and the first medial chamber  32  of the first pumping chamber  22  are filled with the fluid from a previous cycle. As the piston heads  28 ,  30  transition from the first piston position, as shown in  FIG. 12 , to the second piston position, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the pressure of the fluid contained within the first medial chamber  32  of the first pumping chamber  22  will be boosted and will exit the device  10  via the outlet  16 . The boosted pressure is the result of the fluid force applied by the first piston head  28  on the fluid contained with the first medial chamber  32  of the first pumping chamber  22 . The magnitude of that force is the combination of the pressure applied to the first piston head  28  by the pressurized fluid entering the first lateral chamber  34 , and the pressure applied to the second piston head  30  via the pressurized fluid entering the second medial chamber  36 . Since the pressure of the fluid entering the first lateral chamber  34  and the second medial chamber  36  is substantially equal to the inlet pressure of the fluid entering the inlet  14 , the pressure of the fluid exiting the device  10  via the outlet  16  is substantially equal to twice the inlet pressure. 
     Furthermore, as the second piston head  30  travels from the first piston position toward the second piston position, the fluid in the second medial chamber  38  flows into an exhaust portion  148  of the valve chamber  46 , which is in fluid communication with the valve exhaust passageway  75  (see  FIG. 7 ) and ultimately the exhaust  20 . Thus, fluid located in the second medial chamber  38  exits the device  10  via the exhaust  20  as the piston heads  28 ,  30  transition from the first piston position to the second piston position. The pressure of the fluid exiting via the exhaust  20  is minimal compared to the pressure of the fluid existing via the outlet  16 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the piston heads  28 ,  30  in the second piston position and the valve stem  84  is in the second stem position. In the second piston position, the fluid in the first medial chamber  32  has been pumped through the outlet  16  and the first medial chamber  34  has been filed with pressurized fluid. The second medial chamber  36  is also filled with pressurized fluid and the fluid in the second lateral chamber  38  has been exhausted through the exhaust  20 . At the completion of the transition from the first piston position to the second piston position, the valve stem  84  moves from the second stem position to the first stem position due to the interconnection of the valve stem  84  to the second piston head  30  via the slide body  142  and the springs  144 ,  146 , as will be described in more detail below, and as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the piston heads  28 ,  30  and valve stem  84  in the same position as that shown in  FIG. 13  (e.g., the piston heads  28 ,  30  in the second piston position and the valve stem  84  in the second stem position), although the cross section has been taken in a plane substantially orthogonal to the cross-sectional plane depicted in  FIG. 13  in order to highlight movement of the spring elements  144 ,  146  and slide body  142  along the stem neck  114 . 
     The spring elements  144 ,  146  include respective first end portions  150 ,  152  which are received within recesses  154 ,  156  formed within the second piston head  30  to couple the spring elements  144 ,  146  to the second piston head  130 . The spring elements  144 ,  146  additionally include second end portions  158 ,  156  which are received within respective ones of the slots  162 ,  164  formed within the slide body  142 . As the second piston head  30  moves between the first and second piston positions, the first end portions  150 ,  152  of the spring elements  144 ,  146  move with the second piston head  30 . Likewise, as the slide body  142  moves along the stem neck  114 , the second end portions  158 ,  160  move with the slide body  142 . 
     When the second piston head  30  moves from the first piston position to the second piston position, the tension in the spring elements  144 ,  146  increases, and the orientation of the spring elements  144 ,  146  changes, such that when the second piston head  30  reaches the second piston position, the tension in the spring elements  144 ,  146  causes movement of the second end portions  158 ,  160  of the spring elements  144 ,  146  to release the tension. The movement of the second end portions  158 ,  160  causes the slide body  142  to translate along the stem neck  114 . When the slide body  142  reaches the first end portion  116  of the stem neck  114 , the movement of the slide body  142  urges the valve stem  84  to move from the second stem position (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) to the first stem position (as shown in  FIG. 15 ). When the valve stem  84  transitions from the first stem position to the second stem position, several fluid interconnections within the internal valve chamber  46  are modified. 
       FIG. 15  shows the valve stem  84  is in the first stem position. The second valve stem cutout  140  is aligned with the second annular channel  98 , which receives pressurized fluid from the inlet  14 . The pressurized fluid passes through the second stem valve cutout  140  and enters the inner stem opening  122 . The fluid exits the inner stem opening  122  through the first stem valve cutout  135  and enters the second lateral chamber  38  of the second pumping chamber  24  such that the pressure of the fluid urges the second piston head  30  from the second piston position toward the first piston position. 
     When the valve stem  84  is in the first stem position and the piston heads  28 ,  30  are in the second piston position, the pressurized fluid received at the inlet  14  is divided into two portions, wherein the first portion is routed to the second lateral chamber  38  via the internal valve chamber  46 , while the remaining portion of the pressurized fluid is routed to the first medial chamber  32  of the first pump chamber  22 . The pressure of the fluid in the first medial chamber  32  and the second lateral chamber  38  urges the piston heads  28 ,  30  toward the first piston position, which compresses the fluid in the second medial chamber  36  and the first lateral chamber  34 . The fluid in the second medial chamber  36  exits the device  10  via the outlet  16  at a pressure that is approximately equal to twice the inlet pressure. 
     The fluid that in the first lateral chamber  34  exits the first pump chamber  22  via the delivery passageway  62  (see  FIG. 12 ) and enters the first annular channel  96  via the first valve outlet  60  (see  FIG. 12 ). When the valve stem  84  is in the first stem position, the first annular channel  96  is fluidly coupled to the exhaust portion  148  via the fluid coupling segment  125 . The exhaust portion  148  is coupled to the exhaust  20  to allow the fluid from the first lateral chamber  34  to exit the device  10  via the exhaust  20  at a minimal pressure. 
     When the piston heads  28 ,  30  reach the first piston position, the spring elements  144 ,  146  are flexed in a manner which causes the slide body  142  to slide from the first end portion  116  of the stem neck  114  toward the second end portion  116  of the stem neck  114 , which in turn, urges the valve stem  84  toward the second stem position. 
     The piston heads  28 ,  30  and the valve stem  84  continually reciprocate between their respective first and second positions so long as pressurized fluid enters the intensifier  10 . The intensifier  10  may be used to boost the outgoing fluid pressure by using the incoming fluid pressure. In this regard, the intensifier  10  does not require electricity, gas, or manual operation to boost the pressure, which reduces the cost when compared to conventional pumps, and operates cleaner because it does not release harmful emissions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , there is shown another embodiment of a pressure intensifying device  200  which uses the pressure of a separate fluid for pressure boosting. In other words, a primary fluid is introduced into the device to have its pressure boosted, while a pressurized secondary fluid is introduced into the device to boost the pressure of the primary fluid. 
     The primary distinction between the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1-15  (the first embodiment) and the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 16  (the second embodiment) is that the delivery passageway  62  included in the first embodiment is not included in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the second embodiment includes a secondary inlet that is not included in the first embodiment. Common reference numerals will be used on structural elements that are identical in the first and second embodiments, while new numbers will be assigned for structural elements that are unique to the second embodiment. 
     The second embodiment of the pressure intensifying device  200  includes a primary inlet  214  that is fluidly connectable to a primary fluid source to receive fluid therefrom. The primary inlet  214  communicates with a primary inlet passageway  248 , which is in fluid communication with the first and second medial chambers  32 ,  36 . All of the fluid from the primary inlet  214  is directed to one of the first and second medial chamber  32 ,  26 , which is different from the first embodiment which included inlet junction  52  (see  FIG. 2 ) for separating the inlet fluid into two separate portions. In this regard, all of the fluid received through the primary inlet  214  will have its pressure boosted through operation of the device. Along these lines, none of the fluid received by the primary inlet  214  will be used to boost the pressure. 
     The second embodiment further includes a secondary inlet  215  which is fluidly connectable to a secondary fluid source to receive pressurized fluid therefrom. The pressurized fluid received via the secondary inlet  215  is used to boost the pressure of the fluid received through the primary inlet  214 . The secondary inlet  215  communicates with a valve inlet passageway  258  to deliver the fluid to the inner valve chamber  46 . 
     Therefore, while the first embodiment includes a single inlet and separates the inlet fluid into two separate components to deliver fluid to the medial chambers  32 ,  36  and the valve chamber  46 , the second embodiment uniquely includes two separate inlets, wherein one inlet  214  delivers fluid to the medial chambers  32 ,  36  and the second inlet  215  delivers fluid to the valve chamber  46 . The valve and piston operation in the second embodiment is similar to the valve and piston operation described above in relation to the first embodiment, and thus reference is made to the foregoing description of the structure and operation of the valves and pistons. 
     The second embodiment may be desirable for reverse osmosis applications, wherein pressurized waste water from reverse osmosis systems is introduced into the secondary inlet to boost the pressure of fluid received via the primary inlet. The second embodiment may also be used with a municipal water line fluidly connected to the secondary inlet to use the pressure from the municipal water line to boost the pressure of fluid in the medial chambers  32 ,  36 . For instance, the water may be used to pressurize air in the medial chambers  32 ,  36 . 
     As used herein, the word “fluid” is used to refer to a liquid or a gas. Thus, the first and second embodiments may be used with both liquids and gases. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.