Piston pump with pump inlet check valve

• US 6,764,286 B2
• Filed: 10/29/2001
• Issued: 07/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Co. (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Co. (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Every, Peter, Barron, Richard J., Hunnicutt, Harry A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Justine R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SAYOC, EMMANUEL
• Application Number:
  US10/054,311
• Publication Number:
  US 20030086801A1
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 417/470, 417/471, 417/547, 417/DIG.1, 417/549, 417/550, 417/552, 417/553, 417/554, 417/555.1, 417/562, 417/570, 137/859, 914/22, 92/1, 603/29, 267/170, 267/166, 267/286, 267/155, 267/167
• US Class Current: 417/470
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/4031 Pump units characterised by their construction or mounting pump units in combination with valve blocks B60T8/36
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 53/126 Ball valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/144 the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery

Abstract

A piston pump comprises cylinder attached within a cavity of a pump housing. An outlet check valve seat is defined about an outlet of the cylinder. A piston is slidably received in a bore of the cylinder and has a first passageway formed therein. A cylinder head encloses the outlet of the cylinder and defines a second passageway therein. The first passageway has an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity of the pump housing, and an outlet in fluid communication with a pumping chamber defined in the pump housing. A first spring retains the piston to the cylinder. A first check valve member is a ball retained near a valve seat formed in the first passageway of the piston by a disk spring, and allows fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of the piston.

Claims

1. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member fixed with a snap fit to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed with a snap fit to said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a retaining element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said retaining element having an aperture for the passage of fluid;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

2. The piston pump according to claim 1 wherein said retaining element includes a generally cup-shaped retainer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, said cup-shaped retainer engaging said piston and retaining said first check valve member within said first passageway of said piston.

3. The piston pump according to claim 1 wherein said retaining element is spaced apart from said first check valve member when said first check valve member is seated on said piston valve seat.

4. The piston pump according to claim 1 wherein said cylinder is one of a plurality of cylinders disposed in said pump housing, each of said plurality of cylinders having a reciprocal piston therein for pumping fluid.

5. The piston pump according to claim 1 wherein said first spring member is releasably fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and releasably fixed to said cylinder.

6. The piston pump according to claim 1 wherein said cylinder, said piston, and said first spring member define a subassembly;

wherein said first spring member comprises a conical spring having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;

wherein the first end of said cylinder includes a tapered portion substantially in the shape of a frustrum of a cone and a circumferentially extending first groove formed at a larger diameter portion of the frustrum;

wherein the first end of said piston includes a circumferentially extending second groove in an outer surface thereof; and

wherein the large diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder, and the small diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the second groove of said piston.

7. The piston pump according to claim 6 wherein said conical spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder with a snap fit, and within the second groove of said piston with a snap fit.

8. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member fixed with a snap fit to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed with a snap fit to said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

9. The piston pump according to claim 8 further including a generally bell-shaped check valve seat mounted within said outlet end of said first passageway of said piston.

10. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said second spring member is a conical spring, said spring member being attached to said bell-shaped check valve seat and to said piston.

11. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said second check valve member is generally disk-shaped having first and second opposed axial faces, said first axial face cooperating with said open second end of said cylinder to define a separation between said first passageway of said piston and said second passageway of said cylinder head, said third spring member engaging said second axial face of said second check valve member to urge said second check valve member toward said cylinder.

12. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said second check valve member is generally disk-shaped having first and second opposed axial faces, said first axial face being generally planar and cooperating with said open second end of said cylinder to define a separation between said first passageway of said piston and said second passageway of said cylinder head, said second axial face having an annular boss centered thereon and defining a generally cylindrical recess, an outwardly extending surface of said annular boss engaging said third spring member.

13. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said second check valve member is generally disk-shaped having first and second opposed axial faces, each of said axial faces having an annular boss centered thereon and defining a generally cylindrical recess, an outwardly extending surface of said annular boss of each of said axial faces able to cooperate with said open second end of said cylinder and engage said third spring member.

14. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said cylinder is one of a plurality of cylinders disposed in said pump housing, each of said cylinders having a reciprocal piston therein for pumping fluid.

15. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said first spring member is releasably fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and releasably fixed to said cylinder.

16. The piston pump according to claim 8 wherein said cylinder, said piston, and said first spring member define a subassembly;

wherein said first spring member comprises a conical spring having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;

wherein the first end of said cylinder includes a tapered portion substantially in the shape of a frustrum of a cone and a circumferentially extending first groove formed at a larger diameter portion of the frustrum;

wherein the first end of said piston includes a circumferentially extending second groove in an outer surface thereof; and

wherein the large diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder, and the small diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the second groove of said piston.

17. The piston pump according to claim 16 wherein said spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder with a snap fit, and within the second groove of said piston with a snap fit.

18. A check valve, comprising:

a body having a first axial surface, a second axial surface, and an axial passageway formed therethrough;

a plurality of fingers extending axially from said second axial surface of said body, each of said fingers having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a flange extending radially inward from the distal end of each of said plurality of fingers; and

a generally planar movable element disposed between said second axial surface and each said flange of each of said plurality of fingers, said movable element travelling between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

19. The check valve according to claim 18 wherein said movable element is a disk spring having a plurality of serpentine legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, whereby said disk spring travels from an open position in which fluid can flow through said axially extending passageway and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axially extending passageway, said retaining element slidingly attached to said body between the second axial surface of said body and each flange of each of said plurality of fingers.

20. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a subassembly comprising;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing, a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston; and

a first spring member fixed with a snap fit to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed with a snap fit to said cylinder;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder of said subassembly, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member fixed to said piston, said second spring member disposed to bias said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

21. The piston pump according to claim 20, wherein said second spring member is spaced apart from said first check valve member when said first check valve member is seated against said piston valve seat.

22. The piston pump according to claim 20 wherein said first spring member comprises a conical spring having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;

wherein the first end of said cylinder includes a tapered portion substantially in the shape of a frustrum of a cone and a circumferentially extending first groove formed at a larger diameter portion of the frustrum;

wherein the first end of said piston includes a circumferentially extending second groove in an outer surface thereof; and

wherein the large diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder, and the small diameter end of said conical spring is disposed within the second groove of said piston.

23. The piston pump according to claim 22 wherein said spring is disposed within the first groove of said cylinder with a snap fit, and within the second groove of said piston with a snap fit.

24. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a retaining element including a disk spring, said retaining element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, and having an aperture for the passage of fluid;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

25. The piston pump according to claim 24 wherein said retaining element further includes a generally cup-shaped retainer having a central aperture extending therethrough, said cup-shaped retainer engaging said piston and retaining said disk spring against said piston.

26. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a disk spring for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said disk spring having a plurality of spirally arranged legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion aperture for receiving said first check valve member, said disk spring attached to said outlet end of said piston, whereby deflection of said legs limits the movement of said first check valve member;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

27. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a movable element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said movable element having an aperture for the passage of fluid and being formed from at least two materials having different thermal expansion coefficients, whereby a change in temperature causes said movable element to change shape such that the limitation on movement of said first check valve member by said retaining element is changed;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

28. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a retaining element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said retaining element having an aperture for the passage of fluid, and being formed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient different from the thermal expansion coefficient of the material from which said piston is formed, said retaining element being positioned adjacent said piston, whereby a change in temperature causes at least a portion of said retaining element to distort relative to said piston, whereby the range of movement of said first check valve member is changed;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

29. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston comprising;

a first axial surface,

a second axial surface,

an axial first passageway formed from said first axial surface to said second axial surface, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing,

a plurality of fingers extending axially from said second axial surface, each of said fingers having an inner surface and an outer surface, and

a flange extending radially inward from a free end of each of said plurality of fingers;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a retaining element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said retaining element having an aperture for the passage of fluid;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

30. The piston pump according to claim 29 wherein said retaining element is a disk spring having a plurality of serpentine legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, said disk spring being attached to said second axial surface of said piston, whereby said disk spring travels between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

31. The piston pump according to claim 29 wherein said retaining element is a disk spring having a plurality of serpentine legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, said disk spring being slidingly attached to said second axial surface of said piston, whereby said disk spring travels between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

32. The piston pump according to claim 30 wherein said disk spring is disposed between said second axial surface of said piston and each said flange of each of said plurality of fingers, said disk spring travelling between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway of said piston, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

33. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, wherein said first check valve member includes a generally disk-shaped head, a shaft having a generally cylindrical first end connected to said disk-shaped head and a generally conical second end opposite said disk-shaped head, said shaft having a plurality of generally triangular fins disposed circumferentially on the shaft at about 120 degrees from each other, said fins extending from said disk-shaped head to said second end of said shaft, each of said fins having a lip for attaching said second spring member formed at said second end of said shaft;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

34. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, wherein said first check valve member includes a generally disk-shaped head, a generally conical shaft having a large diameter first end connected to said disk-shaped head and a second end opposite said disk-shaped head, said shaft having a plurality of generally trapezoidal fins disposed circumferentially on the shaft at about 120 degrees from each other, said fins extending axially along said shaft from said disk-shaped head to a point beyond said second end of said shaft, said fins being joined to one another with a Y-shaped cross-section beyond said second end of said conical shaft;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

35. The piston pump according to claim 34 wherein said second spring member is a conical spring extending between said second first check valve member and said second check valve member, said conical spring biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said piston.

36. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway, wherein said second check valve member includes generally disk-shaped check valve seat having first and second opposed axial faces and an axially extending passageway formed centrally therein, and a spring element, said first axial face of said check valve seat having a smoothly rounded annular boss about said axially extending passageway and abutting said second end of said cylinder, said second axial face having a plurality of castellations at a periphery thereof and a convex protrusion centrally formed about an opening of said axially extending passageway, said spring element secured in place between said cylinder head and said second check valve member;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

37. The piston pump according to claim 36 wherein said axially extending passageway is volute shaped.

38. The piston pump according to claim 36 wherein said retaining element is a disk spring having a plurality of spirally arranged legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, whereby said disk spring travels between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axially extending passageway, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axially extending passageway.

39. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston comprising;

a first end surface,

a second end surface,

an axial passageway formed from said first end surface to said second end surface, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing,

a plurality of fingers extending axially from said first end surface, and

a flange extending radially inward from a free end of each of said plurality of fingers;

a first spring member bearing against an exterior portion of said piston and bearing against said cylinder;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

40. The piston pump according to claim 39 wherein said retaining element is a disk spring having a plurality of serpentine legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, said disk spring being attached to said second axial surface of said piston, whereby said disk spring travels between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway of said piston, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway of said piston.

41. The piston pump according to claim 39 wherein said retaining element is a disk spring having a plurality of serpentine legs defining channels for the passage of fluid, and a central portion for preventing the passage of fluid, said disk spring being slidingly attached to said second axial surface of said piston, whereby said disk spring travels between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

42. The piston pump according to claim 40 wherein said disk spring is disposed between said second axial surface of said piston and said flange of each of said plurality of fingers, said disk spring travelling between an open position in which fluid can flow through said axial passageway of said piston, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through said axial passageway.

43. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore defining an inside diameter and having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a generally cylindrical piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing, wherein an outer surface of said piston defines a largest outside diameter, the largest outside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of said cylinder, and wherein said piston includes a circumferentially extending groove defined in the outer surface thereof, said groove defining a groove diameter smaller than the largest outside diameter;

a first spring member fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed to said cylinder, wherein said first spring member directly engages said piston within said groove, and wherein said first spring urges said piston and said cylinder relatively away from each other;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a retaining element for limiting the range of movement of said first check valve member, said retaining element having an aperture for the passage of fluid;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a second spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said second spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

44. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being attached to said pump housing and disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore defining an inside diameter and having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a generally cylindrical piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing, wherein an outer surface of said piston defines a largest outside diameter, the largest outside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of said cylinder, and wherein said piston includes a circumferentially extending groove defined in the outer surface thereof, said groove defining a groove diameter smaller than the largest outside diameter;

a first spring member fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed to said cylinder, wherein said first spring member directly engages said piston within said groove, and wherein said first spring urges said piston and said cylinder relatively away from each other;

a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder and to said pump housing, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member extending between said first check valve member and said piston, said second spring member biasing said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

45. A piston pump comprising:

a pump housing defining a cavity therein;

a subassembly comprising;

a cylinder having open first and second ends, said cylinder being disposed in said cavity within said housing, a longitudinal bore being defined through said cylinder, said longitudinal bore defining an inside diameter and having an inlet at said first end and an outlet at said second end, said cylinder defining an outlet check valve seat about the outlet of said second end;

a generally cylindrical piston slidably received in said open first end of said cylinder, said piston having a first passageway formed therein, said first passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston being in fluid communication with said cavity of said pump housing, a piston valve seat being defined about said outlet end of said piston, wherein an outer surface of said piston defines a largest outside diameter, the largest outside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of said cylinder, and wherein said piston includes a circumferentially extending groove defined in the outer surface thereof, said groove defining a groove diameter smaller than the largest outside diameter; and

a first spring member fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and fixed to said cylinder, wherein said first spring member directly engages said piston within said groove, and wherein said first spring urges said piston and said cylinder relatively away from each other;

a cylinder head attached to said cylinder of said subassembly, said cylinder head enclosing said open second end of said cylinder, a second passageway being formed within said cylinder head, said second passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of said second passageway being in fluid communication with an aperture in said pump housing;

a first check valve member disposed in the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston, said first check valve member cooperating with said piston valve seat to allow fluid to flow only from the inlet end of said first passageway of said piston to the outlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second spring member fixed to said piston, said second spring member disposed to bias said first check valve member toward said inlet end of said first passageway of said piston;

a second check valve member disposed between said cylinder head and said second end of said cylinder, said second check valve member allowing fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of said second passageway;

a third spring member extending between said cylinder head and said second check valve member, said third spring member biasing said second check valve member toward said outlet check valve seat of said second end of said cylinder; and

a drive arrangement selectively reciprocating said piston in said cylinder, whereby fluid is introduced into said first passageway of said piston, passes into said longitudinal bore of said cylinder via said first check valve member, is urged from said longitudinal bore by the reciprocating motion of said piston, and is delivered to said second passageway via said second check valve member.

46. A piston sub-assembly for a piston pump, said piston pump including a pump body defining a bore and a surface about said bore, said bore defining an inside diameter, said piston sub-assembly comprising:

a generally cylindrical piston slidably received in said bore, wherein an outer surface of said piston defines a largest outside diameter, the largest outside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of said bore, and wherein said piston includes a circumferentially extending groove defined in the outer surface thereof, said groove defining a groove diameter smaller than the largest outside diameter; and

a spring member fixed to an exterior portion of said piston and engaging said surface of said pump body, wherein said spring member directly engages said piston within said groove, and wherein said spring urges said piston relatively away from said pump.