With Condition Responsive Control Of Pump Fluid Valve Patents (Class 417/26)
  • Patent number: 11408429
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum pump apparatus which allows reductions in thickness, weight, size, and cost of a vacuum pump control device. In the vacuum pump apparatus, a pump main body unit and a control unit which controls driving of the pump main body unit are integrated with each other. The vacuum pump apparatus has a configuration in which a spacer configured to support a load applied to a housing of the control unit is provided between a base of the pump main body unit and the housing of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sakaguchi, Yanbin Sun, Kengo Saegusa, Hideki Omori
  • Patent number: 11333153
    Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a regenerative resistor removed from the control apparatus and disposed in the vacuum pump. More specifically, the regenerative resistor is detached from a control board (control apparatus) on which a control circuit is mounted, and disposed in a base of the vacuum pump, and connected to the control board via a wire. Further, a gap is provided between the base of the vacuum pump and the control apparatus. Moreover, a cover (outer covering body) is provided in the regenerative resistor disposed in the base part of the vacuum pump and the wire part. Since the regenerative resistor is provided in the base of the vacuum pump, which has a large heat capacity, a temperature increase of the control apparatus is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Omori, Yanbin Sun, Kengo Saegusa, Yoshiyuki Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 11022106
    Abstract: A drive system for a pump includes a housing defining an internal pressure chamber, a working fluid disposed within and charging the internal pressure chamber, and a reciprocating member disposed within the internal pressure chamber. A fluid displacement component has first and second surfaces. The first surface is configured to contact the working fluid and the second surface is configured to contact the process fluid. The area of the first surface is greater than the area of the second surface. A pull extends between and connects the reciprocating member and the fluid displacement component. The pull mechanically transfers a pulling force from the reciprocating member to the fluid displacement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley H. Hines, Brian W. Koehn
  • Patent number: 10801507
    Abstract: In a vacuum pump, a spiral plate on a downstream side of a slit is not disposed on an extended line of a spiral plate on an upstream side of the slit but is disposed after in a direction in which a gap formed by the slit is reduced. The distance by which the downstream spiral plate is moved corresponds to the distance in which the gap disappears and the upstream spiral plate and the downstream spiral plate overlap. When scraping the spiral plates, the radius of a machining end mill is set smaller than the width of the slit of the spiral plate, and the radius of the machining end mill is set smaller than the phase difference between the upstream spiral plate and the downstream spiral plate. In addition, end portions of the spiral plates between which the slit is formed are subjected to chamfering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 10767639
    Abstract: A compressor arrangement for operating a compressed air supply facility of a vehicle includes a compressor having an electric motor constructed as an electronically commutated, brushless DC motor with a control circuit comprising a power electronics unit, and a pneumatic compressor. The electric motor is constructed in the form of an external rotor motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Meissner, Marco Seeger
  • Patent number: 10480516
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for controlling a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system can include a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, an interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a blockage condition based on a power consumption value of the motor, and can further include an auto-restart function that is designed to allow the pump to automatically restart after detection of the blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Power Electrics A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Florin Lungeanu
  • Patent number: 10473367
    Abstract: A heat pump apparatus, including: a two-cylinder compressor including: an electric motor; two compression units to be driven by the electric motor, the two-cylinder compressor being structured to switch between two operation modes including single operation in which one of the compression units is brought into a non-compression state, and parallel operation in which both the compression units are brought into a compression state; an inverter drive control device supplying drive power to the electric motor of the two-cylinder compressor; an operation mode detecting-determining unit determining a current operation mode based on an electric signal acquired from the inverter drive control device; and a capacity control device determining a rotating frequency of the electric motor so that a temperature of a target object is brought close to a set value, to thereby control the inverter drive control device based on a result of determination of the operation mode detecting-determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuhide Yokoyama, Yosuke Shinomoto, Shogo Moroe, Akira Satake, Masashi Fujitsuka, Takeshi Mori, Taro Kato, Hideaki Maeyama, Keiko Tada
  • Patent number: 9341181
    Abstract: When a flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through a solenoid is stopped to move a movable part from a closing-side position to an opening-side position and to thereby open the flow regulating valve. When a sound reducing control performing condition is fulfilled, a valve-opening control for reducing sound is performed. In the valve-opening control, until a fuel pressure in a pump chamber is decreased and the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is continuously performed to hold the movable part at the closing-side position. After the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is stopped. Before the movable part reaches the opening-side position, the passage of current is again temporarily performed. An electromagnetic attracting force is temporarily generated and a moving speed of movable part is decreased by the attracting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9140246
    Abstract: A pump includes a pump body and an elongate tube. The pump includes an elongate core slidably received in the tube, a stepper motor having a selectively rotatable output shaft extending vertically and a transmission for effecting relative reciprocating motion between the core and the tube. The pump includes an inlet check valve mounted inside the core defining with the core an expansible and contractible lower pump chamber. The inlet check valve is oriented to open during each upward pumping stroke. The pump includes an annular upper chamber above the lower pump chamber and a lateral passage connecting the lower pump chamber to the annular upper chamber. The lateral passage has a check valve oriented to open during each downward pumping stroke. The pump includes an outlet passage connected to the annular upper chamber permitting viscous liquid to flow to the outlet passage on each upward and downward pumping stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Brad Allen Edler
  • Patent number: 8973597
    Abstract: A water supply system that supplies water to a plumbing system from either a mains supply, or an auxiliary supply. In a default state, a shuttle valve is pressure balanced and couples water from the mains supply to the plumbing system via mains inlet port and outlet port, and in another state the shuttle valve is pressure unbalanced and moved so that auxiliary water is coupled to the plumbing system via an auxiliary inlet port and the outlet port of the shuttle valve. Water is drawn from an auxiliary tank and coupled to the plumbing system when two conditions exist, namely when water is demanded, as sensed by flow sensor, and when water is available from the auxiliary supply, as sensed by float system. Water pressure at the auxiliary inlet port causes the shuttle to move from the default state and couple water from the auxiliary inlet port to the outlet port and thus to the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Ian Gray
  • Patent number: 8920130
    Abstract: A circulation pump assembly (1) includes an electric drive motor (6) and a control device (10, 12) for the control of the drive motor (6). The control device (12) includes a communication interface (13) designed for connection to at least one external sensor (38, 50, 52, 54, 56) and/or at least one further assembly (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 58, 62, 64, 66, 68) to be controlled by the control device, as well as to a heating installation and/or air conditioning installation with such a circulation pump assembly (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventor: Kim Hulegaard Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140369853
    Abstract: A controller for a vehicle pneumatic system loads a compressor responsive to engine power absorption by the engine and air storage facility air pressure readings up to a pressure limit. The controller is responds to power demand on the engine in excess of an engine speed related global maximum and air pressure readings down to a global minimum for unloading the compressor. The controller provides for loading and unloading the compressor to maintain storage facility pressure within an operating maximum and an operating minimum which lie between the global maximum and global minimum pressures. The controller responds to air pressure readings reaching or falling below the global minimum for loading the compressor and to air pressure readings reaching or exceeding the global maximum for unloading the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Grzegorz Siuchta, Dean Alan Oppermann, Raul Espinosa Raul Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8907789
    Abstract: A pump control system includes a controller coupled to first and second pressure sensors. The sensors couple serial pressure related information to the controller. The controller can evaluate respective liquid levels, in response to received pressure related information from the sensors. A current sensor coupled to the controller can provide signals indicative of operation of one or more pumps coupled to the controller. The controller includes circuits to detect the presence of predetermined faults and to emit an audible fault indicator in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Metropolitan Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Kochan, Jr., Casey W. Barker, Anton Belehradek
  • Patent number: 8870548
    Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining substantially a baseline pressure in a chamber of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may serve to control a motor to compensate or account for a pressure drift which may occur in a chamber of the pumping apparatus. More specifically, a dispense motor may be controlled to substantially maintain a baseline pressure in the dispense chamber before a dispense based on a pressure sensed in the dispense chamber. In one embodiment, before a dispense is initiated a control loop may be utilized such that it is repeatedly determined if the pressure in the dispense chamber is above a desired pressure and, if so, the movement of the pumping means regulated to maintain substantially the desired pressure in the dispense chamber until a dispense of fluid is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cedrone, George L. Gonnella
  • Publication number: 20140286793
    Abstract: In order to realize, without inviting cost increase, a control for maintaining a pressure of fluid delivered from a pump at a target value, a pump control unit is provided with a driver control unit controlling a rotational speed of a hydraulic pump through adjustment of a duty ratio of a PWM signal driving excitation coils of an electric motor. Further, the pump control unit is provided also with a signal correction circuit configured to convert a current flowing in the excitation coils to a voltage signal with using a shunt resistor and to divide the voltage signal with using a voltage division ratio setting circuit and to shorten an ON signal of the PWM signal by increasing the divided voltage. The voltage division ratio setting circuit has a characteristics of setting the divided voltage higher, the longer an ON period of the PWM signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Suzuki, Yutaka Iguchi, Atsushi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140219820
    Abstract: There is provided a centrifugal compressor apparatus including a centrifugal compressor that centrifugally compresses a gas, an electric motor that rotatably drives the centrifugal compressor, a current detector that detects a drive current I of the electric motor, and an exhaust valve that discharges a compressed gas to a lower pressure section. The centrifugal compressor apparatus (A) detects the drive current I at a sampling cycle ts, (B) updates, as a current threshold, in real time, a value “(moving average)?n×(standard deviation)” for which a plurality of drive currents measured in a sampling period tp serves as a population, where n is a positive number in the range of 3 to 4 and, (C) determines that surging has occurred when the exhaust valve is closed and the drive current I is below the current threshold X, and (D) further opens the exhaust valve to discharge the compressed gas when determining that surging has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneo KOKI, Naoki NISHIYAMA, Yuji ECHIZEN, Takashi OYABU, Tomonori SEKI, Masashi MORIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8784067
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve, which is provided between an intake port of a compressor body and a pneumatic line at an intermediate position of an intake pipe, is opened/closed by a control unit. Communication between the intake port of the compressor body and the pneumatic line is permitted when the valve is open, and is blocked when the valve is closed. In a start-up control of the compressor body, the electromagnetic valve is opened, permitting communication of the pneumatic line in the plant with the intake port of the compressor body for power supply to an electric motor to drive an orbiting scroll. Rattling of the orbiting scroll by an amount equal to the axial gap (play) is suppressed before starting a compression operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiminori Iwano, Yuji Komai, Susumu Sakamoto, Aya Mizukoshi
  • Publication number: 20140178208
    Abstract: A system includes a high pressure compressor having a gas input and a gas output. The gas input is coupleable to a gas field for receiving a gathered gas with a first gas pressure, and the gas output is coupleable to a gas export system for providing the gas with a second gas pressure, which is higher than the first gas pressure, to the gas export system. The system also includes a measuring unit coupled to the gas input. The measuring unit measures an input mass flow value indicative of an input mass flow at the gas input. The system also includes a mass flow control unit that is coupled to the measuring unit for receiving the measured input mass flow value and the gas input for controlling the input mass flow such that the measured input mass flow value corresponds to a set point input mass flow value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Bob Okhuijsen, Arthur Kauffeld, Bernd Wacker
  • Patent number: 8714298
    Abstract: A pump apparatus includes a pump housing; a drive shaft; a pump element; a cam ring arranged to vary an inherent discharge amount based on the eccentric amount of the cam ring; a steering state sensing section configured to sense or estimate a steering angle, a steering angular speed or a steering angular acceleration, and to output the steering angle, the steering angular speed or the steering angular acceleration as a steering state sensing signal; and a solenoid configured to be controlled to suppress the eccentric amount of the cam ring so as to decrease the inherent discharge amount with respect to the steering state sensing signal when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a first predetermined vehicle speed, relative to the inherent discharge amount when the vehicle speed is smaller than the first predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140119948
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a low-pressure hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor, generating low hydraulic pressure using oil stored in an oil pan, and supplying the low hydraulic pressure to a low pressure portion and a cooler, and a high-pressure hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, increasing a portion of the low hydraulic pressure to high hydraulic pressure, and supplying the high hydraulic pressure to a high pressure portion through a high-pressure line fluid-connecting the high-pressure hydraulic pump to the high pressure portion, wherein a pressure sensor for detecting the low hydraulic pressure supplied to the cooler may be disposed at an input side of the cooler, and a rotation speed of the electric motor may be controlled based on the low hydraulic pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Taehwan WI, Jin Young Hwang, Se Hwan Jo
  • Publication number: 20140093395
    Abstract: A method of compressing gas using the same gas as the working fluid, using a compressor comprising a reciprocating piston type compressor, a driving cylinder and a driven cylinder. The piston type compressor receives low pressure gas and fills the driven cylinder to a medium pressure target. A valve then directs the output from the piston type compressor to fill the driving cylinder, creating sufficient force to drive the connecting rod between the cylinders fully toward the driven cylinder. The connecting rod force compresses the gas in the driven cylinder and forces it out through a one way valve to a storage cylinder. A valve then directs the piston type compressor to fill the opposite side of the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder, forcing the connecting rod to retract. This cycle is repeated until the final output target high pressure is achieved in the storage vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: James Vergil Leavy, Thomas Michael Leavy
  • Patent number: 8678026
    Abstract: An automatic vacuum-relief apparatus for liquid suction systems includes a vessel defining a chamber filled with liquid in communication with a liquid flow line, a rotary shaft extending through the chamber to support a valve device adjacent to the liquid flow line and to move the valve device to open a relief-air flow channel to relieve increased suction caused by inlet blockage, and a piston on the rotary shaft responsive to suction increases within the liquid flow line and chamber to actuate shaft rotation. The valve device, chamber and relief-air flow channel are configured and arranged to cause a spurt of liquid from the chamber into the inlet while the valve device is moving from its isolating position toward its opening position upon inlet blockage, whereby the spurt of liquid pushes the blockage away from the inlet and the relief air reduces the suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Dieter J. Rief, Hans Schlitzer, Manuela Rief
  • Patent number: 8668464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting a fluid for generating a fluid jet, wherein the fluid is delivered from a pump under pressure with a predetermined volume flow to an exit opening. In the event of an interruption of the volume flow, the pump is automatically switched from an operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for suctioning fluid; and a device for producing a volume flow for realizing a fluid jet for cutting and/or flushing of material, comprising a pump with an operating mode for generating pressure in the fluid and for generating suction. The device is constructed such that during interruption of the set volume flow, the pumpcan be switched over or switches over automatically from the operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for generating suction for the purpose of suctioning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Human Med AG
    Inventors: Arnd Kensy, Konrad-Wenzel Winkler, Andreas Runow, Frank Niklas, Gernot Schlee
  • Patent number: 8622716
    Abstract: In an oil-cooled air compressor for controlling a temperature of a lubricant by changing a flow rate of a cooling medium supplied to a heat exchanger for the lubricant, for obtaining an energy saving effect by variable control of the flow rate of the cooling medium and preventing securely a condensed water from occurring in a compressor unit even when an exhaust duct is arranged inappropriately, a lubricant flow rate adjustor is arranged to measure a temperature of the lubricant and decreasing a flow rate of the lubricant supplied to the heat exchanger so that the lubricant temperature becomes T1 to satisfy T0>T1?TD when T0 is a control temperature of the lubricant and TD is a condensed water occurrence critical temperature at which a condensed water occurs in the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideharu Tanaka, Masahiko Takano, Akihiro Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 8602743
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) with a controller for a pump including a motor. The method can include measuring an actual power consumption of the motor necessary to pump water and overcome losses. The method can include triggering the SVRS when a dynamic suction blockage is identified in order to shut down the pump substantially immediately. The SVRS can also be triggered when a dead head condition is identified based on the actual power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen
  • Publication number: 20130315750
    Abstract: The current invention relates to motor valves and actuators associated with such motor valves. More particularly, the current invention relates to an electro-hydraulic positioner for such actuators so that the valve can be opened, closed or partially opened. The invention also relates to a method for positioning an actuator for a motor valve. The method utilizes a hydraulic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KIMRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Dustin Hayt, Joseph Ky Longley, Kevin Gentry
  • Publication number: 20130243608
    Abstract: When a flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through a solenoid is stopped to move a movable part from a closing-side position to an opening-side position and to thereby open the flow regulating valve. When a sound reducing control performing condition is fulfilled, a valve-opening control for reducing sound is performed. In the valve-opening control, until a fuel pressure in a pump chamber is decreased and the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is continuously performed to hold the movable part at the closing-side position. After the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is stopped. Before the movable part reaches the opening-side position, the passage of current is again temporarily performed. An electromagnetic attracting force is temporarily generated and a moving speed of movable part is decreased by the attracting force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuki SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20130209273
    Abstract: The control apparatus includes feeding and delivery lines of the operating fluid, a pump-brake having a containment body which defines a sliding chamber and a main piston housed sliding inside the chamber, a control element controlling the movement of the main piston which can be operated by an operator, a control device for controlling the motion transmission of a vehicle or of an operating machine including a fixed part and a moving part suitable for cooperating together, wherein the moving part is suitable for moving through the operation of the control element and includes an auxiliary piston moving between a reference position and at least a detection position and mechanically connected to the moving part to move it with respect to the fixed part during its movement between the reference position and the detection position, the auxiliary piston moving towards the detection position through the movement of the main piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Studio Tecnico 6 M S.R.L
    Inventor: Enrico Mamei
  • Publication number: 20130209272
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve, using a simple configuration, heat dissipation of a regenerative resistor that is disposed in a vacuum pump control device (controller) connected to a vacuum pump. The regenerative resistor disposed in the vacuum pump control device is stored in an aluminum die-cast casing. More concretely, a housing of the vacuum pump control device is prepared by aluminum die casting (metal mold casting). A regenerative resistor storing portion (aluminum die-cast casing) provided with a hollow portion is provided on a top panel of the aluminum die cast, the hollow portion being designed to have a size accommodating the entire regenerative resistor. The regenerative resistor is fitted into the hollow portion, and an opening section of the hollow portion is sealed with an aluminum sheet of the same material as that of the casing. In this manner, the regenerative resistor can removably be stored in the aluminum die-cast casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideki Omori, Takashi Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 8485789
    Abstract: A system and method for modulating capacity of a scroll compressor having a motor includes determining a target capacity of the scroll compressor, operating the motor at a first speed when the target capacity is within a first predetermined capacity range and at a second speed when the target capacity is within a second predetermined capacity range, determining a pulse width modulation cyclic ratio based on the target capacity and the first or second speed, and periodically separating intermeshing scroll members of the compressor according to the pulse width modulation cyclic ratio to modulate the capacity of the scroll compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yumin Gu, Xilai Yang, Simon Wang
  • Patent number: 8483898
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a clutch set, a tank with fluid, an auxiliary battery, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The electric fluid pump delivers some of the fluid from the tank to a designated oncoming clutch of the clutch set. The controller calculates a predicted flow value for the oncoming clutch during the shift event, and selectively controls the speed of the pump using the predicted flow value during the shift event. The controller controls the pump using an actual flow value when the vehicle is not executing a shift event, i.e., when holding torque. The speed of the electric fluid pump is increased to a first calculated speed determined using the predicted flow value when the shift event is initiated and before filling of the oncoming clutch commences, and is reduced to a second calculated speed determined using the actual flow value when the shift event is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8454319
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a pressurized-oil supply amount control device for a vehicle-mounted crane which has a dual pump system and which is capable of further inhibiting possible noise from an engine and improving fuel consumption. A predetermined control function is set for a controller 2 for the pressurized-oil supply amount control device. Three regions R1, R2, R3 are set for the predetermined control function according to the rate of an operation signal input. Based on the predetermined control function, the rotation speed of the engine 6 is controlled, and the flow rate of pressurized oil is controlled by a flow rate control valve 5. This increases the total flow rate G of pressurized oil supplied to a control valve 3 in proportion to the rate of the operation signal input to the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Furukawa Unic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiko Kitani
  • Publication number: 20130105182
    Abstract: A fire truck operable to automatically refill a water tank comprises a first pressure transducer coupled to an intake inlet of the pump and operable to measure an intake pressure, a second pressure transducer coupled to a discharge outlet of the pump and operable to measure a discharge pressure, a first pump discharge pipe coupled between the discharge outlet of the pump and a fire hose, a second pump discharge pipe coupled between the discharge outlet of the pump and the water tank, a control valve disposed in the second pump discharge pipe, and a controller operable to automatically sense a low water level condition of the tank, and automatically control the engine speed, the pump speed, and the control valve so that adequate water supply to the fire hose via the first pump discharge pipe is automatically maintained while automatically refilling the water tank via the second pump discharge pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: JNT Link, LLC
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 8393352
    Abstract: Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: H2O Organiser Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Porter-Coote
  • Publication number: 20120304636
    Abstract: A hydraulic fan circuit includes a primary pump, a motor fluidly connected to the primary pump, and a fan operably connected to and driven by the motor. The circuit also includes a supply passage extending from the primary pump to the motor, a return passage extending from the motor to the primary pump, and a pressure limiting valve configured to selectively reduce pressure of a flow of pilot fluid directed to the primary pump. The circuit further includes an override valve configured to selectively connect the supply passage to the pressure limiting valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Bryan E. NELSON, Jeremy T. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8313306
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) with a controller for a pump including a motor. The method can include measuring an actual power consumption of the motor necessary to pump water and overcome losses. The method can include triggering the SVRS when a dynamic suction blockage is identified in order to shut down the pump substantially immediately. The SVRS can also be triggered when a dead head condition is identified based on the actual power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen
  • Publication number: 20120269651
    Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR.
  • Patent number: 8267666
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve housing having an inlet port, a first chamber with a first outlet port, and a second chamber with a second outlet port. A first valve opens between the inlet port and the first chamber under a first level of pneumatic pressure at the inlet port. A second valve opens between the first chamber and the second chamber under a second, greater level of pneumatic pressure in the first chamber. A third valve opens between the second chamber and the first chamber under a third level of pneumatic pressure in the second chamber, with the third level being less than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Campbell Hausfeld/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Christopher Gruber, David O. Shumate, James W. Happe, Jr., Steven R. Salmons, Jeffrey P. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 8235674
    Abstract: A paint circulation pump control system having a plurality of pneumatic or hydraulic pump assemblies that operate at different outputs in response to load changes on a paint application system is provided. Each pump assembly includes a first regulator and second regulator having different pressure output settings selectively connecting a compressed air source with a pump. A control valve in each pump assembly is responsive to a single switch to connect the compressed air source to the pumps via the first or second regulators. When the switch directs a change, all of the pump assemblies simultaneously change the regulator that is connecting the pump with the compressed air source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shubho Bhattacharya, Sarah Crush
  • Patent number: 8202057
    Abstract: An oil-free scroll compressor prevents wraps from being broken and provides improved reliability. The oil-free scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member and fixed scroll members, and has compression channels into which water is injected each formed between the intake port and exhaust port provided in the fixed scroll member. The oil-free scroll compressor includes temperature sensors each of which detects temperature in the compression channel, regulating valves each of which controls ratio of the amount of the water to be injected into the respective compression channels to the total amount of the water to be injected into the compression channels, and controller which controls the opening degrees of the regulating valves such that a difference between the detected temperatures from the compression channels is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Kohsokabe, Hirotaka Kameya, Kazuaki Shiinoki, Toshiaki Yabe
  • Patent number: 8162619
    Abstract: A system for controlling the pressure output of an engine-driven centrifugal fire pump includes a discharge pressure sensor mounted in the discharge line of the pump. A governor varies the rpms of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. If the pressure in the system is higher than the desired output pressure when the engine is running at its idle speed an electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates to relieve the excess pressure in over pressure situations. If the pressure in the system is lower than the desired output pressure when the relief valve is fully closed, the engine speed is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hale Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Laskaris
  • Patent number: 8157535
    Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body having an exterior wall defining at least one air chamber therein, at least one electrical air pump unit, an electrical switch connected electrically to the electrical air pump unit, and at least one controller. The controller is operable manually to activate the electrical air pump unit so as to perform a selected one of inflation, full deflation, and partial deflation of the air chamber in the inflatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Team Worldwide Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Wang, Kenneth Wang
  • Patent number: 8152482
    Abstract: A displacement control valve for a variable displacement compressor. The displacement control valve includes a drive force transmission body, a pressure sensitive chamber, an internal passage, and a valve body. The valve body includes an annular seal which is contactable with a valve seat surface facing toward the first valve body. The drive force transmission body includes a drive rod and a valve body structure having a shaft passage and forming the first valve body. The drive rod is fitted to the shaft passage and coupled to the valve body structure so as to form a gap passage between an outer surface of the drive rod and a wall surface of the shaft passage. The internal passage includes a recess arranged radially inward from the annular seal, the shaft passage, and the gap passage. The gap passage is in direct communication with the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Umemura, Tatsuya Hirose, Yuji Hashimoto, Norio Uemura, Ryosuke Cho, Keigo Shirafuji
  • Publication number: 20120063919
    Abstract: A fluid-working machine has a working chamber of cyclically varying volume, high and low pressure manifolds, and high and low pressure valves for regulating the flow of fluid between the working chamber and the high and low pressure manifolds respectively. A controller actively controls at least one said valve to determine the net displacement of working fluid of the working chamber on a cycle by cycle basis. At least one said valve is a variable timing valve and the controller causes the valve to open or close at a time determined taking into account one or more properties of the performance of the fluid working machine measured during an earlier cycle of working chamber volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ARTEMIS INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: William Hugh Salvin Rampen, Uwe Bernhard Pascal Stein, Niall James Caldwell, Stephen Michael Laird, Pierre Robert Joly, Michael Richard Fielding, Daniil Sergeevich Dumnov
  • Publication number: 20120055715
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a first motor, a second motor, a pump operatively associated with the first motor, a first coupling valve operatively associated with the second motor, first parallel valves operatively associated with the second motor, and a first switching valve operatively associated with the first coupling valve and the first parallel valves. The first switching valve is configured to switch the first coupling valve between a first coupling state and a second coupling state opposite the first coupling state and to switch the first parallel valves between a first parallel state and a second parallel state opposite the first parallel state. While the first parallel valves are in the first parallel state a portion of the output of the first motor drives the second motor while the first parallel valves are in the second parallel state, the output of the pump drives the second motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Stefan Wrede, Chrisof Kruse
  • Publication number: 20120053737
    Abstract: An energy management system for a home network is provided. The energy management system includes one or more power consuming devices, including at least a pool pump system having a motor and a filter with a filtration cycle, a central controller operatively connected to the power consuming devices and configured to receive and process a signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, including at least a peak demand state and an off-peak demand state, and a display. The central controller is configured to operate the pool pump system in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, and to provide pool pump usage information to a user via a user interface on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Nagaraju Valluri, John Besore, Timothy Worthington, Michael Finch, Jeff Drake
  • Publication number: 20120045346
    Abstract: The controller of the plural component proportioner (10) dispenses both components (or all three if a three component material) as necessary to maintain the correct mix ratio. The fluid displacement measuring technique described allows this proportioning to take place with the “A” or main component pump always able to supply fluid to the spray gun without being stopped. The “B” component, at a higher pressure, is added as necessary to control ratio. The control can determine whether the pumps were properly loaded with fluid, and the fluid was properly compressed for accurate measurement. This technique allows for the proportioned fluids to be provided to the spray gun(s) at high flow rates and consistent spray pressure without interruption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Martin P. McCormick, Richard T. Mallum, Jeffrey G. Zinn
  • Publication number: 20120020809
    Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of an engine includes positioning a throttle at an operating position between an idle position that reduces the engine speed to an idle speed, and a normal speed position at which the engine runs at a speed greater than the idle speed, collecting a fluid within a manifold, sensing a pressure within the manifold, and adjusting the operating position of the throttle in response to the sensed pressure. When the sensed pressure is low, the throttle is moved toward the idle position and when the pressure is high, the throttle is moved toward the normal speed position. The method further includes positioning an unloader downstream of the manifold, the manifold configured in one of a first position in which the unloader directs fluid from the manifold to the pump, and a second position in which the unloader directs fluid to a point of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Publication number: 20120014812
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling gas surges in compressors powered by electric motors. An adjustable speed drive (ASD) incorporating a microprocessor powered by a three-phase source of electricity controls the electric motor which drives the compressor. A bypass valve is inserted between the gas input of the compressor and the gas discharge. The bypass valve opens in response to signals from the ASD which detects gas surges by analyzing a stored surge map which plots a surge line and a related discretionary control line based on the power and speed of the motor. When the operating point of the motor crosses the control line, the ASD causes the bypass valve to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Musgrave Blaiklock, Barry Earl Dick
  • Patent number: 8092191
    Abstract: A control system for a reciprocating device which includes a switching valve for directing fluid supply under pressure to one of two drive lines in an alternating manner, means for alternating the switching valve, and an exhaust circuit including and exhaust outlet, a first flow restrictor disposed between one drive line and the exhaust outlet, and a second flow restrictor disposed between the other drive line and the exhaust outlet. The system may include a selection valve for alternately connecting one of two drivelines to the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Plainsman Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lea-Wilson