With Condition Responsive Pumped Fluid Control Patents (Class 417/279)
  • Patent number: 6641372
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a housing, a primary discharge outlet, an auxiliary discharge outlet, and a flow control valve for controlling fluid flow from the primary and auxiliary discharge outlets. A first fluid passageway within the housing passes fluid from a first discharge port to the primary discharge outlet, and a second fluid passageway within the housing passes fluid from a second discharge port to a common port of the flow control valve. In a first position, the valve directs fluid from the second discharge port to the primary discharge outlet. In a second position, the valve diverts fluid from the second discharge port to the auxiliary discharge outlet. The valve may be positioned in response to such operating conditions as excessive pressure differential between the high and low-pressure sides, excessive pump rate of rotation (RPM), or excessive rate of fluid flow, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Rytlewski, David R. Aden, James L. Davison
  • Patent number: 6619025
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an ecology valve that drains working fuel to the sump chamber of the ecology valve upon engine shut down. The ecology valve has a piston slidable in the piston chamber between shut-off and run positions. The piston divides the piston chamber into a sump chamber and an actuation chamber. Upon engine shut down, the piston slides toward the shut-off position and suctions sufficient fuel from the fuel manifold into the sump chamber to prevent coking of the nozzles. Upon the next engine start up, the actuation chamber is pressurized which drives the piston toward the run position and returns fuel contained in sump chamber to the fuel manifold. A drain passageway opens and fluidically connects the actuation chamber to sump chamber when the piston is sliding toward the shut-off position which allows fuel contained in the actuation chamber to drain to the sump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Donald E. Wernberg
  • Publication number: 20030161737
    Abstract: A vacuum support includes a vacuum plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the vacuum plate having a mechanical stop extending from the bottom surface; an elastomeric seal extending along a periphery of the bottom surface, the vacuum plate and the elastomeric seal defining a vacuum space; and a vacuum source in communication with the vacuum space. Upon attaching the vacuum plate to a mounting surface by reducing pressure in the vacuum space, the stop is in engagement with the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Simon Raab, Marc M. Barber
  • Publication number: 20030113215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reverse rotation preventing structure of a centrifugal compressor. The reverse rotation preventing structure of the centrifugal compressor comprises: a discharge pipeline of the centrifugal compressor; a suction pipeline of the centrifugal compressor; a bypass pipeline for connecting the discharge pipeline and the suction pipeline, wherein a predetermined valve is formed thereon; a control means for controlling an operation of the centrifugal compressor; and a detecting means for generating a predetermined signal to the control means if the operation of the centrifugal compressor is suddenly stopped, thereby opening the bypass pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moon Chang Choi, Kwang Ha Suh, Young Kwan Kim, Yoo Chol Ji, Dae Sung Wang
  • Publication number: 20030095870
    Abstract: A controller for a photoresist dispense pump is described that actively monitors the operation of the pump and dynamically determines completion of the refill of the pump. In one embodiment, pressure measurements are made during the refill step. Changes in the pressure measurements are used to indicate completion of the refill. After refill is completed, the refill step is terminated and the operation cycle is continued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jino Park
  • Publication number: 20030089341
    Abstract: A fuel injection system is proposed, in which, by means of a controlled zero-feed throttle (49) or by the elimination of the zero-feed throttle and by a suitable control of the pressure valve (51) of a common rail (25), the starting performance of the internal combustion engine can be improved, and at the same time it is assured that in the overrunning mode of the engine, an excessively high pressure is not built up in the common rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Peter SCHUELER
  • Patent number: 6561767
    Abstract: A method for converting a pump for use in a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid or supercritical fluid wherein the pump delivers a compressible fluid against a back-pressure regulator which in turn delivers a controllable flow rate downstream of the regulator without performing variable compressibility compensation adjustments on the pump. By using a pressurized source of compressible fluid combined with isocratic conditions, the delivery pressure from the pump is controlled at a rate higher than the downstream gradient with the back-pressure regulator, and an inexpensive pump may be used in place of specialized, expensive pumps and compressibility compensation systems for use in stems operating at or near supercritical fluid levels of compressible fluids. Significant capital and operating laboratory costs are saved through a simpler and cheaper system for accurately delivering compressible fluids into mobile phase flow streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Berger Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Berger, Kimber D. Fogelman, L. Thompson Staats, III, Mark Nickerson, Paul F. Bente, III
  • Publication number: 20030086794
    Abstract: A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Larry Gray, Robert Bryant
  • Patent number: 6551068
    Abstract: To protect a turbocompressor (3) with a downstream process from operation in the unstable working range, a machine controller is used, which optionally contains—besides a surge limit controller (15)—an intake pressure controller (11), an end pressure controller (20) and a bypass controller (9). A control matrix is determined from the position of a control unit (fuel gas control valve 6) determining the flow to the process, optionally taking into account additional influencing variables such as the compressor intake pressure and the compressor discharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Man Turbomaschinen AG GHH Borsig
    Inventor: Wilfried Blotenberg
  • Patent number: 6537033
    Abstract: An open loop feedback control apparatus for a vacuum controlled system for providing vacuum stability within a predetermined range of vacuum levels is shown. The open loop feedback control apparatus includes a vacuum regulator having a diaphragm including a valve member having a valve opening or input port which changes position as a function of the vacuum level within the vacuum system for controllably admitting or bleeding air into the vacuum system to adjust the vacuum level within the vacuum system. A transducer is operatively coupled to the diaphragm for producing an output signal which represents an instantaneous position of any one of the diaphragm valve member, valve opening or input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Western Dairies Incorporation
    Inventors: Lionel H. Brazil, Donald Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030007873
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a screw compressor equipment without reducing the efficiency, in which a screw compressor 1 of which the internal volume ratio is variable by means of an internal volume ratio control valve is driven by a driving machine 2, the discharge side of the compressor 1 is communicated with the suction side of the same by way of a bypass control valve 9 as needed, the internal volume ratio control valve 3 is always controlled to be located at a position calculated so that the internal volume ratio with which the polytropic efficiency is maximum is obtained, and gas flow rate is controlled by controlling the rotation speed under normal conditions and controlled by controlling the bypassing flow rate from the discharge side to the suction side under very low rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Toshiro Hattori, Katsuyuki Takahashi, Kiyoshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030002993
    Abstract: A pressure booster and method for amplifying a water pressure that is supplied by a water facility is provided. The pressure booster is configured to be connected between the water facility and one or more semiconductor substrate cleaning systems. The pressure booster includes a pump having a pump input that connects to the water facility and a pump output that is configured to produce a fluctuating amplified water pressure that is greater than the water pressure that is supplied by the water facility. Further included is a pressure dampener having a dampener input for accepting the fluctuating amplified water pressure from the pump output. The pressure dampener is configured to partially reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluctuating amplified water pressure. The pressure dampener also has a dampener output. A pressure regulator having a regulator input for receiving the dampener output is also included as part of the pressure booster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong
  • Patent number: 6499963
    Abstract: An impeller pump with thermostatically adjustable guide vanes is suitable for use as an automotive coolant pump. The pump is driven by a constant speed electric motor, and flow variation is controlled by varying the orientation of the vanes. Orientation of the vanes is effected by a wax-type thermostat, which senses coolant temperature: flow is increased when the coolant is hot, and decreased as the coolant cools. The variable guide vanes are mounted for pivoting about radial axes, and are located just upstream from the pump impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Flowork Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Otto Repple, John Robert Lewis Fulton
  • Publication number: 20020192080
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump comprises a housing, a primary discharge outlet, an auxiliary discharge outlet, a flow control valve, a first fluid passageway within the housing passing fluid from a first discharge port to the primary discharge outlet, a second fluid passageway within the housing passing fluid from a second discharge port to a common port of the flow control valve, a third fluid passageway within the housing passing fluid from a first switched port of the flow control valve to the auxiliary discharge outlet, and a fourth fluid passageway within the housing connecting a second switched port of the flow control valve to the primary discharge outlet. The primary discharge outlet and the auxiliary discharge outlet are each adapted for connection with external lines of a hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas C. Rytlewski, David R. Aden, James L. Davison
  • Patent number: 6471487
    Abstract: The fluid delivery system comprises a Coriolis mass flowmeter, a pump, a recirculation valve, and/or a back-pressure valve. The fluid delivery system prevents the measurement of a multiphase fluid flow without the need for an air eliminator and strainer. The Coriolis mass flowmeter measures the density value of the fluid product being delivered from a fluid source to a destination. The Coriolis mass flowmeter compares the measured density value to at least one of an upper threshold density value and a lower threshold density value. If the measured density value exceeds the at least one of the upper density value or the lower density value, the flowmeter automatically shuts down the pump and closes the back-pressure valve to stop the delivery of the fluid product from the fluid source to the destination to prevent the measurement of a multiphase fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keilty, Steven M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6468052
    Abstract: A safety device for use in a fluid transfer and/or circulation system of the type which uses a pump to draw water from a reservoir through one or more intake lines each extending from an open end at the reservoir to the pump intake. The safety device connects to the fluid transfer/circulation system and includes a sensor, a triggering mechanism, and a vacuum breaker. When the pump is operating, the sensor monitors one or more conditions of the system. When one or more of the monitored conditions deviates outside of a normal operational range, as a result of an obstruction of any one or more of the open ends of the intake lines, the triggering mechanism triggers the vacuum breaker to eliminate negative pressure in the system by introducing air from atmosphere into the intake lines, thereby removing suction at the open ends of the intake lines. The safety device may further activate warning devices including audible and visible alarms to indicate that the system has been deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Paul C. McKain, Mark Fritze
  • Patent number: 6461117
    Abstract: A fluid pump is provided that produces an outflow of fluid that is not proportional to the speed of the input drive. Thus, the fluid pump can be tuned to provide a substantially constant outflow of fluid irrespective of the speed of the input drive. The fluid pump also provides fluid outflow when the rotational direction of the input drive is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6443703
    Abstract: Motor protectors are positioned in a location in a scroll compressor where they are cooled by suction refrigerant flow. If the volume of refrigerant flow decreases, then the cooling effect also decreases. In this way, the protector becomes more sensitive to the mass flow of refrigerant. Thus, the motor protector is more likely to trip in a loss of charge situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventor: Jason Hugenroth
  • Publication number: 20020119053
    Abstract: A fluid pump is provided that produces an outflow of fluid that is not proportional to the speed of the input drive. Thus, the fluid pump can be tuned to provide a substantially constant outflow of fluid irrespective of the speed of the input drive. The fluid pump also provides fluid outflow when the rotational direction of the input drive is reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020076334
    Abstract: A vane pump is disclosed for use with gas turbine engines adapted and configured to provide a failure mode similar to that of a traditional gear pump. The vane pump includes a pump housing, a cam member, a cylindrical rotor member and a mechanism for communicating a high pressure fluid from the discharge arc region to the inlet arc region when the tip surface of each vane element has experienced a predetermined amounted of wear so as to prevent pump startup. The wearing of the tip surface of each vane element resulting from the slideable engagement with the circumferential surface of the pumping cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: William H. Dalton, Kurt G. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 6406273
    Abstract: A pressure booster and method for amplifying a water pressure that is supplied by a water facility is provided. The pressure booster is configured to be connected between the water facility and one or more semiconductor substrate cleaning systems. The pressure booster includes a pump having a pump input that connects to the water facility and a pump output that is configured to produce a fluctuating amplified water pressure that is greater than the water pressure that is supplied by the water facility. Further included is a pressure dampener having a dampener input for accepting the fluctuating amplified water pressure from the pump output. The pressure dampener is configured to partially reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluctuating amplified water pressure. The pressure dampener also has a dampener output. A pressure regulator having a regulator input for receiving the dampener output is also included as part of the pressure booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong
  • Patent number: 6371736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for first filling a fuel system in a motor vehicle equipped with at least two operating elements as well as a fuel pump delivering the fuel is provided. For simplifying the first filling, the method and apparatus operates the fuel pump for filling the fuel system when a simultaneous actuation of the at least two operating elements provided in the vehicle occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Froeschl, Ulrich Schlachetzki
  • Publication number: 20020034447
    Abstract: An open loop feedback control apparatus for a vacuum controlled system for providing vacuum stability within a predetermined range of vacuum levels is shown. The open loop feedback control apparatus includes a vacuum regulator having a diaphragm including a valve member having a valve opening or input port which changes position as a function of the vacuum level within the vacuum system for controllably admitting or bleeding air into the vacuum system to adjust the vacuum level within the vacuum system. A transducer is operatively coupled to the diaphragm for producing an output signal which represents an instantaneous position of any one of the diaphragm valve member, valve opening or input port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Lionel H. Brazil, Donald Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020006341
    Abstract: Electronically controllable brake booster with a vacuum chamber and a pressure chamber, which are separated from one another by a moveable wall, a control valve arrangement, which can be actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuating device and via which a pressure difference between the pressure and the vacuum chamber can be set, wherein the control valve arrangement takes up a holding position, a pressure build-up position, a pressure reduction position in accordance with a current generated as correcting variable by an electronic control unit and flowing through the electromagnetic actuating device, a cylinder-piston arrangement, which is connected to the brake booster and comprises a piston, coupled to a brake pedal, of a hydraulic cylinder which has a hydraulic connection leading to a wheel brake, a sensor arrangement for detecting a signal which is correlated with the pressure of the hydraulic cylinder and which reproduces the controlled variable, wherein the electronic control unit establishes a com
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Christoph Linden, Lorenz Maack
  • Patent number: 6322326
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, modular condensate pump assembly that has a collection tank which can be disposed at any convenient location to collect liquid condensate. A removable support plate is supported on the collection tank, and a pump extending into the collection tank is supported by the support plate. A liquid volume control float, also supported by the support plate, communicates with the pump to activate the pump to remove liquid condensate from the collection tank when the condensate liquid reaches a predetermined volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Lee W. Davis, D. W. Hearn, Jr., David Thomas Springer, James J. Coffey, Jon David Currier
  • Publication number: 20010043867
    Abstract: A pressure booster and method for amplifying a water pressure that is supplied by a water facility is provided. The pressure booster is configured to be connected between the water facility and one or more semiconductor substrate cleaning systems. The pressure booster includes a pump having a pump input that connects to the water facility and a pump output that is configured to produce a fluctuating amplified water pressure that is greater than the water pressure that is supplied by the water facility. Further included is a pressure dampener having a dampener input for accepting the fluctuating amplified water pressure from the pump output. The pressure dampener is configured to partially reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluctuating amplified water pressure. The pressure dampener also has a dampener output. A pressure regulator having a regulator input for receiving the dampener output is also included as part of the pressure booster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong
  • Patent number: 6309193
    Abstract: An impeller pump with thermostatically adjustable guide vanes is suitable for use as an automotive coolant pump. The pump is driven by a constant speed electric motor, and flow variation is controlled by varying the orientation of the vanes. Orientation of the vanes is effected by a wax-type thermostat, which senses coolant temperature: flow is increased when the coolant is hot, and decreased as the coolant cools. The variable guide vanes are mounted for pivoting about radial axes, and are located just upstream from the pump impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Flowork Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Walter O Repple, John R L Fulton
  • Patent number: 6254362
    Abstract: A vacuum pump with dust collecting function is proposed to deal with the case where dust produced by a process of productions by reaction in a processing vessel under vacuum may to enter a vacuum pump. During evacuation of a processing vessel by a vacuum pump, an auxiliary dust collecting path is closed by a shut-off valve and evacuation through a main exhaust path is carried out. During a period in which evacuation by the vacuum pump is not necessary, the auxiliary dust collecting path is open to form a circulation path with the main exhaust path to carry out collection of the dust by a dust separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Unozawa-Gumi Iron Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Higuchi, Shigeharu Kambe
  • Patent number: 6250894
    Abstract: A system allows pumps to run in parallel and preventing back flow through a non-operational pump. The system includes a first pump in parallel with a second pump. The system further includes a check valve in fluid communication with the first pump for preventing flow through the first pump when the first pump is not operating. The system further includes a sensing valve in fluid communication with the first pump and the second pump. The system also includes a load sharing valve in fluid communication with the check valve, the sensing valve, and the second pump for controlling a system flow, wherein the system flow is provided by the first pump when the second pump is not operating, and wherein the system flow is provided by the second pump when the first pump is not operating, and wherein the system flow includes a portion of flow from both the first and second pumps when both pumps are operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald P. Dyer, Charles E. Reuter
  • Patent number: 6247903
    Abstract: A pressure booster and method for amplifying a water pressure that is supplied by water facility is provided. The pressure booster is configured to be connected between he water facility and one or more semiconductor substrate cleaning systems. The pressure booster includes a pump having a pump input that connects to the water facility and a pump output that is configured to produce a fluctuating amplified water pressure that is greater than the water pressure that is supplied by the water facility. Further included is a pressure dampener having a dampener input for accepting the fluctuating amplified water pressure from the pump output. The pressure dampener is configured to partially reduce pressure fluctuations in the fluctuating amplified water pressure. The pressure dampener also has a dampener output. A pressure regulator having a regulator input for receiving the dampener output is also included as part of the pressure booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong
  • Patent number: 6209309
    Abstract: Mechanical complexity and high cost in a fluid flow control system are avoided through the use of a pulse width modulated (PWM) valve (20) to meter a fluid flow to an inlet (50) of a pump (16) that pumps the metered flow to an outlet (56) of the fuel pump (12). The system utilizes a pulsating vapor core in the pump (16) to dampen the pulses in the fluid flow generated by the PWM valve (20). A regulator valve (22) is provided to maintain a relatively constant pressure drop across the PWM valve (20). The control system is ideally suited for controlling the flow of fuel to a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Malcolm John McArthur
  • Patent number: 6203286
    Abstract: An electric fuel pump mountable in a fuel tank for pumping fuel to an internal combustion engine. A casing of the fuel pump is mountable at a bottom wall of the fuel tank and has a fuel inlet at a lower end and a fuel outlet at an upper end so that the fuel is pumped upwardly through the casing. A vent valve is disposed at the top of the casing and is closed when the fuel pump is operating and opened when the fuel pump is deactivated. A conduit has one end connected to the vent valve and an opposite end which is open and located at a level in proximity to the bottom of the fuel tank so that when the fuel pump is deactivated the conduit serves as a suction passage to fill the casing when the fuel level in the fuel tank drops below the top of the casing to enable restarting of the engine without delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventors: Gunter Moll, Stefan Wolters, Stefan Kluth
  • Patent number: 6183216
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for conveying thick matter, in particular liquid concrete. The arrangement comprises a pump (12) which is to be charged on the input side with thick matter to be conveyed, and a distributor (10) which can be connected via a high-pressure feed line (20) to the pressure joint (30) of the pump (12) and preferably takes the form of a tunnel shuttering distributor. The high-pressure feed line (20) is connected both on the pump side and the distributor side to a pipe-switching device (22, 24) which can in each case be switched alternatively between two connections (26, 32, 40, 44). The pump-side pipe-switching device (22) is connected at its one connection (26) to the pressure joint (30) of the pump (12) and at its other connection (32) to the pressure joint (36) of a pressure medium pump (16) which can be acted upon by low-viscosity pressure medium via a reservoir (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Putzmeister AG
    Inventor: Ernst Bachner
  • Patent number: 6171071
    Abstract: A water pump includes a housing having a water inlet, a water outlet, an exit and a mouth. A circulating water passage couples the exit to the mouth of the housing. A pump may pump water from the exit to the mouth of the housing via the circulating water passage. The housing includes two ducts communicating with each other and communicating with the mouth, and the water inlet and the water outlet respectively. Two plugs are slidably disposed in the ducts for switching water to circulate through the exit and the circulating water passage when the water outlet is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Tsann Ruey Tzeng, Sheng Jong Tzeng
  • Patent number: 6149399
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module (10) adaptable for use in a gasoline or diesel fuel tank includes certain common module components for use in both gasoline or diesel fuel delivery applications. The common module components include a support frame (12) having a first cover (14) for closing off an opening of the fuel tank and including a fuel supply port (20) and fuel return port (22) for communication to the engine fuel supply/return system and a second base cover for positioning on a bottom wall of the fuel tank and having a fuel pump-receiving chamber thereon. The base cover (30) includes a first diesel fuel pick-up opening (44) that can be communicated to the fuel supply port on the first cover by a suitable diesel fuel supply conduit when the fuel tank contains diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Eric Bowser, Jay Edwin Drow, Kelley Brandt Munn
  • Patent number: 6123686
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: SIMS Deltec, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Jay Gregory Johnson, Jia Hu
  • Patent number: 5923102
    Abstract: An automatic sub-floor pumping system, having a controller box, sensor wires, suction hose and pump. Two or three sensor probes are used--the lowest, or ground, probe can be omitted, and the circuit referenced to earth or wiring ground. The pump evacuates water from beneath the basement floor through a hose inserted into a small hole drilled into the basement floor. The sensor probes can be simply wires with the last 1/8" to 1/2" bared, attached to the outside of the pump suction hose at two locations an inch or two apart. The hose, with wires attached, is inserted down the one-inch evacuation hole bored through the floor. The control uses a very low current on the wires, which are negative relative to ground so as to be cathodically protected from corrosion. An optional sensing circuit monitors lower probe wire voltage and warns of possible corrosion effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Avcheck Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Koenig, Richard E. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5911562
    Abstract: An improved valve assembly for automatically priming a hydraulic pump during a suction-fed application wherein the pump must draw fluid from within a holding tank for subsequent pressurization and transmission by the pump. The valve assembly of the present invention is provided in fluid communication with the outlet line of the pump and is capable of sensing the difference between fluid and air such that the air disposed within the pump at start-up may be quickly and efficiently bled from the system before the valve automatically closes once the fluid has been drawn into the pump in an amount sufficient to bring the pump into a fully primed condition. The valve assembly includes a housing member, a poppet member, a biasing means, and sealing means. The housing member includes a bore extending between an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a slotted shoulder member extending radially inward from the inlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Hypro Corporation
    Inventors: Edward P. Murphy, Jeffrey M. Youngquist
  • Patent number: 5902094
    Abstract: A pressure washer is powered by a prime mover, e.g., an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, and has a flow control valve. The valve has a housing containing a piston assembly and the assembly has a mechanism coupled to it for controlling prime mover power. The piston assembly includes a first piston sealing against the housing and dividing the housing interior into two chambers. Such first piston is spring-biased to a first position during periods when no output flow is being demanded from the washer. The assembly also has a second piston spring-biased to seal against the first piston during periods of no flow. When flow is demanded by opening the nozzle, the pressure in the second chamber diminishes. And when the difference between the pressure in the second chamber and that in the first chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the assembly shifts to a second position, causing the mechanism to actuate the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Generac Portable Products, LLC
    Inventors: Herb Hoenisch, Robert D. Kern, Gerald C. Ruehlow, Wes Sodemann, Fred Yang
  • Patent number: 5868557
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Peter J. Tolan
  • Patent number: 5844490
    Abstract: A monitoring device for a chemical reagent supply system includes a position voltage generator, mounted to a pump of the supply system, to monitor the expansion state of a bellows. The actual outflow of the chemical reagent is calculated by the position voltage generator. According to a demand signal from equipment needing the chemical reagent, which is processed to consider the viscosity of the chemical reagent, a theoretic demand outflow is calculated by the monitoring device. When the difference between the actual outflow and the theoretic demand outflow exceeds a permissible tolerance, the monitoring device raises an alarm signal to warn an operator and thereby to assure the accuracy of the chemical reagent supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chung-Chien Lu, Eric Liu, His-Huang Lee, Tien-Tsai Lu
  • Patent number: 5813839
    Abstract: An external-combustion heat engine pump, one version consisting of four chambers, one liquid and one gas pumping chamber, a gas heating chamber and a gas cooling chamber. The two pumping chambers are connected by two tubes, one near the bottom of the chambers and one at the top of the chambers. The liquid pumping chamber, which contains a cycling container, is connected to a reservoir with tubing and a one way valve allowing liquid to enter. The gas pumping chamber is fitted with a bellows, which rises or falls as determined by the location of the cycling container. Gas enters the bellows through a one way valve connected to the bellows with tubing. The bellows is also connected to the heating chamber with tubing and with a one way gas valve which allows gas to enter this chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: John C. Newby
  • Patent number: 5713724
    Abstract: An electronic control system dynamically varies the output capacity of a compressor by controlling plural valves associated with the compressor to provide pressurized air to a distribution system at an appropriate rate. The control system operates in any of three modes for standalone operation, including continuous run, auto/dual pressure band, and target pressure modes. In the first two modes, pressure bands are dynamically calculated based on load and unload values entered by an operator. These electronic control systems can also be connected in a peer-to-peer network to coordinate control of up to 16 compressors feeding the same distribution system, so as to maintain a desired target pressure in the system. A modem connected to the system supports remote diagnostics, monitoring, and control. Specialized startup, operating, and shutdown diagnostic algorithms prevent damage to the compressor and avert unsafe operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Coltec Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Centers, Paul Burrell
  • Patent number: 5704584
    Abstract: A pinch clip occluder for infusion sets is disclosed including a housing and a clamp movably disposed within the housing to selectively occlude an infusion set. In one embodiment the clamp has at least one arm which moves between first and second positions to pinch closed a silicone tube of the infusion set unless the pinch clip occluder is held in an open position by the user, or placed in a receptacle which will hold the pinch clip occluder in an open position. In another embodiment a plunger is disposed so as to intersect a passage passing through the housing. As the plunger is selectively moved between first and second positions, the flow through a tube in the passage is selectively controlled. Such an arrangement prevents a free-flow condition from occurring through the infusion set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Winterer, Chris Dumas, Michael Child, David J. McNally
  • Patent number: 5662459
    Abstract: A pump mechanism adapted to float on a reservoir of liquid characterized by a floating enclosure provided with an internal chamber, an open cycling container, disposed within the chamber, an output pipe coupled to the cycling container and coupled to a swivel joint, which is connected to the lower wall of the enclose. A pressurized gas and/or steam source inlet tube, allows pressurized gas to enter the chamber. The interplay between the force of gravity and the force of buoyancy activated by the force of an expanding gas and/or steam are the factors which cycle this device in a pumping action. In operation the cycle begins with the chamber full of liquid and the cycling container resting on the bottom of the chamber. The pressurized gas forces liquid out of the chamber through the pipe located within the cycling container. This continues until the pressure has emptied the cycling container. The pressurized gas will now vent through this pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: John C. Newby
  • Patent number: 5590675
    Abstract: A method of valving a flow of pumped fluid, to prevent siphoning of the flow when the pump is stopped, including the steps of filling a chamber with fluid, directing a small flow of pumped fluid into the chamber to increase its volume, opening a main flow valve by the increase in chamber volume, providing a leak in the chamber to reduce the volume of fluid therein when the small flow of pumped fluid is terminated, and closing the main flow valve by the decrease in chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Matthew T. Babb
  • Patent number: 5513960
    Abstract: A rotary-vane pump includes a pressure chamber in which a constant pressure is developed, and a pair of discharge passages connecting the pressure chamber to a discharge port. On of the discharge passages is provided with only an orifice so as to supply a constant flow rate of fluid to the discharge port. The other of the discharge passages is provided with an orifice and a flow control valve. The flow control valve controls opening and closing of the other discharge passage in such a manner that the rate of flow through the other discharge passage decreases with increasing rotational speed of the pump. The flow control valve includes a spool having a pair of axially spaced first and second lands, an annular relieved section between the first and second lands, and a guide post. The annular relieved section forms an annular chamber constituting part of the other discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Uemoto
  • Patent number: 5352096
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air compressor and in particular to one which includes a valve controlling device having a check valve and a cover. The check valve is fixedly mounted on said cover and is connected with a pipe. The check valve including a spring, a ball and a packing with the spring urging said ball against said packing thereby sealing said pipe. The cover is fixedly mounted on a cylinder so that air in said cylinder can flow out of said cover. A passage is formed between said cylinder and said cover and communicated with said check valve, a power breaker, an exhaust valve, and a pressure gauge. The power breaker is fixedly connected with said cover has via a connector and having an adjusting knob, a diaphragm, a main body, and two conducting members. The main body has an interior chamber in which is fitted a piston, the piston receiving a spring and having a protuberance on which is fitted a circular conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Chen Chi-Wen
  • Patent number: 5330327
    Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids materials such as concrete includes a positive displacement pump, a pipeline connected to the pump and a valve in the pipeline located downstream from the pump for preventing material flow through the pipeline when the valve is in a closed position. The valve is closed at the end of each pumping stroke to prevent material flow through the pipeline. The pressure of material on the pump side of the valve is sensed. During a subsequent pumping stroke, the valve is opened when sufficient pressure exists on the pump side of the valve to ensure that material will flow in a positive direction through the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5252034
    Abstract: A unique air dryer for use in an air compressor system which includes an air governor, an air compressor and a storage tank is disclosed. The air dryer incorporates therein an isolation valve adjacent the inlet from the compressor which serves to isolate the compressor during the unloading cycle. Also incorporated into the housing of the air dryer is a purge valve which is simultenously opened when the isolation valve is closed, and vice versa. A check valve is also incorporated into the air dryer housing adjacent the outlet to the storage tank. Finally, a small conduit connecting the inlet port from the compressor to the outlet of the air dryer is included. A small check valve is disposed within the conduit so that air flow is only permitted to flow from the outlet to the inlet when the system is in its unloaded mode in order to maintain pressure in the pipe which connects the compressor to the air dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Sweet