Abstract: A rotary compressor having a drive motor and a single pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel acts both as a gas oil separator and as a compressed gas storage tank. The compressor employs a control for valves in order to close off the supply of oil and gas from entering the compressor prior to cessation of the compressor's rotation.

Abstract: A multichannel pump system for HPLC and other uses has a plurality of fluid pumps whose input is fed separately to at least one high pressure mixing unit downstream of the pumps and any associated items such as pulse dampeners and pressure transducers. A pump controller is connected to control each of the pumps separately in a coordinated manner to provide a plurality of operational modes. The operational modes include an isocratic mode, in which optionally the output of solvent of like composition from two or more pumps is pooled to provide increased output capacity, as well as binary, ternary, etc., gradient modes in which different solvents are selectively mixed before being applied to an analytical unit such as an HPLC column. The pump system further includes a novel linear drive pump having interchangeable piston modules providing different ranges of flow rates. The linear drive pump is capable of providing precise solvent delivery at high pressure for flow rates from 20 ml/minute down to 0.

Abstract: A vacuum system and a method of operating a vacuum system. The system comprises a vacuum line, a pump, a pump motor, a pressure adjusting assembly, a pressure sensor and a control device. The pump is connected to the vacuum line for drawing fluids therefrom, and the motor is connected to the pump to drive the pump. The pressure adjusting assembly is connected to the vacuum line for conducting fluid into that line at an adjustable rate. The pressure sensor is connected to the vacuum line to generate a pressure signal representing the pressure in the vacuum line. The control device receives the pressure signal and generates a system control signal that is used to adjust the pressure in the vacuum line. The specific manner in which the pressure in the vacuum line is adjusted depends on the value of that pressure, and in particular, whether that pressure is in a first range or a second range.

Abstract: Control system for maintaining selected pressure in a gas distribution system including a header and multiple takeoffs from the header including a compressor to supply gas to the header at selected pressure range, a control valve in the header upstream of the first takeoff, an actuator to operate the valve to modulate flow to the header, a pressure transducer to measure the pressure of the gas in the header between the valve and the first takeoff, a controller to receive a signal from the pressure transducer and generate a controller signal corresponding to a valve position required to maintain the flow of gas to the header to maintain the selected pressure and a position control device to receive the controller signal and an electronic position feedback signal from the actuator to indicate the position of the valve with a comparator to compare the valve position signal with the controller signal and an operator to operate the actuator to move the valve in a direction to the position where the position feedba

Abstract: A solution pumping system is disclosed which is embodied as a disposable pump cassette including a self-contained positive displacement pump, and an associated pump driver including a reciprocable pump piston for driving the pump of the cassette. This system is particularly suited for use in compounding in preparation of parenteral solutions for administration to patients. In order to promote high liquid output with minimum peak pumping pressures, the controls of the system operate to provide a "square" pumping pressure waveform, thus optimizing performance of the system. This is achieved by selectively varying the velocity of the pump piston during its operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying and delivering fluids at a constant pressure includes means for measuring fluid pressure, means for measuring fluid flow and means for actuating fluid valves to control fluid pressure and flow through the valves. A programming means is also included so that fluid pressure and flow measurements are processed and the fluid valves are actuated according to a preprogrammed scheme.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump includes a reservoir for storing fluid, a cylinder for receiving and discharging the fluid and a piston within the cylinder for forcing the fluid into and out of the cylinder. The pump further includes a four-way valve having an inlet port connected to a reservoir, a pair of bidirectional ports connected to the opposite ends of the cylinder and an outlet port. Mechanisms are provided for receiving a user flow waveform expressed in terms of predetermined flow rate as a function of time and in response moving the piston and configuring the four-way valve to provide fluid flow from the reservoir through the valve and into one of the opposite ends of the cylinder, and from the other one of the opposite ends of the cylinder through the valve to the outlet port in accordance with the user flow waveform.

Abstract: A valve for use with a first working fluid conduit and a second working fluid conduit, the valve includes a valve body with a valve bore formed therein. A piston is slidably disposed within the valve body. There is a first opening and a second opening formed within and defined by the valve body. The first opening is in communication with the first working fluid conduit and the second opening is in communication with the second working fluid conduit. Displacement of the piston in a first direction to a first position results in restriction of working fluid passage through the second working fluid conduit. Displacement of the piston in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, to a second position results in restriction of working fluid passage through the first working fluid conduit. There is a spring which biases the piston into the second position.

Abstract: Rotary compressors such as screw compressors and scroll compressors are capable of reverse operation at shutdown as the system pressure seeks to equalize through the running gear. The present invention provides a valved bypass which is opened responsive to the initiation of stopping the compressor. The valve bypass may be located internally or externally with respect to the compressor.

Abstract: A one-main pipe type centralized lubrication apparatus having a pump device, one main oil feed pipe and a plurality of distributors, wherein the pump device is provided with a depressurization passage for opening a discharge passage connected to the main pipe into a tank and a depressurization valve. The direction of rotation of a motor for driving a pump element of the pump device is reversible so that the depressurization valve is operated in association with the motor and, when the motor normally rotates, the depressurization valve is controlled to be closed and, when the motor rotates in reverse, the depressurization valve is controlled to be open, thereby enabling forcible depressurization.

Abstract: A variable-speed pump system comprising: a hydraulic machine having a flow adjusting means and including at least a pumping function; a rotary machine operatively connected to the hydraulic machine and including at least a motor function for rotating the hydraulic machine; a frequency converter for driving the rotary machine; and a control system for controlling variable-speed operation of the rotary machine according to a command signal from an external unit. The pump system also includes an electric power control system, a flow adjustment control system, and a rotational speed control system. The power control system has a negligibly small time constant, compared to the time constant of the rotational speed control system.

Abstract: A system for and a method of establishing and maintaining fluid at desired viscosity and temperature levels in a flow system. The system includes a driven pump that circulates fluid from a fluid source through a hydraulic loading system that includes an unloading valve. As fluid flows through the valve, a pressure drop is created across the valve operator, which restricts flow through the valve. This pressure drop across the valve operator results in the dissipation of heat, increasing the temperature of the fluid flowing through the valve. During operation of the system, if a low temperature condition is sensed in the system, power will be supplied to the pump, which pumps fluid through the valve at a controlled low pressure drop to result in a controlled heating of the fluid. When the fluid is restored to a desired temperature level, power to the pump is discontinued to terminate flow through the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing fluids into, and withdrawing fluids from, a hollow organ of the body, in particular a galibladder, for conducting litholysis, comprises a piston-type injection device having a multi-directional valve and which can be removably inserted into an operating mechanism. The injection device has a chamber located in front of its piston and serving as a settling chamber for a mixture of organ secretion and stone sludge removed with the solvent from the hollow organ. The valve is for the sequential connection of the pressure chamber to the hollow organ, to a tank for the solvent, and to a receiving vessel for fluid drawn off.

Abstract: An air compressor pressure regulating system which controls the operation of an air compressor. A variable speed driver, which is controlled by a throttle, controls the speed of the driver. A compressor valve integrally regulates the airflow to the compressor inlet. The pressure regulating valve is connected between the compressor outlet and a closed reservoir. The pressure existing in the closed reservoir directly effects both the operation of the compressor throttle and the compressor valve. The pressure regulating valve includes of two movable diaphragms (or pistons), which are spaced parallel to each other and which are connected to each other by a rigid connecting member producing similar motion in both diaphragms. The compressor outlet pressure is exposed to the first side of the first diaphragm. The reservoir pressure is exerted on the second side of the first diaphragm as well as the first side of the second diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid compression system includes a fluid compression device which pressurizes fluid. A pressure sensor senses pressure generated by the compression device. A control device indicates operating parameters and functions of the compression device, graphically displays the parameters and functions, sets limits of the parameters and controls the compression device in response to any of the parameters reaching a preset level of a corresponding function. A reverse rotation sensor determines when the compression device is operating in an incorrect direction by the initial pressure sensed by the pressure sensor after startup of the compression device, and in response, shuts off the compression device.

Abstract: A method of controlling the air output of a screw compressor, wherein the average air output of the compressor during operation is adapted to air consumption by throttling the flow of suction air or by connecting the compressor alternately to full air output capacity and idle operation capacity. In order to reduce the power consumption of the compressor, the air output is controlled first by throttling the flow of suction air and by simultaneously measuring underpressure in the suction conduit of the compressor. Thereafter the compressor is controlled so as to operate alternately at full air output capacity and idle operation capacity, and the pressure rise rate in the air-pressure network is measured when the compressor operates at full output capacity and the pressure fall rate is measured when the compressor operates at idle operation capacity.

Abstract: An air compressor is controlled such that when the pressure inside a tank for storing compressed air reaches a predetermined lower-limit value, the compressor is brought into a load running state to supply compressed air to the tank, whereas, when the pressure inside the tank reaches a predetermined upper-limit value, the compressor is brought into a stand-by state to suspend the supply of compressed air to the tank. The air compressor has a controller which judges the change in pressure inside the tank when the compressor is in a load running state on the basis of a signal delivered from a pressure sensor and effects control such that either one of two operations modes, that is, an intermittent operation mode in which the compressor stands by with the supply of electric power from a motor being cut off and a continuous operation mode in which the compressor stands by in a no-load state with the motor being supplied with electric power, is selected subsequent to a stand-by state.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction value is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A supply line for supplying a sealant from a sealant supply source to a sealing robot has pressure sensors and is coupled to relief valves through branch lines. If the pressure in the supply line excessively rises or drops, then the relief valves are opened to release the pressure from the supply line and the supply pump is inactivated. The pipes, devices, and pump on the supply line are therefore protected from damage. The sealing robot has an sealant applicator gun movable with respect to an article to which the sealant is to be applied by the sealing robot. A pump driving device is controlled to vary the rate at which the sealant is discharged from the pump as a function of the speed of relative movement of the sealant applicator gun with respect to the article.

Abstract: An airflow control system generates a compensating output which is combined with the normal damper control output in a damper operating device when a pole change motor driving a blower changes speed so that the damper is changed to compensate for the change in blower speed to avoid a large change in airflow. This overcomes the delay in the normal integrating damper control which produced unwanted fluctuation in airflow when the motor speed was changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow rate control system in an apparatus for supplying and draining fluid such as air and water, etc. and particularly in a fluid suply and drain apparatus comprising a motor for driving fluid flowing apparatus such as a fan and a flow rate control device such as a damper which is capable of shielding the flow path. The number of the rotations of motor is controlled step by step in accordance with the flow rate of fluid flowing through a flowing path on the occasion of operating the motor with the variable frequency power supply of which the output frequency changes depending on a command request of the fluid flowing apparatus as a load, also controls the flow rate control device in accordance with deviation between the command request from the load and a staircase control input to the variable frequency power supply even when the flow rate changes minutely at each step.

Abstract: An operation control system of a rotary displacement type vacuum pump capable of reducing a starting torque of the vacuum pump includes a suction regulating valve and a pressure sensor for monitoring suction pressure located in a suction passage of the vacuum pump, an inverter electrically coupled to a variable speed electric motor for driving the vacuum pump and a control unit. The control unit is operative, when the vacuum pump is started, to keep the suction regulating valve in a closed position until the value of suction pressure monitored by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined upper limit value and to gradually increase the rpm. of the variable speed electric motor. The control unit is further operative to produce a signal for increasing or decreasing the rpm of the variable speed electric motor so as to bring the value of suction pressure monitored by the pressure sensor to the vicinity of a predetermined lower limit value.

Abstract: A water supply recirculation system is provided having a recirculation pump and a duct into which the recirculation pump propels water. A selectively operated, closed at rest, flow valve is maintained open while the pump operates. A flow sensor serially installed in the recirculation duct detects flow and senses a failed condition. A second control valve which rests in an open position selectively prevents passage of water from the recirculation duct into a drain duct when pumping is in progress. The recirculation duct transmits water into a water supply tank and discharges it onto the central surface of the water supply in the tank. When pumping ceases, the first control valve closes, and the second control valve opens, allowing water in the duct to drain from the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid having two speed-controlled positive displacement devices for supplying a load with fluid under pressure from a supply at a different pressure with interposed variable-volume buffer containers.

Abstract: An improved safety valve for a feeding water machine, comprising a first casing having an inlet and an outlet, a spring-loaded sliding member slidably mounted into the first casing, a spring-loaded steel ball mounted into the spring-loaded sliding member, a ring mounted into the sliding member to confine the spring-loaded steel ball, a supporting member abutting against the ring, a second casing fixedly attached to the first casing, a stem threadedly engaged with the second casing in such a manner that it may be screwed into or out of the second casing, a push member fastened to the end of the stem, a spring located against the push member at one end and provided with a spring shoe at the other end, a sliding rod disposed against the spring shoe and contacting a second steel ball at the other end, and a spacer mounted between the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: For use in connection with an electrically driven pump and check valve combination as used in municipal water and sewage plants wherein the check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the pipeline to which the pump supplies water into the pump, as would otherwise happen in case of a pump failure or breakdown or temporary power failure, there is provided a pump director with a first timer that starts the pump operating as soon as a control switch is closed and power is available and, as soon as the pump motor is energized, a blue signal light flashes, but if pressure does not begin to build up in the pump outlet with the check valve closed, a flashing red signal will replace the blue and continue indefinitely until manually reset.

Abstract: A water supplying system has a pneumatic tank storing water and confining compressed air therein. The pneumatic tank is adapted to be charged with water by a pump. The supply of compressed air into the pneumatic tank is controlled in such a manner as to maintain a constant amount of compressed air in the pneumatic tank. A pressure-responsive device is attached to a water service pipe through which the water is discharged from the pneumatic tank and delivered to faucets or the like. The pressure-responsive device has a pressure-responsive valve adapted to break the communication between the pneumatic tank and the water service pipe when the water level in the pneumatic tank has come down near the port of the tank connected to the water service pipe, and a pressure switch adapted to control the operation of the motor for driving the pump in relation to the operation of said pressure-responsive valve.

Abstract: A suction control valve adapted to be connected to the suction side of a compressor and comprising a valve housing, in which a valve seat is formed, which co-operates with a valve body which, in its opened position, brings the suction side of the compressor into open communication with the atmosphere. Said valve body is attached to a valve stem which, in its longitudinal direction, is slidably guided in the valve housing for the displacement of the valve body from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. A continuous bore in the valve stem is at one end in open communication with the suction side of the compressor, and opens at the other end into a diaphragm chamber, which is located on the side of a diaphragm facing away from the valve body, which diaphragm is fixed to the valve stem, while the diaphragm chamber is connected to a conduit, which accommodates a stop valve.

Abstract: An air compressor apparatus including noise-reducing means for converting ambient air into compressed air includes an air compressor surrounded by a noise-reducing enclosure and a plurality of shock-absorbing means disposed between the air compressor and the enclosure. The enclosure includes a pair of interior baffle plates which divide the interior of the enclosure into an air inlet chamber, an air outlet chamber and an air compressor chamber therebetween. The air inlet chamber and the air outlet chamber are each open to the atmosphere at a first lower end and are each in communication with the air compressor chamber at a second opposite upper end. The enclosure further includes a fan positioned within the baffle plate between the air compressor chamber and the air outlet chamber which is operable to draw air in through the open end of the air inlet chamber across the air compressor chamber and out the air outlet chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a compressor is disclosed wherein both the compressed air output and the speed of the compressor are simultaneously adjusted in relation to compressed air demand over a wide range of air demands and in a way so as to use less input energy during below-peak demand and automatically return the compressor to an operating condition of minimum speed and minimum power input when there is no demand on the compressor. A reciprocating piston compressor with at least two, and typically more than two, compression chambers driven by a prime mover has a separate unloader device for each compression chamber. A control assembly is responsive to tank pressures indicating demand on the compressor with the movement of one movable control member simultaneously operating both a control valve adapted for successively operating each of the unloader devices one at a time and a speed regulating member for the prime mover.

Abstract: A pump set comprising a compressor followed by a liquid ring vacuum pump with the two pumps matched to each other so that a relatively small liquid ring vacuum pump can draw and maintain vacuum under 40 Torr.

Abstract: In a power plant, a solid state sequence is provided for starting an FD or ID fan, or for changing the fan speed in response to the position of the fan inlet vanes. The sequential process is self-calibrated since process events control the stepping operation of the sequencer. At the operating fan speed, boiler air flow and pressure are controlled by fan inlet vane position in accordance with plant load demand. When the fan speed is changed, a multiplier circuit causes the fan inlet vanes to reposition so as to minimize air flow changes as the fan speed changes. When one of multiple FD fans or multiple ID fans has its speed changed at a time a fan balancer control, which normally equalizes air flow, is biased to permit different fan flows through the different speed FD or ID fans.

Abstract: Surging of a centrifugal compressor is avoided by ensuring that in operation ##EQU1## WHERE K and k are parameters whose values depend on the characteristics of the compressor, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h.sub.p is the polytropic head produced by the compressor, Vc is the velocity of sound in said inlet gas, and Mn (the Mach Number) is the ratio of the flow velocity V of the gas at the inlet to the compressor to the velocity of sound Vc therein. This is normally effected by arranging that ##EQU2## where .DELTA..sub.p is the differential pressure across a throttling member disposed in an inlet duct of the compressor, P.sub.1 is the compressor inlet pressure, and P.sub.2 is the compressor outlet pressure.

Abstract: A control apparatus for antisurge protection of a dynamic compressor including a junction of a closed antisurge loop with a surge limit computing module and a two mode controller with a relay backup system with deviation alarms is characterized in operation in that during a slow disturbance, the two mode controller provides modulated antisurge protection by opening a relief valve, if the operating point of the compressor crosses the surge control line and during a dangerously fast disturbance, the relay backup system provides antisurge protection if a preestablished deviation of the operating point from the surge control line appears. A relay backup system opens the relief valve very quickly. When the relief valve is so opened, the process of the user of fluid from the compressor is compensated by increasing the performance of the compressor to maintain pressure or flow rate.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring and controlling the above-ambient pressure in a system by comparing a net pressure force, produced by the system pressure on a pair of diaphragms having unequal areas, with a net spring force produced by a pair of opposed springs which clamp together a valve member and a valve seat in a pressure-relief member. The valve seat is connected by a passage to a port which is connected to the system pressure. While thus clamped together, the valve member and the pressure-relief member travel together through most of the total stroke created by movement of the pair of diaphragms and activate a microswitch for admitting additional fluid to the system when the system pressure is insufficient. If the net pressure force is sufficiently greater than the net spring force because of excessive system pressure, a port is opened when the valve strikes a stop and the pressure-relief member continues to move.

Abstract: An air compressor has an inlet supplied with pressurized air, and is operable in a pumping mode and in a non-pumping unloaded mode. Unloader means is provided for placing the compressor in its unloaded mode. When the compressor is placed in its unloaded mode, diversion valve means operates for blocking communication of the inlet with the pressurized air supply and establishing communication of the inlet with atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a multiple-plant gas-producing facility which is subject to wide variations in the demand for its output. The invention is particularly applicable to an oxygen-producing facility for a steelmaking operation in which there are two independently operable oxygen-producing plants. It is impractical to shut down an oxygen-producing plant when its output temporarily is not needed. During periods of reduced demand conventional practice is to operate one plant at its normal rate to supply the needed oxygen and operate the other plant at a reduced rate and waste excess oxygen which cannot be liquefied and stored. The invention provides a way of combining the outputs of two plants, whereby both plants can operate at reduced rates during periods of reduced demand, and large scale waste is avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a dynamic compressor from surge. The method includes a first step for providing a simultaneous control of a smaller relief means and a main control member of a dynamic compressor or the driver thereof for changing the performance of the compressor. This combined action provides for the protection from surge and at the same time insures the invariability of the main control parameters of pressure, mass flow rate to the user, or the speed of rotation. The second step provides for controlling a larger relief means and provides for antisurge protection in those cases when the first step is not sufficient to protect the compressor from surge. Apparatus is also provided for automatically implementing the method.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid at a constant but regulable pressure comprising a storage vessel having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being adapted for connection to a utilization device which is to be fed with liquid at constant pressure. An inlet conduit is connected to the inlet of the vessel and a pump is connected in the inlet conduit for pumping liquid from a liquid supply to the inlet of the vessel. A valve is inserted in the inlet conduit upstream of the pump for preventing reverse flow of liquid to the liquid supply when the pressure in the utilization device exceeds the static pressure due to the liquid height in the vessel. The valve is coupled to the pump to be opened and closed in accordance with starting and stopping thereof. The vessel includes an air inlet duct including a regulating device for adjusting the air pressure in the air chamber of the vessel from zero to a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for a cascade control of a dynamic compressor to maintain a constant mass flow rate to a process. The method consists of a successive junction of control loops for controlling the speed of rotation, the pressure in the delivery, and the mass flow rate; the output signal of each outer loop being the input signal for the inner loop and each of the loops containing a compensating element to reduce the effects of large time constants of all previous loops.An automatic control system based on using the above method, distinguished by its great static and dynamic precision in maintaining a controlled parameter, and by the high reliability of protection of the compressor from surge, and protection from a dangerous increase of the speed of rotation and of a dangerous increase of the discharge pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering constant water flow rates to the fire hose of a pumper truck at each of a plurality of selectable flow rate settings including the steps of transmitting a digital signal corresponding to a particular fire hose and pumper truck, receiving and decoding the digital signal, activating a multi-position valve in response to the decoded signal to set a particular valve position, and maintaining a constant flow rate to the fire hose by automatically varying the valve position in response to changes in the output pressure of the pump and pressure drop in the fire hose.

Abstract: A safety control system for a pump and anti-surge valve protects the pump, the valve and the hydraulic main line system. The valve is controlled by a pressure responsive circuit and, via a limit switch on the valve, controls both the steady state running of the pump and the pump start. A timed start circuit allows pressure to build up sufficiently to operate the valve upon initiation of pump operation. The system automatically shuts down upon power, mechanical or hydraulic failure, and prevents continued operation of the pump control valve when the pump has lost suction or there is a decrease in pump discharge pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a dynamic compressor from surge. The method includes a first step for providing a simultaneous control of a smaller relief means and a main control member of a dynamic compressor or the driver thereof for changing the performance of the compressor. This combined action provides for the protection from surge and at the same time insures the invariability of the main control parameters of pressure, mass flow rate to the user, or the speed of rotation. The second step provides for controlling a larger relief means and provides for antisurge protection in those cases when the first step is not sufficient to protect the compressor from surge. Apparatus is also provided for automatically implementing the method.