Plural Pumps Having Separate Drive Motors, Supply Sources, Or Delivery Destinations Patents (Class 417/2)
  • Patent number: 5527156
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling the engine and pumps of hydraulic construction equipment capable of achieving automation of the hydraulic construction equipment by controlling the oil quantity fed to solenoid controlled proportional valves such that it is proportional to the manipulation amount of a manipulation command unit through a computation performed by a controller on the basis of engine RPM data from an engine RPM detection unit and pump delivery pressure variation data from a pump delivery pressure detection units so that the suction horse power of each of the pumps corresponds to the maximum output horse power of the engine and by controlling the oil quantity fed to the hydraulic cylinders 105a and 105b by oil quantity control valves such that it corresponds to the manipulation amount and manipulation ratio from the manipulation command unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung-Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 5498105
    Abstract: A plural drainage pumps PH are disposed on the high floor gradation state at the circular shape. A plural drainage pumps PL are disposed on the low floor gradation state at the circular shape. The drainage pump PH disposed on the high floor gradation is installed at the high level. The drainage pump PH is set one having the low pump head and the large capacity in comparison with those of the drainage pump PL disposed on the low floor gradation. An outer shape of an underground pump construction building is formed a circular cone shape spreading toward an upper portion. The discharge water power can be reduced and the construction area for the underground pump construction building can be reduced and further the engineering working amount such as a digging working at the underground can be lessen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Takada, Kenji Otani, Sadashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5490765
    Abstract: An improved dual-stage pump system is provided for the accurate pumping and filtering of viscous fluids. Two hydraulically activated pumps are provided in series with a filter and reservoir disposed in-line between the two pumps. The reservoir acts as a source bottle for the second pump and allows the first pump to pump the viscous fluid through the filter at a rate independent of the dispensing rate of the second pump. By operating the first pump at a rate independent of the second pump, back pressure at the filter is avoided. Each hydraulically activated diaphragm pump is equipped with an improved diaphragm that is pre-formed to the geometries of the process fluid cavity thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the operation of the pumps due to expansion of retraction of the diaphragm during pump operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Cybor Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Bailey, Carl A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5338157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices, both locally and remotely. In one embodiment, a caregiver drug pump communicates with a remote patient drug pump for data gathering, trouble shooting, and operational program changes. The caregiver drug pump is at least substantially identical in configuration to the patient drug pump. The caregiver drug pump transmits caregiver key input signals to the remote patient drug pump. The patient drug pump receives the key input signals, accesses a desired program, and transmits information for display on the display of the caregiver drug pump. In another embodiment, a computer is provided for communicating locally and/or remotely with a drug pump. The computer may include a display with an image of a pump. The computer may be operated through the use of a mouse or touch screen with respect to the image of the pump, to simulate use of the pump while using the personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Pharmacia Deltec, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 5336054
    Abstract: A pumping arrangement for pumping water to ships comprises a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a level sensor, connectable to the outlet, for insertion into a water tank, and a control arrangement associated with the level sensor. The control arrangement de-activates the pump in response to a signal from the level sensor so as to avoid over-filling of the tank. The pumping arrangement further comprises transmitting means to transmit a signal at the same time as the control arrangement de-activates the pump. Such a signal is transmitted to, for example, a paging unit. Several pumping arrangements may be used at once with several ships, the paging unit being adapted to inform the operator when a given pumping arrangement has filled a water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Port of Singapore Authority
    Inventors: Khen H. Seah, Yeow S. Heng, Chong W. Chua
  • Patent number: 5316444
    Abstract: A pump control controls the rate at which liquid is pumped through a tube. The pump has a variable speed shaft with a roller thereon engaged with the tube between the tube inlet the tube outlet for pumping liquid from a supply toward the tube outlet when the pump shaft operates. A first sensor senses liquid at a first location in the tube and a second sensor senses liquid at a second location in the tube between the first location and the tube outlet. A vibratory beam is coupled with the tube between the first location and the second location. An electric circuit transfers energy to a magnet on the beam and induces a natural response in the beam and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Michael F. Wicnienski
  • Patent number: 5271361
    Abstract: Carbon deposits and related residue and contaminants are removed from the fuel ports and internal surfaces of an internal combustion engine fuel system, particularly fuel injectors, carburetors, fuel pumps, fuel passages, and the like, by initially utilizing a priming pump to pump priming fuel to the engine from an external fuel source while the engine is being cranked to start the engine and then utilizing the engine fuel pump to pump a combustible, carbon removing conditioning fuel from the fuel source through the engine fuel system along a flow path which by-passes the priming pump so as to avoid restriction of the conditioning fuel flow by the priming pump and thereby increase the conditioning fuel flow rate sufficiently to permit simultaneous servicing of several engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Robert E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5261791
    Abstract: Pumping apparatus for recovering a first liquid, such as a pollutant, floating on a second liquid, such as ground water. A pump immersed in the second liquid, or ground water, operates to produce a cone of depression and discharge the second liquid into a pressure vessel. A variable volume chamber inside the pressure vessel contracts and displaces any contents through an outlet conduit to a product discharge point. When the pump turns off, the variable volume chamber expands and draws product into the chamber to be driven from the chamber during successive pumping operations. Over time periodic pumping operations cause the variable volume chamber to recover the first liquid and move it to a discharge point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Remediation Technologies
    Inventor: Robin A. Goguen
  • Patent number: 5167837
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of the first pump, and second diaphragm pump means connected to the receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid. In addition, pressure sensing means are provided to indicate the pressure of the actuating hydraulic fluids, and computer controller means may be utilized to monitor, adjust and control the rates and intervals of filtering and dispense of the system in response to said pressure sensing means or otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: FAS-Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ocie T. Snodgrass, Michael K. Farney, Gregory M. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5165864
    Abstract: A vacuum pump unit including a secondary pump sub-assembly (6) rotated by an electric motor M2 and applying suction to a chamber to be evacuated (1), and a primary pump sub-assembly (2) rotated by an electric motor M1 and whose suction is connected to the output of the secondary pump sub-assembly (6), the unit being characterized in that it includes an electronic control circuit (7) for controlling the speed of rotation of the electric motor M1 as a function of to the current I2 drawn by the electric motor M2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Alcatel Cit
    Inventors: Heinz-Dieter Burger, Klaus Handke, Claude Saulgeot
  • Patent number: 5147154
    Abstract: A pressure regulation apparatus, for a bi-directional pneumatic transportation system, has first, second, and third flow chambers with ports provided at two of the chambers. A pumping device alternatively pumps air from the chamber lacking a port to either of the ported chambers. An air dam cooperates with a valve assembly that responds to internal pressures induced by the pumping device to separate one of the ported chambers into sub-chambers and to selectively isolate one of the sub-chambers from the other to bi-directionally control air flow between the ports. The bi-directional pneumatic transportation system in accordance with the present invention incorporates such a pressure regulation apparatus to control transportation of an item between stations connected by a pneumatic tube network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Hamilton Air Products
    Inventor: Lowell Scott
  • Patent number: 5135361
    Abstract: A water flow system for collecting and discharging waste water, storm water and the like includes a water pumping station into which water is delivered through an inflow main and from which water is pumped through a water discharge main. The pumping station has a water collection well, a pair of water pumps and a conduit arrangement by which the suction side of each pump is communicated with the well and the pressure side of each pump is communicated with the discharge main. A secondary conduit also communicates the pressure side of one pump with the suction side of the other pump. A control system is operative to actuate one of the pumps for normal pumping conditions and to actuate both pumps during periods of heavy water inflow to the station, the secondary conduit providing serial flow of water through the pumps under such conditions to substantially increase the water outflow rate from the pumping station in comparison to conventional parallel combined operation of the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: William W. Gotherman
    Inventor: Thomas R. Dion
  • Patent number: 5131816
    Abstract: A cartridge fed infusion pump containing a plurality of linear peristaltic pumps. Each pump is powered by a direct current motor. The motor has a shaft which rotates to perform a pump cycle. A position encoder mounted on the shaft is used to determine when the shaft has reached the stop position in the pump cycle. A reverse pulse is used to quickly stop the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Brown, Charles M. Kienholz, Steven J. Busak, Wayne Hayob, Ferrell D. Papic
  • Patent number: 5115887
    Abstract: A transmission transfer case has a sump or reservoir that is lower than the main transmission sump or reservoir. A scavenge pump is provided to prevent excess fluid storage in the transfer case during normal vehicle operation by transferring the fluid stored therein to the main transmission sump. During normal operation and vehicle towing, an output driven pump is provided to supply lubricating fluid to the transfer case components. A control valve, actuated by a signal from the main transmission control, directs fluid to the output driven pump from the main transmission sump during normal operation and from the transfer case sump during towing operation. The control valve also connects the scavenge pump with the transfer case during normal operation. A single supply passage is connected between the transfer case sump and the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5108263
    Abstract: Method of optimizing the operation of two or more compressors in parallel or in series. Known methods of this type assume that the compressors are similar and attempt to optimize their operation by balancing the outputs of or the loads on the individual compressors. Although this approach is satisfactory within its limitations, it cannot be employed with compressors that are dissimilar. The new method is intended to ensure economically optimized operation of two or more similar or dissimilar compressors in parallel or in series. The new method is essentially characterized in that the operating points of each pair of compressors are mutually and incrementally displaced without affecting the total operation parameters. The affect of the displacement on the total constraint is monitored. When the variation is occurring in the direction of optimization, it is continued in the same direction. Otherwise, the pressure that the operating points are displaced in is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: MAN Gutehoffnungshutte AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Blotenberg
  • Patent number: 5100297
    Abstract: A drive assembly for presses for extracting cocoa butter from a cocoa paste comprises two three-piston pumps, of a constant flow-rate type, the motors of which are power supplied through corresponding frequency converters which are controlled by controlling systems programmed by electronic computers.The pumps are so constructed and designed so as to facilitate conventional operations for replacing the gaskets of the pump pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Primo Vitali
  • Patent number: 5078577
    Abstract: A system for the automatic operation of a marine bilge pump is provided. The system comprises, in series, a fluid level detector, a fluid level discrimination circuit, and pump control circuitry. The fluid level detector uses an AC signal to determine when an unacceptable level of bilge water is present. The discrimination circuit determines when the fluid level detector is sensing a true level reading, as opposed to mere bilge water sloshing. If the water level is indeed too high, a bilge pump is activated. The system may be adapted for multiple pump operation. Furthermore, an emergency backup circuit, as well as alarms and a test circuit, may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Patent number: 5039280
    Abstract: A pumping assembly for obtaining a high vacuum, the assembly comprising a primary pump (4) and a secondary pump (1) associated in series, the inlet of the secondary pump (1) being taken from an enclosure (3) to be evacuated, the assembly further including means (7) for starting the secondary pump (1) when the pressure upstream from the primary pump (4) drops below a value P.sub.1, the assembly being characterized in that a passive tank (10) followed by an isolating valve (11) are interposed between the outlet (12) from the secondary pump (1) and the inlet (13) to the primary pump (4), and in that it includes control means (7) for closing the isolating valve (11) and stopping the primary pump (4) when the pressure in said passive tank (10) reaches a value P.sub.2 <P.sub.1, and for opening the isolating valve (11) and restarting the primary pump (4) when the pressure in said passive tank ( 10) returns to the pressure P.sub.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Alcatel CIT
    Inventors: Claude Saulgeot, Jacques Long
  • Patent number: 4913624
    Abstract: A low pulsation displacement pump has a pair of plungers and motor driven-cams or feed screws for reciprocating the plungers. In order to cause the pump to stably discharge a liquid so that variation in discharge due to machining errors of the plungers or the feed screws is eliminated, the pump discharge pressure is measured at each of a plurality of predetermined operative positions of the plungers before delivery of the pump from a manufacturing plant, and machining errors are obtained in accordance with the thus-measured discharge pressure. Then, the speed correction factor for the motor is calculated for each of the plurality of predetermined positions of the plungers in accordance with the thus-obtained errors to store the results of the calculation in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiwao Seki, Tsuyoshi Nishitarumizu
  • Patent number: 4887941
    Abstract: A method of starting series-coupled vacuum pumps comprising a primary pump (A) and at least one secondary pump (B) connected between the primary pump and an enclosure (E) in which a vacuum is to be established, the method consisting in starting the primary pump initially and subsequently starting the secondary pump when the suction pressure of the primary pump as reduced by rotation of the primary pump reaches an acceptable value, the method being characterized in that the pressure existing in the secondary pump is determined by using a physical magnitude related to the primary pump and following a law similar to the pressure law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Societe anonyme dite: Alcatel Cit
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Crinquette, Jacques Long
  • Patent number: 4878813
    Abstract: A vacuum pump producing ultra high vacua has a housing containing a first set of rotor blades provided around a first rotor for producing ultra high vacua and a second set of rotor blades provided around a second rotor for producing low to high vacua wherein the first rotor and the second rotor are magnetically suspended during pump operation. The first rotor is disconnected from the second rotor during pump operation in a low to high vacuum range, and it is connected with the second rotor as the pump operation shifts from a high vacuum range to an ultra high vacuum range. Because of this feature, the pump operation ranging from a low vacuum range up to an ultra high vacuum range can be performed by a single pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Seiki Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaharu Miki
  • Patent number: 4854822
    Abstract: A high volume, low pressure impeller apparatus is provided for the spraying of liquids having a wide range of viscosities. The use of two serially interconnected impeller blowers enables the spraying of both stains and latex paints while still achieving fine sprayed coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Apollo Sprayers International, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Darroch
  • Patent number: 4835687
    Abstract: In order to achieve optimized management of a pipeline system for transporting gas, oil or other products, the flow rates and pressures at various system locations are determined and regulated in real time. The configurations of compressors and valves which make it possible to minimize operating costs are determined in real time by computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Cimsa Sintra
    Inventor: Jean C. Martin
  • Patent number: 4810168
    Abstract: A low pulsation pump device has a pulse motor, two plungers adapted to be driven by the pulse motor, a pressure sensor disposed on the output side of the plungers, a storage for storing values of pressures detected by the pressure sensor during each of a number of periods, a high speed region during which the rotational speed of the pulse motor is increased. The pulse control has an optimization function which determines, on the basis of pressure information which was obtained during the last period, the location of a high speed region in each period in such a manner as to reduce pulsations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Nogami, Tsuyoshi Nishitarumizu, Kiwao Seki
  • Patent number: 4808077
    Abstract: Velocity control of two plungers provided in a pulsationless duplex plunger pump is effected by detecting pressure of a resultant discharge from the two plungers and positions of the plungers, and correcting sequentially a velocity instruction of the each plunger, based on pressure corresponding to the detected position of the each plunger so that the sum of velocities of the two plungers will be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Kan, Yozo Nakamura, Mieko Ishii
  • Patent number: 4787822
    Abstract: A volume control for a multi-nozzle rotary pump filling system in which a plurality of rotary pumps are driven from a common drive. Each pump is connected with its own nozzle by way of a connection that includes a volume control operable to adjust the back pressure on the rotary pump to thereby vary the amount of product dispensed by the nozzle. In case of more viscous products, a by-pass line which includes a relief valve is also provided between the inlet side of the control unit and the in-feed side of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: National Instrument Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4770609
    Abstract: A two-stage vacuum pump apparatus has a first stage of vacuum pump constituted by a screw-type vacuum pump and a second stage vacuum pump constituted by an oil-sealed rotary vacuum pump operative to maintain the back pressure of the first stage vacuum pump at a level ranging from 1 to 100 Torr., whereby a high level of vacuum can be attained in a system to be evacuated without any risk of contamination of the evacuated system by oil. Also disclosed is a method of operating the two-stage vacuum pump apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Riichi Uchida, Seiji Tsuru, Kazuaki Shiinoki, Kotaro Naya
  • Patent number: 4739628
    Abstract: Improvements in heat pump systems having indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, at least two compressors, and conduit connections including associated compressor selector and change over valves operable to control the direction of flow of fluid medium through the heat exchangers from the compressors, and to control whether one or more of the compressors will be operating the system and in all cases to connect the operating compressor or compressors in series with the heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: James F. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 4734011
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump having a plurality of cylinders, a suction manifold and a discharge manifold. Each cylinder includes a piston connected to a pump shaft. The system also includes apparatus for rotating the pump shaft so as to move the pistons. A fluid enters the pump by way of the suction manifold, is compressed in the pump by the pistons and the compressed fluid leaves the pump by way of the discharge manifold. Equipment connected to the discharge manifold affects the discharging of the compressed fluid in accordance with the number of cylinders and the rotational frquency of the pump shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Russell W. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4681513
    Abstract: An accurately controllable two-stage pump assembly comprising two plunger pumps connected in series. The suction port of the outlet pump A is connected to the discharge port of the inlet pump B, so that the discharge port of the outlet pump A and the suction port of the inlet pump B act as the discharge port and the suction port, respectively, of the whole pump assembly. While the inlet pump B is delivering fluid from the whole pump assembly, the outlet pump A completes the filling stroke of the whole pump assembly and fully increases the pressure inside the chamber of the outlet pump A. While the inlet pump B is filling, the outlet pump A is in the stage of displacement stroke and delivers fluid from the whole pump assembly. The plungers of the pumps are moved via cams by stepper motors which swing or rotate back and forth within a certain angular range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Jeol Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Saito, Makoto Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4616978
    Abstract: A surge control fluid delivery system is described particularly adapted for pumping of high-viscosity substances from a reservoir for dispensing. The system includes a manifold which is connected to an outlet line of a pump. A vent circuit for returning fluid from the manifold to the reservoir is also provided. Surge control is achieved through a control system which modulates the fluid supply pump and further activates a valve in the vent return line to maintain the pressure of the fluid within the manifold to within adjustable upper and lower limits. The system further includes means for automatically switching from one source of fluid to another upon depletion of the first source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Auto/Con
    Inventors: Ronald R. Matheson, Daniel E. Hucul
  • Patent number: 4576552
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic tank control for a water supply system having a closed water tank (10), an air compressor (17) and a water pump (21, 22). A plurality of pressure switches (PS18, PS23, PS25, PS26) at the air compressor detect air pressure threshholds in the tank and a plurality of water level detector electrodes (32, 33, 34, 35) detect water level threshholds in the tank. A control causes the water pump to fill the tank to a pressure level or a water level at the operator's option. A pressure switch (PS2) in a tank adapter assembly (20) shuts down the system if an over pressure condition is detected. The compressor is housed in a waterproof housing (41) and cooled by a blower (48) passing air through the housing with thermostats (TH14, TH15, TH16) functioning to protect the compressor from overheating. A baffle 52 prevents the cooling air from recirculating through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Dresden G. Smith
  • Patent number: 4547128
    Abstract: A proportional mixing unit for accurately metering the desired amounts of a liquid concentrate and a liquid diluent, completely mixing the concentrate and diluent together, and holding the mixture until needed. A constant volume pump is used to pump a constant volume of the liquid concentrate. A pressure regulator maintains the liquid diluent at a constant pressure. A variable volume pump is used to mix the liquid concentrate from the constant volume pump and the liquid diluent from the pressure regulator and to pump a variable volume of the mixture to a holding tank. By varying the volume of the variable volume pump, the proportion of liqiuid concentrate to liquid diluent is accurately varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: John W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4516911
    Abstract: A solid state switching controller for use with various types of oil well bailer pumps. Individually programmable steps with lockouts provide multiple mutual exclusivity between various circuit operations. A trickle charge battery system powers the control circuits. A tank overflow float protects against oil spillage. An automatic production rate adjustment circuit is provided which increases cycle time in proportion to the rate of production. The circuit includes a low power voltage detector for disabling the control circuits until the line voltage is acceptable. A three-phase power and control system with an isolation transformer for the controls avoids unreliable ground connections. The timers include a dividing circuit with an RC circuit. All power actuated apparatus are actuated by triac switches which are controlled by an opto driver. The bailer brake is pulse actuated for allowing the bailer to sink into crude oil without excess cable looseness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Southwest Bailer Pump Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas
  • Patent number: 4486148
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motive power and fluid driving system according to the present invention is disclosed, which generally comprises the steps of sensing a plurality of operating parameters and at least one control parameter defining the energy quotient for the motive power and fluid driving system, and adjusting the control parameter(s) to substantially maximize the energy quotient for the system. The control method may also include the step of substantially maximizing the energy quotient at a predetermined or desired capacity of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
    Inventor: Husam Battah
  • Patent number: 4474204
    Abstract: A control system (10) is provided for maintaining a constant fluid level in a mixing container of a delivery and metering device. Structure (12) is provided for monitoring the fluid level in the mixing container and for generating a level signal (14) representing the fluid level present in the mixing container. Structure (18) is further provided for establishing a desired amount of fluid entering the mixing container and for generating a first control signal (20). Structure (22) is provided for establishing a desired amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container and for generating a second control signal (24). Measuring devices (30, 34) are utilized for measuring the amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container and for generating a discharge signal (36) representing the amount of fluid discharged from the mixing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: The Western Company of North America
    Inventor: Joe E. West
  • Patent number: 4457326
    Abstract: A system for providing temporary water service between a water main and one or more locations normally connected to the main in which a pipeline is provided above ground and has a supply section and a return section which are connected to the main. Each of the locations are connected between the supply section and the return section. The water is circulated from said supply section, through said location and to said return section in response to the ambient temperature dropping below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: Spiniello Construction Company
    Inventor: Frank Donnelly
  • Patent number: 4456432
    Abstract: A battery powered auxiliary sump pump is described which is a backup to the primary sump pump. The auxiliary sump pump provides an intermittent audible alarm and an intermittent visual alarm when the auxiliary sump pump is activated. Thus, the device provides an intermittent audible and visual alarm signal which is more perceptible to an observer than a continuous alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Jennings Pump Company
    Inventor: Vincent Mannino
  • Patent number: 4439997
    Abstract: A system and method for managing energy in large multistage refrigeration systems and the like having a hot gas defrosting system by continuously monitoring operating parameters and controlling to optimize the refrigeration system compressor pressures and defrosting cycles. A multiplicity of remote sensors is disposed at the appropriate points in the refrigeration system to produce analog electrical signals representative of the evaporator air temperature, evaporator refrigerant temperature, and similar temperatures, and pressures such as the head pressure, booster suction pressure, intermediate suction pressure, and the like. A signal processor is provided to receive signals from the sensors, to condition the analog signals, convert to digital signals and to feed a digital computer which has a memory for storing system design pressure and temperature parameters and refrigerant characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: Robert J. Cantley
  • Patent number: 4408452
    Abstract: In a pumping-up hydroelectric power plant comprising a single speed main pump/turbine and a booster pump operable in series in a pumping operation between an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, a water head shared by said booster pump is varied depending on a variation in the static head between the two reservoirs for maintaining the operation of the main pump/turbine always in a maximum efficiency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sachio Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 4407185
    Abstract: A variable air volume (VAV) system in which the inflow of outside air is maintained above a predetermined value by maintaining a substantially fixed negative pressure in the plenum by the use of a static pressure sensor and control system for controlling the speed of the return fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Haines, Mark A. Purinton
  • Patent number: 4389163
    Abstract: A pressure booster system for fluids using one or more injectors for delivering a relatively low pressure output flow of fluid. A fluid accumulator receives the output from one or more injectors. A detector reveals any fluid mass change in the accumulator in relation to a selected value of fluid mass. A relatively high pressure pump increases the pressure of the output flow from the accumulator in accordance with the change of fluid mass within the accumulator which results in high pressure metering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: Altex Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Haakon T. Magnussen, Jr., Stephen J. Ruskewicz
  • Patent number: 4330237
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling natural gas compressor and engine units. Particularly, the control method provides for the adjustment of the engine speed and compressor loading, so as to minimize the compressing energy required while maintaining a desired gas flow through the pipeline. The control of the engine speed and compressor loading is based in part on an energy quotient value for the unit. The control method further provides for efficient operation during multiple-stage compression, by controlling the interstage pressure. The control method is also adapted to predict impending compressor and engine unit failures. The control system is based upon a digital-type controller which generates control signals in response to changes in the energy quotient value for the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
    Inventor: Husam Battah
  • Patent number: 4311436
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fluid pressure and velocity, and in particular for maintaining an aspirator air velocity constant under varying atmospheric conditions. A precisely controlled air velocity is provided by a reference air source whose frequency is derived from a crystal oscillator. The total air pressure from the aspirator wind tunnel is compared with the total air pressure from the reference air source using a matched thermistor pair technique to convert the pressure difference into an electrical error signal which is used to control the main air source for the aspirator wind tunnel such that the error signal is maintained at zero, thereby maintaining the air velocity in the aspirator constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ferdinand Hendriks
  • Patent number: 4297081
    Abstract: A pump control system using a purge bubbler, a flat plate manometer having level sensing contacts therein, and control relays and alarms. The flat plate manometer includes a rectangular mercury column having calibration scales and a number of stainless steel contacts disposed along the column. The mercury closes a circuit between a common contact and the column contacts as the mercury rises. The manometer is fabricated from acrylic plastic to provide a light weight, low cost device. The input and output ports include microporous filters to prevent accidental loss of mercury. The input port is connected to a bubbler air pump and a standpipe in the vessel to be controlled. Pump start relays are connected to selected contacts of the manometer column to operate in accordance with the hydrostatic level of the liquid in the vessel. Interlocking relays are used in cooperation with the pump relays to allow pump start and pump stop levels to be independently selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: William A. Irvin
  • Patent number: 4290735
    Abstract: A plurality of relatively large, high capacity, high head, pumps disposed in parallel in the basement of a building provide water under pressure throughout the water pipes in a high rise building. Pressurestatic switch means controls the operation of these main pumps. A small, low capacity, high head auxiliary pump of an auxiliary booster system in the upper regions of the building supplies water to an accumulator tank in the auxiliary system from the water pipes so that during periods of low demand, such as at night and on weekends, the operation of the main pumps will be minimized. A control assembly including a timer and pressurestatic limit switches in the auxiliary control system dictates when the auxiliary pump is actuated and shut off and when the accumulator tank is opened to the water pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Syncroflo, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Sulko
  • Patent number: 4281968
    Abstract: A water storage and pumping system with a motor control for the pump, which is responsive to storage tank pressure and comprises an analog pressure tank and a low pressure responsive valve to admit water from the storage tank service line to the pressure tank and a high pressure responsive valve which allows the pressure tank to drain through a time delay bleed valve. A pressure responsive electrical switch senses the pressure tank pressure and controls operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Inventor: Francis A. Akers
  • Patent number: 4255089
    Abstract: Two series connected fans driving a variable throat venturi are controlled by a single flow control feedback loop yet are decoupled by modifying the common flow control signal by separate but complementary piecewise linear characterizations of the flow characteristics of each fan. Both fans are protected from surging and overcurrent by their own differential pressure and current limiting control loops respectively which automatically assume control when conditions warrant. The venturi is controlled by its own differential pressure control loop which is operated to generate the maximum differential pressure allowed by the flow rate without surging the fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Dravo Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Phillips, Jr., Ronald D. Tate
  • Patent number: 4225288
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kurt Mugele, Bodo Nagel
  • Patent number: 4215975
    Abstract: An air column is employed in a sump pump to exclude liquid and foreign matter therein from the pump interior until a time just prior to priming and pumping. Just prior to the pump being turned on the air column is vented, thus permitting the liquid to rise to a level in the pump commensurate with the level elsewhere in the sump and thereby priming the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Inventor: Karl O. Niedermeyer