Fluid Flow Rate Responsive Patents (Class 417/300)
  • Patent number: 11530657
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing or maintaining a target surge margin at the compressor during steady state engine operating conditions and to avoid compressor surge during transients by controlling a compressor recirculation valve position to a commanded position. The estimated surge margin can be determined in response to the measured pressure ratio across the compressor, an estimated compressor flow, and a compressor map for the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Mayura H. Halbe, Ming-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11286603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus including a drain pump having a motor, an inverter unit to transfer power to the motor, and a control unit to control the inverter unit to operate the drain pump, wherein the control unit sets an operation mode of the drain pump based on a current flowing in a part of the inverter unit, and controls the inverter unit based on the set operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kiwook Lee, Jungmoon Je
  • Patent number: 11022123
    Abstract: A transfer pump includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. A main pump path and a bypass path disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A motor is in fluid communication with the main pump path and is configured to be energized to move a fluid through the main pump path and the bypass path. The fluid movement being indicative of a non-siphoning condition occurring between the inlet and the outlet. A flow sensor is disposed in fluid communication with the bypass path and being configured to generate a flow rate signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in the bypass path. A controller in communication with the flow sensor for receiving the flow rate signal and being configured to de-energize the motor when the flow rate signal satisfies a first flow rate threshold indicative of a siphoning condition occurring between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham M. Schaafsma
  • Patent number: 10247182
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a well stimulation application includes a pump controlled by a controller, the controller operating to monitor operation of the pump and determine when cavitation is present or imminent in the pump. When cavitation is present, the controller automatically adjusts an operating condition of the pump reduce pump speed or increase a fluid pressure at the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Patent number: 10060524
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission control system including a vane pump including a stroke ring defining a compartment. An outlet line and an inlet line are fluidly connected to the compartment. A control pressure chamber and a compensation chamber are defined adjacent to opposite sides of the stroke ring, each for varying a pump outlet pressure based on a pressure change within the chambers. A pump controller is connected to the outlet line and the pressure control chamber for adjusting a pressure in the pressure control chamber. The outlet line is further connected to the compensation chamber, a primary hydraulic circuit and a primary pressure control valve. A secondary hydraulic circuit is connected to the primary pressure control valve. A shift valve is disposed between the outlet line and the primary control valve and configured to selectively connect the pump controller and the primary pressure control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN BAD HOMBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Ludger Holtmann, Thilo Mauser, Van Doan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9746135
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system and process for the equalization of pressures of a flow stream across one or more valves is provided. A process circuit having clean non-abrasive fluid and at least one slave cylinder for transmitting pressure to a process flow stream is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Solray Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Francis Bathurst
  • Publication number: 20140356197
    Abstract: A pump control system is described, that is suitable for controlling multiple pumps coupled in series to pump fluids great distances. The apparatus of the invention is particularly well suited for pumping liquid manure or other fluid slurries from a main tank to a pumping field using booster pumps. The apparatus includes a control system that remotely controls functions on the main pump and booster pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Hotovec
  • Patent number: 8881758
    Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is a valve comprising (a) a valve body having a poppet valve chamber with an axis running there through; (b) a seat having a seat sealing surface, and a outer-seat surface, the seat located axially within the poppet valve chamber; and (c) a poppet having a poppet sealing surface, the poppet being located axially within the poppet valve chamber; wherein a poppet-seat interface is created between at least a portion of the seat sealing surface and at least a portion of the poppet sealing surface, the poppet-seat interface being at an angle ? of from 20 to 90° to the axis. In one embodiment the seat is removable, allowing the geometry of at least the poppet head surface and/or the seat inside surface, which defines a fluid flow-path cross-section, to be tailored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patent Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kim Morgan, Eric Richard Lewis, Michael Wayne Ackman
  • Publication number: 20140271243
    Abstract: Integrated, stand-alone, multiple-purpose pump stands are provided for controlled pumping of different liquids from a stand-mounted tank to a downstream use location, e.g., a seed treating device. The pump stands are equipped with an operating assembly including a liquid tank, a powered pump, a liquid flow line equipped with a flow meter from the tank and pump to the use location, and a programmable digital control device. During operation, the control device serves to approach and maintain the flow rate from the pump stand at or about a desired setpoint flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: USC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Craft, Daniel M. Tramp, Lynn E. Strahm
  • Publication number: 20140216087
    Abstract: A compressor (22) has a housing assembly (50) with a suction port (24) and a discharge port (26). An impeller (54) is supported by a shaft (70) which is mounted for rotation to be driven in at least a first condition so as to draw fluid in through the suction port (24) and discharge the fluid from the discharge port (26). A magnetic bearing system (66, 67, 68) supports the shaft (70). A controller (84) is coupled to an axial position sensor (80) and is configured to control impeller position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vishnu M. Sishtla
  • Patent number: 8684699
    Abstract: A pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance for delivering cleaning liquid is provided. The pump has a pump housing with at least one pump chamber into which at least one piston plunges. The pump chamber is connected via at least one inlet valve to a suction line and via at least one outlet valve to a pressure line. A bypass line leads from the pressure line to the suction line. An overflow valve is arranged in the bypass line. The valve body of the overflow valve is connected to a control element which, in dependence upon the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, displaces the valve body to a closed or an open position. A rear housing component and a front housing component of the pump housing are joined together. The bypass line opens into a suction line section of the suction line, which extends between the housing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Nathan, Juergen Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20130287598
    Abstract: A gas compression system includes at least one first compressor provided with at least one first cylinder and one second cylinder that are combined together such that a gas to be compressed, which is taken into the first cylinder at an intake pressure, is compressed by the intake of an engine gas to the second cylinder. The system further includes a pressure checking device to check the pressure of the engine gas during the feeding thereof into the second cylinder. The pressure checking device includes a pressure detector for measuring the pressure of the gas to be compressed during the intake thereof to the first cylinder; and a regulator for adjusting the flow rate of the engine gas in the second cylinder such that the pressure of the gas to be compressed is constant during the intake thereof to the first cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat à l' énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Yannick Fourneron, Eric Pinton
  • Patent number: 8568109
    Abstract: A pump for a high-pressure cleaning device for delivering cleaning fluid is provided. The pump has at least one pump chamber, into which at least one piston plunges, and which is connected to a suction line via at least one inlet valve and to a pressure line via at least one outlet valve. A bypass line leads from the pressure line to the suction line. An overflow valve is arranged in the bypass line. The valve body of the overflow valve is connected to a control piston which is displaceably held in a control chamber with the interposition of a sealing element and moves the valve body into a closed or an open position as a function of the flow rate of the cleaning fluid in the pressure line. A sliding element is arranged in the control chamber and abuts sealingly on the wall of the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Nathan, Juergen Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20130259715
    Abstract: A microsystem for converting pressure difference in fluid into mechanical displacement includes input and output nozzles, two interleaved parts, one of which is mobile part, between which the fluid flows. During displacement, the parts define an expanding fluid pocket that moves from the input nozzle to the output nozzle. The microsystem also includes top and bottom planes between which the mobile part is mounted for displacement relative to each plane, an overhanging distal portion along which the fluid flows, and a proximal portion mechanically linked to a plane via a link allowing only longitudinal translation of the proximal portion, and a reinforcement including a first side fastened to one of the planes and, a second side that is either fastened to or in sliding contact with the overhanging distal portion of the mobile part to limit its deformation in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Thierry Hilt
  • Publication number: 20130251547
    Abstract: A wellbore liquid lift pump includes a pump chamber disposed in a wellbore at a selected longitudinal position and within a liquid column therein. The pump chamber has one way valves proximate each longitudinal end thereof. One of the one way valves is in fluid communication with the liquid column. The other one way valve is in fluid communication with a conduit extending from the pump chamber to the surface. The pump includes means for displacing a volume of the pump chamber by application of pressure thereto. The pressure provided by at least one of a gas and a liquid having a density lower than liquid within the liquid column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HANSEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Patent number: 8523535
    Abstract: An adjusting valve adjusting valve for adjusting the delivery volume of a displacement pump includes a valve casing, a valve piston which is mounted such that the valve piston can be moved within the valve casing, a valve spring which counteracts a force exerted by the valve-actuating pressure on the valve piston, and an adjusting device serving to adjust the valve piston in the direction of or counter to the force exerted by the valve-actuating pressure. A displacement pump exhibiting an adjustable delivery volume, includes a pump casing, a delivery chamber formed in the pump casing and a delivery member and the adjusting valve for adjusting the delivery volume, arranged in a flow of the fluid delivered by the delivery member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schwabische Huttenwerke Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christof Lamparski, Jürgen Bohner
  • Patent number: 8517696
    Abstract: A control system for a pumping apparatus consisting of an engine-driven primary pump includes an intake pressure regulating system for maintaining the intake pressure above a preset low value, a discharge pressure regulating system for maintaining the discharge pressure below a preset maximum value, and a master controller for monitoring, recording, and controlling the intake and discharge pressure regulating systems and other components of the system. The discharge pressure regulating system includes a pump governor which varies the engine RPM and operates a relief valve in response to fluctuations in discharge pressure. The intake pressure regulating system includes a reserve tank that is automatically maintained at a preset level which determines the minimum intake pressure of the system. The system may also include a priming pump, foam tanks, foam pumps, bottled nonflammable gas, and an air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Publication number: 20130195689
    Abstract: A front fork includes a body side tube, an axle side tube, a damper, a reservoir, a damping force adjusting flow passage, and a solenoid valve including a spool housing portion provided at an intermediate position of the damping force adjusting flow passage, a spool valve inserted into the spool housing portion movably in an axial direction, and a solenoid that drives the spool valve in an axial direction, and configured to adjust a flow passage area of the damping force adjusting flow passage. Pressure receiving areas on opposite axial sides of the spool valve on which a pressure in an upstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage acts are made equal. An upper arrangement passage which is arranged at least higher than the upper end of the spool housing portion is provided in a downstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahisa Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20130195690
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to liquid nitrogen pump equipment load testing and experimenting apparatus, and testing and experimenting method thereof, used for oil-gas fields or coalbed methane nitrogen foam fracturing equipment testing. A hydraulic damping apparatus unit and a pressure regulation unit are provided; the hydro-mechanical damping apparatus unit comprises a water tank, a pump unit apparatus, and a pipe manifold system connected in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: CNPC Bohai Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., China National Petroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Shulong Wang, Xianying Tan, Xiaolin Wang, Hongguang Zhang, Yongqing Shi, Fang Gu
  • Publication number: 20130171010
    Abstract: A control signal output unit obtains a motor control signal by applying a reduction amount for a current command value obtained by an over-power suppression control unit to a current command value from a host control unit. The over-power suppression control unit includes a hydraulic pressure estimation unit that estimates hydraulic pressure, and a current command value correction amount calculation unit that compares a target hydraulic pressure with an estimated hydraulic pressure and outputs the reduction amount for the current command value. Load information indicating whether a load on the pump is a low load or a high load that is higher than the low load is input into a control circuit from the host control unit, and the over-power suppression control unit changes the target hydraulic pressure in accordance with a magnitude of the load indicated by the load information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: JTEKT Corporation
  • Patent number: 8439653
    Abstract: A pump for a high-pressure cleaning apparatus for delivering cleaning liquid is provided. The pump has at least one pump chamber into which at least one reciprocally movable piston plunges. The pump chamber is connected via at least one inlet valve to a suction conduit and via at least one outlet valve to a pressure conduit. A bypass conduit leads from the pressure conduit to the suction conduit. A bypass valve is arranged in the bypass conduit. The valve body of the bypass valve is connected to a control member which displaces the valve body to a closed or an open position and displaces a switch plunger which is coupled to the valve body to a first or a second switch position. The valve body opens a passage upstream of the valve seat which becomes wider when the valve body is at a predetermined distance from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Nathan, Juergen Erdmann, Sven Dirnberger
  • Patent number: 8439648
    Abstract: A lift station containing a tube, an access box connected to the tube, and an inner pipe that is removable, positioned in the tube that can be used to contain and discharge process water. The design aids in construction and maintenance and can detect leaks that can reduce process water contamination of surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Roy Harrison McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20130108482
    Abstract: The method and system for attenuating or damping the amplitude of vacuum pressure oscillations in a vacuum system uses a flow-modulated damper to disperse and damp high-amplitude vacuum oscillations of a vacuum generator to a degree where fine vacuum control may be achieved for delicate work such as eye surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: EDCO USA
    Inventor: Edco USA
  • Patent number: 8393156
    Abstract: A variable performance valve for use in a fuel nozzle is presented. The valve includes a spring, an inner spool having a port, an outer sleeve, and an orifice, which in a fuel nozzle application may be a calibration orifice. In a low flow condition, the inlet to downstream pressure is the spring force divided by the area on which the pressure acts. At low flow the orifice does not cause any appreciable pressure drop. As the flow increases, a pressure drop develops across the orifice. Since the pressure drop across the valve cannot be greater than the spring force divided by valve area, the valve is forced to open to compensate. As flow is increased, the valve will stroke completely open and the pressure drop at the port becomes negligible and the pressure drop across the orifice is nearly 100% of the pressure drop across the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Niemeyer, Charlie Carson
  • Patent number: 8348630
    Abstract: A common regulator valve is provided for a variable displacement pump fuel metering scheme in which the common regulator valve both controls working output to a pump actuator to control displacement of the variable displacement pump and also to control bypass of excess fuel flow. The regulator valve also includes a differential piston which generates a compensation force off of the bypass flow in order to compensate for changes in spring force and flow reaction force at different system pressures and operational states. As a result, errors in the metered fuel flow can be either eliminated or substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Tysver, Carthel C. Baker, Joel W. Kleckler
  • Patent number: 8152496
    Abstract: A method of operating a compressor of a compressor system uses three models. Each model of the three models describes a surge line of the compressor as a function of any two of three operating parameters of the compressor. The three operating parameters include head (H), flow (Q), and speed (N). The method includes measuring operating characteristics of the compressor system using sensors, and determining a current value of the three operating parameters based on at least some of the measured operating characteristics. The method also includes locating operating points of the compressor on each of the three models based on the current value of the operating parameters, and identifying a sensor fault that affects the determination of at least one of the operating parameters. The method further includes avoiding surge of the compressor using one model of the three models. The one model being a model that is a function of two operating parameters unaffected by the sensor fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. White
  • Publication number: 20110318198
    Abstract: An infusion system and method for controlling the fluid flow from a pump includes a pump system that has a controller that utilizes an algorithm to control the flow rate of fluid through tubing. A plurality of electrodes operatively contacts an electrically conductive portion of the tubing that is also acted upon by the pump system. The electrodes monitor electrical properties of the tubing and provide an electric signal indicative thereof to the controller, which varies the flow rate of the fluid through the tubing as a result of the electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HOSPIRA, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Johnson, Ryan R. Brumund, James A. McNeely
  • Patent number: 8054018
    Abstract: A method of constant airflow control for a ventilation system is disclosed. The method includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. This is because these controls use only intrinsic control variables which are electric current and rotational speed of the motor. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: SNTech Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8007249
    Abstract: A tile flood pump for attachment to a tile or drain pipe and pumping water from a field. The pump includes a pump housing, a flange bolted to the tile and an impeller housing enclosing one or more, lower rotating impellers, and extending into the pump housing for pumping water from the field through the impeller housing and the tile. A flapper valve can be provided on the intake end of the pump housing to facilitate flow of water through the pump housing and the tile. A shaft housing extends into the pump housing for enclosing a drive shaft that mounts the lower impeller(s) and connects to an external drive system. A shaft housing extension is removably fitted into the shaft housing for enclosing an upper impeller to flood and cool the upper marine and load bearings which carry the impeller shaft, upon which the upper impeller is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Rick D. Spargo
  • Publication number: 20110200461
    Abstract: A pump control system includes a source of pressurized fluid an output valve adjustably controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the source. An output valve control is coupled to the output valve and monitors the actual state of the output valve. The control selectably adjusts the output valve in response to a first control signal. A controller is coupled to the output valve control, the controller receiving information from the output valve control corresponding to the actual state of the output valve and providing to the output valve control the first control signal, the first control signal being applied to the output valve to achieve and maintain a desired state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: AKRON BRASS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerry Christensen, Jeff Benson, David Durstine
  • Patent number: 7993111
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing noise from occurring due to cavitation in a power steering pump during low temperature start-up includes the addition of a multi-passage orifice element for adding wetted surface resistance to high viscous fluid flow downstream from a single passage outlet orifice element of a fluid flow control device and upstream of an associated steering gear or steering assist valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samir Joshi, Leonard F. Bishop, Douglas C. Myers
  • Publication number: 20100329898
    Abstract: A compressor airflow control assembly is operable to control airflow through a centrifugal compressor. The control assembly includes an air valve mounted in the airflow path to control airflow through the compressor. The control assembly also includes a controller operable to sense an airflow condition and control shifting of the air valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Scott Dunn, Michael A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20100322785
    Abstract: A compressor unit including a compressor is provided. The compressor unit includes a suction line and a discharge line, a control unit which controls the compressor and/or adjacent modules. A method to operate a compressor unit is also provided. To avoid any damage caused by non-gaseous fluid amount at least one detection device is disposed in the suction line to identify non-gaseous fluid amounts in the fluid to be compressed before entering the compressor. The detection device is connected to the control unit in a signal transmitting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Marcel Buse, Mark Van Aarse
  • Patent number: 7841841
    Abstract: A flow prioritizing system includes a regulating valve and a flow prioritizing valve. The regulating valve receives a first portion of the fluid supplied from a fuel supply pump, and is responsive to a control pressure to selectively allow or prohibit flow to secondary loads. The flow prioritizing control valve is responsive to fluid pressure representative of delivery pump discharge pressure to control the control pressure to which the regulating valve is responsive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Arnett, Paul W. Futa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100260617
    Abstract: A pump control for controlling a fluid pump for pumping a fluid, the pump control comprising a pump oil path comprising an oil pump and at least one valve, the oil pump being adapted for pumping pump oil to the fluid pump, the at least one valve being arranged downstream of the oil pump, and a control unit adapted for controlling a pump oil pressure in the fluid pump by switching the at least one valve so that the fluid can be pumped in response to the pump oil pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Haertl
  • Patent number: 7802973
    Abstract: A vane pump can effectively utilize the total quantity of a working fluid delivered from a vane section. The pump can be used for fluid pressure operated equipment requiring a high flow rate, does not create torque loss due to a throttle valve, and can prevent the occurrence of cavitation caused by a shortage of suction. The vane pump pressurizes and delivers a working fluid through a vane section. A returning working fluid flowing through a return port is throttled and accelerated by a throttle valve, and a working fluid sent from a suction port is attracted by the accelerated returning working fluid so that the returning working fluid and the working fluid sent from a tank are sent into the vane section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Fujita, Masamichi Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20100116253
    Abstract: An integrated value of discharge quantity of a fuel pump is used as a parameter evaluating a pressure loss of a fuel filter. A target discharge quantity is obtained by correcting a fuel quantity required by an engine with a filter pressure loss correction amount corresponding to an integrated value of the discharged quantity. A target rotational speed of the fuel pump is computed based on the target discharge quantity, so that the target rotational speed is corrected in accordance with the pressure loss of the fuel filter. Alternatively, the target rotational speed may be corrected in accordance with a deterioration degree of the fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Daiji Furuhashi, Kiyoshi Nagata, Katsuhiko Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7608353
    Abstract: A method for detecting compressor surge in a fuel cell system. The system includes a turbomachine compressor that delivers charge air to the cathode side of a fuel cell module. A bi-directional mass flow meter measures the airflow through the compressor, and provides an indication of a reverse airflow through the compressor for surge protection. A controller receives a signal from the mass flow meter indicative of the reverse flow. The controller controls a motor driving the compressor and a back pressure valve at the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell module to control the pressure in the fuel cell module to remove the surge condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Rainville
  • Publication number: 20090242583
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of pneumatic tools includes a controller for controlling the delivery of compressed air to the tool. The controller includes a first flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a first flow rate and a second flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a second flow rate. The controller is configured to automatically configure the system for operation of the pneumatic tool via a flow of air from one of the first flow path or the second flow path. In painting environments, such a system enhances control of the operation of the pump in accommodating a generally stable pump reciprocation rate as fluid viscosities change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Elberson
  • Publication number: 20090175734
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing noise from occurring due to cavitation in a power steering pump during low temperature start-up includes the addition of a multi-passage orifice element for adding wetted surface resistance to high viscous fluid flow downstream from a single passage outlet orifice element of a fluid flow control device and upstream of an associated steering gear or steering assist valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Samir Joshi, Leonard F. Bishop, Douglas C. Myers
  • Publication number: 20080317608
    Abstract: A pumping system in which a pump (5) is controlled by a programmed controller (22) in response to input signals from an inlet pressure transducer (3) and an outlet pressure transducer (15) and in certain circumstances inputs from various flow sensors (4,19). The controller (22) can be programmed to allow the pump (5) to prematurely operate before an outlet pressure reaches a low pressure threshold, when usage of the liquid is high. The controller (22) can be programmed to detect a lack of prime of the pump (5), to restore prime once the pump (5) has lost prime, and to prevent successive on/off pump cycles when the outlet flow is continuous and at a moderate or low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ian Gray
  • Publication number: 20080152510
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of a primary fluid in a primary flow channel is defined in a valve region by a deformable membrane. The primary flow channel includes a core in the valve region, and a housing which defines a void outside the primary flow channel in the valve region thereof. The valve includes a device for driving a displacement fluid into or out of the void or both, to vary the pressure difference across the deformable membrane between the primary flow channel and the void, and so as to vary the space that is available between the deformable membrane of the primary flow channel and the core for the primary fluid to flow along the primary flow channel. A pump can include a valve as described above as a driver valve, together with an inlet valve and an outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Beta MicroPump Partners LLC
    Inventor: John Krumme
  • Publication number: 20080145728
    Abstract: A method for detecting compressor surge in a fuel cell system. The system includes a turbomachine compressor that delivers charge air to the cathode side of a fuel cell module. A bi-directional mass flow meter measures the airflow through the compressor, and provides an indication of a reverse airflow through the compressor for surge protection. A controller receives a signal from the mass flow meter indicative of the reverse flow. The controller controls a motor driving the compressor and a back pressure valve at the cathode exhaust of the fuel cell module to control the pressure in the fuel cell module to remove the surge condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph D. Rainville
  • Patent number: 7350616
    Abstract: A power steering pump comprises a housing that includes a bore, a fluid discharge port that supplies pumped fluid into the bore, and a fluid bypass port for recycling excess fluid to the pumping elements. The pump outlet is at one end of the bore. A flow control valve is slideably received in the bore and regulate the size of the inlet to the fluid bypass port. The pump includes a solenoid assembly that has a plunger that is operatively connected to the flow control valve through the second end of the bore opposite the pump outlet. By adjusting the magnitude of the current to the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid assembly, the position of the flow control valve is varied to increase or decrease fluid flow to the fluid bypass port and thereby regulate the output from the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Youngpeter, Dale C. Killins, Stephen T. Hung, Timothy M. Staton, Scott L. Radabaugh
  • Patent number: 7347675
    Abstract: A high-efficiency vane rotary expander is provided, which prevents a loss due to incomplete expansion or overexpansion from occurring because the volume of an operating chamber may vary. This is done by forming a plurality of discharge ports (28, 29, 48, 49, 50) in an inner wall (21a, 41a) of a cylinder in the circumferential direction, placing, among these discharge ports, the discharge port (28, 48), to which the operating chamber (25, 45) connects at the initial stage of the discharging process, at a position of {180×(1+1/n)} degrees from a small clearance (22, 42) defined between the cylinder (21, 41) and the rotor (23, 43) in the direction where a shaft rotates, and providing a valve mechanism (30a, 30b, 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Fumitoshi Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 7090473
    Abstract: A multiple stage pump having valves downstream from each respective pump in a same line thereof. The respective lines then merge into a common line. The multiple stage pump prevents pressure variations and shot to shot fuel variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Diesel Systems Technology
    Inventor: Bernd Niethammer
  • Patent number: 7048517
    Abstract: The invention is a device and method in a high-pressure chromatography system, such as a supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) system, that uses a pump as a pressure source for precision pumping of a compressible fluid. The preferred exemplary embodiment comprises a pressure regulation assembly installed downstream from a compressible fluid pump but prior to combining the compressible flow with a relatively incompressible modifier flow stream. The present invention allows the replacement of an high-grade SFC pump in the compressible fluid flow stream with an inexpensive and imprecise pump. The imprecise pump becomes capable of moving the compressible fluid flow stream in a precise flow rate and pattern. The assembly dampens the damaging effects of an imprecise pump, such as large pressure oscillations caused by flow ripples and noisy pressure signals that do not meet precise SFC pumping requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Berger, Kimber D. Fogelman, Kenneth Klein, L. Thompson Staats, III, Mark Nickerson, Paul F. Bente, III
  • Patent number: 6948914
    Abstract: The metering pump comprises a synchronous motor which is stepped down via a mechanical gear and the rotation movement of the motor is converted into a stroke movement which drives the membrane pump. To the motor there is allocated an electronic control which may be activated by external impulses with regard to the delivery quantity. At the same time the control operates such that one always passes through a complete operating cycle of the pump if the nominal delivery quantity resulting on account of the received impulses is as large or larger than the quantity which the pump delivers in an operating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Grundfos A/S
    Inventors: Bo Kragelund, Michael Christian Byskov, Hans Henrik Jochumsen
  • Patent number: 6945755
    Abstract: A fluid level controlled pumping system includes a pumping unit disposed within a fluid cavity. The pumping unit includes an inlet operable to receive a fluid to be pumped from the fluid cavity. The system also includes a valve slidably coupled to the pumping unit. The valve includes a passage for receiving pumped fluid from an outlet of the pumping unit. In response to a decreasing fluid level within the fluid cavity, movement of the valve relative to the pumping unit aligns the passage with a port of the pumping unit to recirculate the pumped fluid from the outlet to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: CDX Gas, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Zupanick, Monty H. Rial
  • Patent number: 6869274
    Abstract: A multiple stage pump having valves upstream from each respective pump in a same line thereof. The respective lines then merge into a common line. The multiple stage pump prevents pressure variations. The multiple stage pump includes a first pump in a first stage and a second pump in a second stage. At least one valve is upstream from one of the first pump and the second pump in at least one of the first stage and the second stage. A common branch line connects the first stage and the second stage to a common hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Diesel Systems Technology
    Inventor: Bernd Niethammer