Serially Formed Pumping Chambers (e.g., Endless) Patents (Class 417/320)
  • Patent number: 11635054
    Abstract: A water pumping system used for lifting liquids in vertical or near vertical conduits or pipes to a higher elevation at a reduced energy cost. Also, the water pumping system can be used to circulate water between upper and lower elevations to generate hydropower energy at a lower energy cost. The water pumping system includes a water pump, air blowers, an air supply chamber, a lift conduit, a return conduit, a flotation device separation chamber, a plurality of floatation devices, one or more flotation device pushers, a dehydration unit, and two water storage tanks. The lift conduit and return conduit creating a continuous loop in which the flotation devices can circulate and act as a piston in the lifting conduit to elevate the water to higher elevations with reduced energy. The floatation devices include spacer rings and spacer rods. The floatation devices are inserted inside the lift conduit and the return conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Wilfred S. Streeter
  • Patent number: 11466678
    Abstract: A linear motor compressor including a compressor housing and a cylinder housing having a plurality of opposing compression chambers. A piston freely reciprocates within the cylinder housing using a linear electric motor. A piston position feedback control system provides adaptive current output as a function of position feedback and/or velocity feedback from the piston and/or the electric motor, to directly power and control the electric motor, wherein the piston reciprocates without assistance from a mechanical spring or other equivalent centering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF
    Inventors: Jason Stair, Anthony Lindsay, Michael Lewis, Raymond Zowarka, Siddharth Pratap, Clay Hearn, Charles Penney, Michael Worthington, Hsing-Pang Liu
  • Patent number: 11255577
    Abstract: Provided is a linear compressor. Provided is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a shell defining an internal space, a compressor body disposed in the internal space, and a passage guide disposed between the shell and the compressor body. The passage guide may include a first guide part extending along an inner surface of the shell in an axial direction and a second guide part extending from the first guide part to the compressor body in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kiwon Noh, Jungsik Park, Kyunyoung Lee, Jongwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 10323628
    Abstract: A linear motor compressor including a compressor housing and a cylinder housing having a plurality of opposing compression chambers. A piston freely reciprocates within the cylinder housing using a linear electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignees: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jason Stair, Anthony Lindsay, Michael Lewis, Raymond Zowarka, Siddharth Pratap, Clay Hearn, Charles Penney, Michael Worthington, Hsing-Pang Liu
  • Patent number: 9227000
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject and a container for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under the subatmospheric pressure supplied by the subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a subatmospheric pressure source disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the wound dressing to supply subatmospheric pressure to the wound dressing and a power source mounted to or within the housing for supplying power to actuate the subatmospheric pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: E. David Fink, David Heagle, Sharon A. Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20150104330
    Abstract: A staged peristaltic pump system and related methods are disclosed. The system may be configured such that the working fluid pressure differential across any individual stage of the system is smaller than the pressure across the entire system. In some embodiments certain components of each stage may be sealed from fluid communication with an external environment, though working fluid may be configured to cross the boundary of the seal. In some embodiments, stages may be pressurized with respect to an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Hon Wah Chin, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8920135
    Abstract: A multipurpose gravity air compressor employs a piston (40) traveling down a cylinder (129) by the force of gravity compressing compressible fluid (140) in one or more compressible fluid chambers (137). Compressed fluid is emptied out of compressible fluid chambers (137) through compressible fluid exit (118) for use locally or downstream. A transporter such as transporter assembly 50 grabs piston (40) and recovers it back to opening (124) at predetermined intervals and deposits piston (40) into cylinder (129) to start another cycle. Multipurpose gravity air compressor through the generation of heat through compressing compressible fluid (140) also enjoys being a heat source. Air compressor 200 can provide a means for producing energy through compressing compressible fluid (140) and a source of heat for generating steam to produce electricity on-site or downstream. Water (condensation), possibly thousands of gallons a year, could be another rainfall-independent water source advantage enjoyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Eugene Daily
  • Patent number: 7536967
    Abstract: A marine water conversion apparatus capable of pumping ocean surface water several hundred feel below the surface to cause sufficient cooler water to rise to the surface to prevent formation of or to moderate hurricanes. The apparatus is remotely controlled and includes a propulsion system for moving it to a new location or in predetermined patterns through use of a global positioning system and computerized controls. Power for driving the pumps may be provided by a wind turbine driven electric generator at the upper end of an upper tube section pivotally connected to a float tank on a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 7500834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of enhancing fluid velocity in a pipeline includes a step of driving pipeline pigs sequentially through a pipeline containing fluid at speeds in excess of that provided by a pressure system for the pipeline. Fluid is both pushed ahead by the pipeline pigs and drawn behind by areas of low pressure created by the passage of the pipeline pigs through the pipeline. In accordance with the teachings herein, the fluid speed can be increased to a multiple of that provided by the pressure system for the pipeline, thereby multiplying the capacity of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Bonthron Durward
  • Publication number: 20070183906
    Abstract: A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. This alternating compression and expansion may also be utilized as an air compressor. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6758107
    Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6688843
    Abstract: A once-through pump is provided which is able to improve air-blowing efficiency, reduce operation noise, and achieve a sufficient amount of blast or flow rate even within a limited design space. The once-through pump for accelerating fluid (F) in a flow passage (P) while passing the fluid (F) through the flow passage (P) includes a cylindrical impeller (10) rotatably supported in the flow passage, a plurality of vanes (11) provided on the outer periphery of the impeller (10), and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate. The impeller (10) has a substantially D-shaped cross sectional configuration with a suction side, at which the fluid (F) is sucked into the impeller (10), being formed into a straight portion (10a). Each of the vanes (11) has a positive vane angle with respect to a fluid advancing or flowing direction (A) in the straight portion (10a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Naofumi Saeki
  • Patent number: 5906478
    Abstract: A belt pumping device using an endless belt driven between two perforated drums. One drum is submerged in a liquid to be pumped with the other drum positioned outside of the liquid to be pumped. At least a portion of the endless belt is constructed of absorbing material. The belt passes over the drum submerged in the liquid and the belt absorbs the liquid, which is then expressed from the belt on the other drum and collected in a collection pan for transportation to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Wesley L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5315720
    Abstract: A swim-in-place pool has horizontal inner and outer circulating waterways arranged in such manner that a portion of the inner waterway coincides with a portion of the outer waterway. The non-coincident portion of the inner waterway then provides a swimming space. A plurality of impeller blades are suspended in a spaced series within the coinciding portion of the two waterways, each of the blades in its operative condition extending transversely of that waterway and occupying substantially all of its cross-sectional area. A power drive advances the blades in unison along the coinciding portion of the two waterways so that a rather fixed body of water is captured between each two adjacent blades and advanced therewith. A diversion structure adjacent the entry of the non-coincident portion of the inner waterway diverts a continuous flow of water in a relatively non-turbulent state into and through the swimming space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: David Lior
  • Patent number: 4845787
    Abstract: A swim-in-place pool has an inlet opening to the swimming area, which is comparable in width and height to the space that would be occupied by a swimmer's body. Water is driven through the inlet opening at a velocity which is substantially constant throughout the cross-sectional area of the opening.The illustrated apparatus includes a housing providing an annular cavity within which a circular water advancing means is revolvably disposed. The swimming space lies essentially along a diameter of the annular cavity. The inlet opening is provided at one end of the swimming space for receiving water from the annular cavity, and an outlet opening is provided at the other end to return water to the annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: David Lior and Stanley Zipser
    Inventor: David Lior
  • Patent number: 4738598
    Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid includes a pump block having a wall surface defining an elongate passageway. Annular elements are movable in the passageway and include deformable peripheral skirts on their rearward ends dimensioned to sealingly engage the wall surface of the passageway to isolate fluid sections between successive elements. The passageway includes portions of changing cross-sectional area and ports provide fluid flow communication with the portions of changing cross-sectional area. The peripheral skirts of the elements are configured to undergo deformation, rather than direct compression, when moving through the portions of changing cross-sectional area to effect pumping action through the ports. The manner in which the skirts of the elements deform minimizes friction when the elements move through the portions of changing cross-sectional area. Another embodiment is shown which employs nondeformable annular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Alden A. Lofquist, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4715182
    Abstract: An energy producing apparatus which utilizes a vertically disposed silo formed within the earth. The silo is completely filled with water. A fluid cylinder, which contains a movable piston is to be submergible to the bottom of the silo and then returned back to the surface of the earth. During the submerging process, water is to be caused to enter a portion of the fluid cylinder moving the piston against pressurized gas. Upon the return of the fluid cylinder to the surface of the earth, this pressurized water is to be extracted and utilized to produce work within a work producing device such as a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventor: Carl F. Adams
  • Patent number: 4712667
    Abstract: An endless chain of link members having oil accumulating cavities disposed therein is circulated in a well at a controlled rate carrying oil to the surface where same is dumped and removed by brush and wipers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventors: Owen E. Jackson, Thomas W. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 4637784
    Abstract: There is disclosed a metering pump for metering and pumping small volumes of fluid. A continuous member with annular elements carries pumping fluid through a first passageway containing a diaphragm which defines a second passageway. Provision is made for changing the pressure of the pumping fluid being carried through the passageway. This causes the diaphragm to expand into the first passageway drawing fluid to be pumped into one end of the second passageway. The pumped fluid is then carried through the second passageway by movement of the continuous member with annular elements along the first passageway and delivered out of the other end of the second passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Alden A. Lofquist, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4636145
    Abstract: A pump is positioned in the oil producing zone of a well to pump fluid therefrom and is driven by an oil accumulating chain used to recover oil from the well in conjunction with associated secondary drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas W. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 4605376
    Abstract: The marine jet propulsion unit of this invention, in preferred form, has a pair of laterally adjacent blade carriers, each having a vertical outer surface movable in a horizontal orbit and to which blades are fixed that project edgewise outwardly. Each blade has a surface facing in the direction of its orbital movement that is concavely curved along its height. The two blade carriers, at opposite sides of a fore-and-aft extending vertical plane of symmetry, are driven in opposite orbital directions such that each has a driving portion remote from the plane of symmetry that moves rearward in an acceleration channel and has an opposite forwardly moving portion adjacent to the plane wherein its blades are interleaved with those of the other. Water entering a forward intake is guided in two streams, one to the front end of each acceleration channel, and the rear end of each acceleration channel is communicated with a discharging outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: George R. Aschauer
  • Patent number: 4574644
    Abstract: This invention relates to a positive displacement flow meter or pump comprising a plurality of spherical balls orbitably entrained in a toroidal cavity. The first segment of the toroidal cavity tangentially connecting a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet comprises the flow passage for the fluid being measured or pumped and the second segment provides the return pass for the spherical balls. A rotating magnetic field about the line of axisymmetry of the toroidal cavity generates the orbiting movement of the spherical balls for measuring the flow rate or for pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventors: Hyok S. Lew, Michael Stranahan
  • Patent number: 4573810
    Abstract: In hydrodynamic bearings it is necessary for the lubricant leaving the lubricant film to be cooled. The self-sufficient, reliable operation of the system is only ensured if the transport of lubricant can be generated and maintained by the bearing itself. For this purpose the lubricant is taken from the contact surface of the moving component (2) into a pumping gap (13), recessed in the stationary component (4), which exhibits a strong constriction (17) in the direction of movement by a graduation (16). This pumping gap (13) may be machined directly in the contact surface of a bearing segment or in a separate component. A part of the lubricant stream which enters the pumping gap (13) is removed in front of the constriction (17) through an appropriate lubricant discharge duct (14). This branched lubricant stream (19) represents the delivery quantity of the pumping gap (13). The remainder of the branched lubricant stream flows on through the lubrication gap (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Armin Fust, Mihailo Starcevic
  • Patent number: 4474538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of circulating organo-biological liquids, preferably blood, wherein a liquid contained in a reservoir is released to a pressure (head) level below its original fluid pressure (head) level, thereafter raised periodically or in steps to a pressure (head) level above the original level, then transferred from such level to a reservoir positioned at a predetermined, relatively lower pressure (head) level, and thereupon drained to an outlet positioned approximately at the level of the original pressure (head) level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Inventors: Holger Schmid-Schonbein, Khosrow Mottaghy, Heinz Myrenne
  • Patent number: 4373625
    Abstract: A double-walled rotary tubular conveyor includes a stabilizing drive means which prevents the conveyor tube from moving backward, forward or sideways. Two pairs of driven rollers are located in the hollow interior of the conveyor tube. A rubber drive wheel located on the outside of the conveyor tube presses through the tube against the driven rollers. The drive wheel includes a protruding circumferential disc around its middle which is received in the spacing between the four driven rollers through the conveyor material. Two or more synchronized double-walled rotary tubular conveyors can be employed as drive conveyors for a driven tubular conveyor of unlimited length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Ronald S. Parsons
  • Patent number: 4321020
    Abstract: There is disclosed a low-cost, axial fluid pump which does not involve the conversion of rotary to linear motion. The fluid pump herein is based on the principle of successively using a ball, that may be obtained from a reservoir of similar balls, as a piston within an enclosed cylinder. The ball is made to traverse the cylinder's length by simple non-motor means, thereby compressing the fluid. Upon pressurizing the fluid, the ball eventually returns to the reservoir and a new ball from the reservoir repeats the compression cycle. The pump of this invention is adapted for low pressure, low rate of flow, and low cost applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Faquir C. Mittal
  • Patent number: 4174033
    Abstract: A conveying device having a flexible member with inside and outside surfaces and first and second end positions forming inlet and outlet orifices. Support mechanisms disposed intermediate the inside and outside surfaces and a drive mechanism for engaging the flexible member and propelling it in a continuous closed loop such that the inside surface becomes the outside surface and the outside surface becomes the inside surface; that the relative shape and orientation of the first and second end portion is not altered; and, that the inside surface and the outside surface move in substantially opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Inventor: Ronald Parsons