Responsive To Change In Rate Of Pump Fluid Flow Patents (Class 417/43)
  • Publication number: 20080286119
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring a supply within a platform. A sensor is arranged to generate sample values relating to a fluid characteristic variable, wherein the fluid is fed by the supply within the platform. A processor is arranged to receive a plurality of sample values from the sensor. The processor, is arranged to generate an absolute value of a difference between each of the received plurality of sample values and a subsequent associated sample value, wherein the received sample values are generated during a predetermined time period. The processor is arranged to determine an indication number corresponding to the number of the generated absolute values which are greater than a predetermined threshold value. The sample collecting process is only active when a criterion comprising a stable pump in a no load condition and all hydraulic consumers are in a resting position or close to a resting position is fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Juri Alma, Magnus Landberg, Mats Kristoffersson
  • Patent number: 7437880
    Abstract: A bypass control apparatus is used with a pump pumping a fluid therethrough. A bypass flow line circulates fluid about the pump. A bypass valve is interposed in the bypass flow line and moves between an opened state to permit the fluid to circulate through the bypass flow line back to the pump and a closed state to prevent the fluid from circulating through the bypass flow line. A sensor determines an existing flow-through rate of the fluid flowing through the pump. The controller communicates with the sensor and the bypass valve and moves the bypass valve to the closed state when determined that the existing flow-through rate of the fluid through the pump is at least a predetermined flow-through rate and moves the bypass valve to the opened state when determined that the existing flow-through rate of the fluid through the pump is less than the predetermined flow-through rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Refrigeration Valves and Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Rowe Bansch, Virgil Jordan
  • Publication number: 20080245899
    Abstract: A pressure washer is provided. The pressure washer can include a frame and a power source coupled to the frame. The power source can include an output shaft. The pressure washer can include a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch can include an input portion operably coupled to the output shaft and an output portion. The input portion of the centrifugal clutch can be operable to be selectively coupled to the output portion. The pressure washer can include a pump assembly, which can include a pump mechanism operably coupled with the output portion of the centrifugal clutch to pressurize a fluid when the input portion of the centrifugal clutch is coupled to the output portion. The pressure washer can also include an actuator in communication with at least the power source to actuate the power source to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Parris, Daniel W. Rice, Joseph L. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20080221495
    Abstract: User interfaces for medical perfusion systems that provide oxygenation, filtering, and recirculation of blood in connection with various medical procedures are provided. In particular, user interfaces for use with blood pumps that assist in managing alarms commonly encountered during cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Brian J. Steffens, Mark Salzwedel, Mark G. Bearss, Bruce R. Jones, Beth C. Bullemer, William K. Wenger
  • Publication number: 20080213101
    Abstract: A control device (10) for controlling a shower waste pump, comprises a housing (12) which is mountable to a supporting surface, pump setting means (14) located in and/or on the housing (12), and over-run setting means (16) located in and/or on the housing (12). The pump setting means (14), by way of a control element, preferably a manually adjustable potentiometer (42), allows selective setting of a maximum pumping capacity of the waste pump. The over-run setting means (16), also by way of a control element (48), allows selective setting of an over-run period from a predetermined range during which the waste pump continues to operate after fluid flow through the waste pump has ceased or substantially ceased. The over-run setting means (16) and the pump setting means (14) together can optimise operation of the waste pump, so that the over-run period of the waste pump can be set based on the selected maximum pumping capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert William Stimpson, Yanchun Wang, Graham Robin Lock, James Edward Self, Nicholas Parsons
  • Publication number: 20080124226
    Abstract: An electrically driven fan arrangement, suitable for energy-conserving installations, includes a fan, an electric motor (110) serving to drive the fan, and associated control apparatus, namely: a sensing apparatus (140) for sensing a volumetric air flow rate (125) generated by the fan (120) and for generating a measured volumetric air flow value (Vmess), and a volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160) for automatically controlling the volumetric air flow rate (125) generated by the fan (120) to a predetermined target volumetric air flow value (V_s). The volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160) is configured to generate a target rotation speed value (N_s) for the electric motor (110). A rotation speed controller (170), which automatically controls the rotation speed of the electric motor (110) to the target rotation speed rate (N_s) generated by the volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160), is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Arno Karwath
  • Publication number: 20080095638
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for a jetted-fluid system includes a pump having an inlet connectable to the drain, and an outlet connectable to the return. The pump is adapted to receive the fluid from the drain and jet fluid through the return. The apparatus includes a motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump, a sensor configured to generate a signal having a relation to a parameter of the motor, and a switch coupled to the motor and configured to control at least a characteristic of the motor. The apparatus also includes a microcontroller coupled to the sensor and the switch. The microcontroller includes a model observer configured to receive a first value based on the signal and to generate a second value representative of at least one of a modeled flow or a modeled pressure based on the first value. The microcontroller is configured to control the motor based on the second value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian Thomas Branecky
  • Patent number: 7338260
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for controlling the input electrical current to an infusion pump stepper motor based on predetermined torque requirements. The system can include a motor controller and a non-volatile memory containing expected load torque values throughout a pump cycle. Responsive to the expected load torque values, the motor controller provides the stepper motor with a varying electrical current for overcoming load torque at each point in the pumping cycle. Additional factors can also be considered for varying the electrical current. These factors include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, and elapsed operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Baxier International Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Brundle, Tim Allen, Son Dao
  • Publication number: 20080019842
    Abstract: A system for controlling air flow comprises an inlet, a first compressor, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a first temperature sensor, and a first controller. The inlet is configured to direct a first stream of air into the system. The first compressor is configured to pull in the first stream of air through the inlet and compress the first stream of air. The first pressure sensor senses a first pressure of the first stream of air prior to compression in the first compressor, the second pressure sensor senses a second pressure of the first stream of air after compression in the first compressor, and the first temperature sensor senses a temperature of the first stream of air after compression in the first compressor. The controller adjusts a speed of the first compressor based upon a comparison between a desired flow rate and a calculated flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Laura Coates, Jeff Spack, Mark L. Harris, Harold Hipsky
  • Publication number: 20070264131
    Abstract: A variable displacement compressor comprises a flange, a movable body, and a detection sensor. The flange is joined to a housing and forms a flange passage for connecting a refrigerant passage and an external refrigerant circuit. The movable body is movably disposed in the flange, is movable according to a flow rate of refrigerant gas in the flange passage, and has a magnet. The detection sensor is fixed to or in the flange for detecting magnetic flux density of the magnet. The flow rate of the refrigerant gas is detected based on the magnetic flux density detected by the detection sensor. The flange is attachable to and detachable from the housing in a state where the flange is provided with the movable body and the detection sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Tomoji Tarutani, Masanori Sonobe, Yoshinori Inoue
  • Publication number: 20070253831
    Abstract: A system for maintaining at least one air characteristic in an air ventilated facility using at least one fan filter unit, the system comprising at least one sensor for sensing the at least one air characteristic, the at least one sensor being exposed to the air ventilated facility; the at least one sensor being operatively connected to a control system that is operatively connected to the at least one fan filter unit; the control system receiving output readings from the at least one sensor and determining if the output reading is within a range and, in response to a negative determination, providing a command to the at least one fan filter unit to adjust the at least one fan filter unit operating speed. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Zong Tang Lee
  • Publication number: 20070212229
    Abstract: The present invention provides protection for centrifugal pumps while differentiating between dangerous operating conditions (e.g. dry running, minimum flow and runout) and/or conditions where transient conditions (e.g. closed valve operation) may occur and the protection can be revoked once the condition clears. The methodology utilizes a calculated flow value which can be mathematically determined from a calibrated closed valve power vs speed curve and/or various pump and motor parameters such as speed, torque, power and/or differential pressure or from calibrated flow curves stored in the evaluation device. The calculated flow value is then compared to threshold values of flow associated with these adverse operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony E. Stavale, Nicolas W. Ganzon
  • Patent number: 7188639
    Abstract: A storage tank for an easily polymerizable compound has acceptance piping and delivery piping with a circulation line directly connecting the acceptance piping to the delivery piping or with circulation lines respectively connecting the acceptance piping to the storage tank and the storage tank to the delivery piping. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound in the storage tank includes circulating the compound in the storage tank through the circulation line(s), where the compound can be (meth)acrylic acid being produced and/or purified with the temperature of purified (meth)acrylic acid being supplied to or removed from the storage tank being regulated to not be higher than the temperature thereof in the tank. A method of joining pipes for-transporting a corrosive liquid using flanges, bolts, and nuts made of a material having resistance to corrosion by the corrosive liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Shuhei Yada, Yasushi Ogawa, Yoshiro Suzuki, Kimikatsu Jinno, Hirochika Hosaka, Masayasu Goriki
  • Patent number: 7156873
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting an abnormal condition of a blood pump system based on the power consumption of the pump actuator. By plotting differentiated power consumption of the pump actuator over time against the power consumption, a plot pattern is obtained. A change of the plot pattern area and/or a movement of the plot pattern will indicate a change in condition of the pump. A Heart Pump Area (HPA) index may be established which corresponds to the changing area of the plot pattern over time. A Heart Pump Position (HPP) index may be established which corresponds to the changing position of the plot pattern over time (e.g., corresponding to the distance the plot pattern has moved). By plotting the HPA index against the HPP index, changes in the condition of the pump can be monitored and any abnormal condition of the pump can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignees: Miwatec Co., Ltd., Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Yukihiko Nose, Toshiyuki Shinohara, Kuniyoshi Watanabe, Fumiyuki Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 7150711
    Abstract: Method for controlling an assist pump for fluid delivery systems with pulsatile pressure. If for example a heart assist pump is driven with a constant number of revolutions, it is achieved, that the blood is also delivered through the assist pump, even when the heart chamber is in the decontraction phase. With the present method it is achieved, that an assist pump only acts supportingly in the pressure phase of the main pump, in such a way, that the pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the assist pump is continuously determined and the number of revolutions of the assist pump is controlled in such a way, that the determined pressure difference does not fall below a predetermined value and the rate of flow does not sink below zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Berlin Heart AG
    Inventors: Peter Nüsser, Johannes Müller, Frank Deus, Peter Göttel, Jan Hoffmann, Kurt Graichen, Andreas Arndt, Tobias Merkel
  • Patent number: 7128539
    Abstract: Improved method for cleaning a pump, fluid hose, and spray gun is provided by, for example, repeatedly changing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid pumped through the system to generate turbulence or increased turbulence and increased frictional resistance for enhanced cleaning action. A pressure control can cyclically vary the speed of the pump motor and pump connected thereto to generate the turbulence. The pumping cycle can alternate between a first and second power level and at a desired time interval for each speed. With a suitable solvent as the pumped fluid, the turbulence that is generated by the cyclical pumping action causes an increase in the scrubbing action of the solvent to quickly loosen residual material in the fluid passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Titan Tool, Inc
    Inventors: Troy Allen Anderson, Joseph W. Kieffer, Sandor Peter Veres
  • Patent number: 7118347
    Abstract: The methods serves for activating an electric motor of a metering pump with which the fluid quantity (Vnom) to be delivered is set by an external impulse trigger, wherein a predetermined delivery quantity (Vnom) is allocated to each impulse (t). The control detects the temporal interval (?t) of the two last-received impulses and activates the electric motor such that the fluid quantity to be delivered, taking the previously evaluated interval as a basis, is distributed over the subsequent impulse interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Grundfos A/S
    Inventors: Kurt Solgaard, Bo Kragelund
  • Patent number: 7083392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes pistons integrally formed in a diaphragm and coupled to the diaphragm by convolutes. The convolutes have a bottom surface angled with respect to a top surface of the pistons. The apparatus also includes an outlet port positioned tangentially with respect to the perimeter of an outlet chamber. The apparatus further includes a non-mechanical pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump. The control signal is based on the pressure within the pump, the current being provided to the pump, the voltage level of the battery, and the temperature of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Humberto V. Meza, Nikhil Jitrendo Gandhi, Quang Minh Truong
  • Patent number: 7070393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a compressor installation with at least one compressor element (6) driven by a motor and, in the pressure conduit (11) thereof, a dryer (2) of the type comprising a pressure vessel (24) with a drying zone (3) and a regeneration zone (4), and a rotor (25) continuously rotated in this pressure vessel (24) by a motor (33), which rotor is filled with a regenerable drying agent. A portion of the compressed air is supplied, by means of a branch (15), to the regeneration zone (4) and, after cooling down and separation of the condensed water, is fed back to the pressure conduit (11). The speed of both motors (9, 33) is regulated by a regulation device (13) in function of the pressure in the pressure conduit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Danny Etienne Andrée Vertriest
  • Patent number: 7040868
    Abstract: The pressure downstream of a pump is measured and the speeds of the engine and pump are controlled in response to pressure changes downstream of the pump by a controlling element overriding a governor of the engine. The speed of the engine and the pump are connected to and controlled by an engine governor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: John E. McLaughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Toh M. Meng
  • Patent number: 6939109
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system which comprises primary supply pumps and secondary supply pumps and controls pressurized water supply systems, air-conditioning systems, or the like that supply chilled water or hot water using these pumps. In the present invention, calculation is carried out based on measurement signals obtained by measuring pressure, flow rate, open rate of valves, etc. by providing sensors in supply channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignees: Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Asahi Kogyosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takahashi, Keisuke Tani, Hiromichi Kosaka, Shigehiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6935356
    Abstract: A meter coupled in close proximity to an underground storage tank fuel pipe that delivers fuel from the underground storage tank to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The meter measures the total amount of fuel drawn from the underground storage tank. The meter may be placed in a submersible turbine pump or in the main conduit that carries fuel to the fuel dispensers. The meter measurement is compared to the meter measurements in the individual fuel dispensers that receive the fuel drawn from the underground storage tank to determine if a discrepancy exists. A discrepancy may be indicative of meter tampering, meter calibration issues, and/or a leak in the fuel pipeline between the underground storage tank and the fuel dispensers. A leak detection test may be automatically performed if such discrepancy exists and/or an alarm condition generated and communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Shepard, Timothy E. Dickson, David L. Kaehler, Ray J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6929018
    Abstract: A meter coupled in close proximity to an underground storage tank fuel pipe that delivers fuel from the underground storage tank to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The meter measures the total amount of fuel drawn from the underground storage tank. The meter may be placed in a submersible turbine pump or in the main conduit that carries fuel to the fuel dispensers. The meter measurement is compared to the meter measurements in the individual fuel dispensers that receive the fuel drawn from the underground storage tank to determine if a discrepancy exists. A discrepancy may be indicative of meter tampering, meter calibration issues, and/or a leak in the fuel pipeline between the underground storage tank and the fuel dispensers. A leak detection test may be automatically performed if such discrepancy exists and/or an alarm condition generated and communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Shepard, Timothy E. Dickson, David L. Kaehler, Ray J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6866483
    Abstract: High-pressure cleaning device with an electric motor and a pump for conveying a cleaning fluid, with a plunger, which is displaceable by the cleaning fluid in dependence on its pressure or its flow rate, and with an electric switch, which is actuable by the plunger on its displacement, with electrical leads from the power source and to the windings of the electric motor disposed in the box, with devices attached to the box for fastening the box to the casing of the electric motor and/or pump, characterised in that the switch is disposed in the box, that the walls of the box have openings for the electrical leads, in which outwardly directed contacts are disposed, wherein at least one opening is configured as a multiple plug connection, that the box is fastened via a plug connection to the casing and that the multiple plug connections are disposed on the box in such a manner that at least one matching plug connection fastened to fit on the casing is necessarily connected when the box is fastened to the casing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lanfranco Pol
  • Patent number: 6860723
    Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring a rate of flow of a fluid, such as a CMP slurry, comprising a pump for pumping the slurry; a flow meter for monitoring the rate of flow of the slurry; and a controller operably connected to the flow meter and the pump. The controller receives signals from the flow meter indicating the rate of flow of the slurry and controls the operational speed of the pump responsive to the flow meter signals. A degasser equipped with a level sensor may be further provided in the system for removing gas bubbles from the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ben-Shu Chen, Chao-Jung Chang, Jui-Cheng Lo, Chin-Hsin Peng, Chien-Kuo Lu
  • Patent number: 6844094
    Abstract: A gas-supplying apparatus for a fuel cell, which generates electric power due to an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, during which water is produced, and which has respective gas passages within the duel cell according to the present invention comprises a gas-sucking means which supplies supply gas of the fuel cell provided on the downstream of the gas passage in a gas-flowing direction; and a pressure controller which controls the pressure of the supply gas within the fuel cell, provided on the upstream of the gas passage, whereby the water produced during the course of said electrochemical reaction is discharged. When the cell voltage is decreased, the apparatus of the present invention recovers the cell voltage by making the negative pressure large to accelerate the discharge of the produced water with minimized power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoki Kobayashi, Yoshio Nuiya
  • Patent number: 6840744
    Abstract: A system for continuous delivery of a measured flow of liquid to a processing apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a bulk supply of the liquid and an intermediate vessel. A first pump delivers liquid from the intermediate vessel to processing equipment at one rate. A second pump delivers liquid from the reservoir to the intermediate vessel at a second much faster rate. A monitor device continuously monitors the weight of the vessel and controls the first pump accordingly to deliver the required weight of liquid at the required rate to the processing equipment. The monitoring device determines when the weight of liquid in the intermediate vessel has reached a minimum position to initiate operation of the second pump to refill to vessel and a further device terminates operation of the second pump when the liquid level in the vessel reaches a maximum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Bioquell UK Limited
    Inventor: David Watling
  • Patent number: 6829893
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine for generating a rotational movement is provided to drive a compressor unit which is connected on the output side, for generating compressed air from ambient air. A control unit triggers the generating of compressed air when compressed air is demanded. An auxiliary compressor unit covers peak demands for compressed air and is fluidically connected in parallel with respect to the internal-combustion-engine-driven compressor unit. The auxiliary compressor unit is driven by an electric motor. The control unit starts the operation of the auxiliary compressor unit in the event of a detected peak demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Eduard Gerum
  • Patent number: 6824362
    Abstract: A fan control system uses a closed loop system to adjust the actual operating speed of a fan or fans to a desired operating speed. The desired speed and actual speed are compared in a high gain amplifier to generate a control signal to adjust the actual operating speed of the fan given the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George Bertram Dodson, III
  • Patent number: 6783328
    Abstract: Fluid pump control modes in a medical perfusion system include a Back Off Response Mode, a Flow Servo Mode, a Pressure Servo Mode, and a Master-Slave Servo Mode. In the Back Off Response Mode, pump's speed is decremented to a new speed when an excessive flow rate or pressure condition is detected. The new speed is maintained until an additional decrement is required or until the Back Off Response Mode is exited. In the Flow Servo Mode, a pump's speed is controlled to maintain a fluid flow rate indicated by a user as a setpoint. In the Pressure Servo Mode, a pump's speed is controlled to maintain a pressure indicated by the user as a setpoint. In the Master-Slave Servo Mode, a slave pump receives an indication of a master pump's speed, and the slave pump speed is controlled to maintain a specified percentage of the master pump's speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Lori E. Lucke, Richard M. Willems, Richard A. Griewski
  • Publication number: 20040161340
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a conveying device for the conveying of a flowing medium is described, particularly for the conveying of air or fluid. The drive arrangement contains a drive engine whose rotational speed can be varied, an auxiliary motor that can be continuously controlled and a summing gearbox. The summing gearbox is connected on its output side with the conveying device and on its input side with the drive engine and the auxiliary motor. Furthermore, the drive arrangement contains a control unit that controls the auxiliary motor. In order to make possible an improved control or regulation of the conveying performance compared to linear, rigidly driven conveying devices, it is proposed that at least one magnitude of the condition of the flowing medium be detected by at least one sensor and to control or regulate the auxiliary motor of the drive arrangement by the control unit as a function of at least one magnitude of the condition of the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Manfred Rimkus, Helmut Schafer
  • Patent number: 6773235
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the performance of a rotodynamic multi-phase flow booster, such as a wet gas compressor, utilizes a meter which measures the fluid density &rgr; upstream of the booster and controls the speed of rotation &OHgr; of the rotor(s) of the booster, such that the booster operates at its best efficiency point (BEP) irrespective of variations of the fluid density &rgr;. Suitably the flow booster is a wet gas compressor having rotor and/or stator blades having a rough leading edge and non-wettable sides, which promote a favorable finely, dispersed mist flow so that the compressor also operates at its BEP if the compressed wet gas has a high liquid content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Raimo Edwin Gregor Poorte, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek
  • Publication number: 20040136832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for proportionally injecting a liquid chemical into a fluid stream using a portion of said fluid stream as motive force for a chemical injection pump. The apparatus includes a paired single or double acting reciprocating injection pump and driver with the driver piston(s) having a surface area of three times the surface area of the injection piston(s). The portion of the fluid stream is passed through a prime mover to the pump and then discharged to atmosphere. A fluid product flow meter generates a signal which controls the cycling of the reciprocating pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6746606
    Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. Transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable pump speed of the pump. Then, the first and second flow paths are disconnected, a transducer reading is taken, and the flow rate of the fluid flow in the first flow path is controlled by controlling the pump speed using the value of the pump speed from the previous interconnected paths which corresponds to the value of the transducer reading from the previous interconnected paths which matches the transducer reading for the disconnected paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks
  • Patent number: 6733252
    Abstract: A fluid-handling system capable, in various embodiments, of storing, mixing, and dispensing fluids, and also regulating the flow of fluids. The system includes a cartridge having a non-expandable housing, and a bladder within the housing. In some variations, a drive-liquid is introduced into a region between the housing and the bladder, which causes fluid contained within the bladder to dispense. In some other variations, the drive-liquid is introduced into the bladder, which causes the bladder to expand and expel fluid that is contained with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: fqubed
    Inventors: Ilya Feygin, John M. Newsam
  • Publication number: 20040071555
    Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring a rate of flow of a fluid, such as a CMP slurry, comprising a pump for pumping the slurry; a flow meter for monitoring the rate of flow of the slurry; and a controller operably connected to the flow meter and the pump. The controller receives signals from the flow meter indicating the rate of flow of the slurry and controls the operational speed of the pump responsive to the flow meter signals. A degasser equipped with a level sensor may be further provided in the system for removing gas bubbles from the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Hsu Chen, Chao-Jung Chang, Henry Lo, Chin-Hsin Peng, Chien-Kuo Lu
  • Patent number: 6715996
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a centrifugal pump (2) driven by an electric motor (5) with variable frequency, wherein too small a flow through the pump (2) is ascertained by monitoring electrical quantities, and a pump arrangement (1) having a centrifugal pump (2), an electric motor (5) which drives the centrifugal pump (2), a controlled frequency converter (6) which feeds the electric motor (5), a sensor device (12, 13) and an evaluating device (15-19) are described. It is desired to detect, by simple means, when no through-flow is present. For that purpose, the electrical power is ascertained and compared to a control quantity formed as a function of the frequency of the motor (5). The sensor device ascertains values for determination of the electrical power, and the evaluating device has a dynamic limit value former (18), which forms a control quantity as a function of the frequency of the motor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventor: Eik Sefeldt Moeller
  • Patent number: 6709241
    Abstract: A controller for controlling operating parameters associated with fluid flow, speed or pressure for a centrifugal pump for pumping fluid, wherein at least one sensor is coupled to the pump for generating a signal indicative of a sensed operating condition. The controller comprises a storage device for storing data indicative of at least one operating condition and a processor in communication with the sensor and operative to perform an algorithm utilizing the at least one sensor signal and the stored data indicative of the at least one operating condition to generate a control signal, wherein the control signal is indicative of a correction factor to be applied to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Sabini, Jerome A. Lorenc, Oakley Henyan
  • Publication number: 20030223876
    Abstract: Improved method for cleaning a pump, fluid hose, and spray gun is provided by, for example, repeatedly changing the flow rate of the cleaning fluid pumped through the system to generate turbulence or increased turbulence and increased frictional resistance for enhanced cleaning action. A pressure control can cyclically vary the speed of the pump motor and pump connected thereto to generate the turbulence. The pumping cycle can alternate between a first and second power level and at a desired time interval for each speed. With a suitable solvent as the pumped fluid, the turbulence that is generated by the cyclical pumping action causes an increase in the scrubbing action of the solvent to quickly loosen residual material in the fluid passageways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Troy Allen Anderson, Joseph W. Kieffer, Sandor Peter Veres
  • Publication number: 20030223879
    Abstract: A centrifugal fluid pump assembly includes a body section and a control mechanism 6. The body section includes a housing, an impeller rotatable within the housing, and a motor for rotating the impeller. The pump assembly includes a motor current flow rate-related data storage section for storing, for a plurality of different predetermined viscosities, predetermined viscosity-related flow rate data formed from a plurality of motor current flow rate relation data at a plurality of different impeller rotational speeds at predetermined fluid viscosity; a fluid measurement data inputting section, an impeller rotational speed measurement function, a motor current measurement function, and a flow rate calculating section 58 for using a fluid viscosity value, an impeller rotational speed value, a measured motor current and data stored in the motor current flow rate-related data storage section to calculate a fluid flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Yanai, Mitsutoshi Yaegashi
  • Publication number: 20030222029
    Abstract: Processing systems and methods comprise a separation device that, in use, performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from blood or a suspension containing red blood cells. The systems and methods include an outlet line coupled to the separation device to remove red blood cells from the separation device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A sensor associated with the outlet line senses hematocrit of red blood cells removed from the separation device and generates a sensed hematocrit output. A controller is coupled to the separation device to control removal of red blood cells from the separation device based, at least in part, upon the sensed hematocrit output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Muller
  • Patent number: 6655922
    Abstract: The present invention provides cavitation detection systems and methods employing a classifier for detecting, diagnosing and/or classifying cavitation in a pumping system. The classifier can be integral to tie cavitation detection system and/or operatively coupled to the cavitation system via a controller, diagnostic device and/or computer. Parameters such as flow, pressure and motor speed arc measured and/or estimated, and then provided to a classifier system Such systems include Bayesian, Fuzzy Set, nonlinear regression, neural networks and other training systems, for example The classifier system provides a signal indicative of the existence and extent of cavitation. An exemplary classification system is presented that delineates cavitation extent into one or more of the following categories: 0 (no cavitation), 1 (incipient cavitation), 2 (medium cavitation), 3 (fill cavitation) and 4 (surging cavitation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ondrej Flek
  • Patent number: 6648603
    Abstract: An engine idle controller for an engine driven pressure washer. The pressure washer delivers high pressure water from a pump through the idle controller to a conventional wand which includes a manually operated, normally closed flow control valve and a spray nozzle. When the wand valve is opened, a resulting pressure drop between two chambers in the flow controller acts on a piston to move the engine throttle to a full throttle position. When the wand valve is closed, the pressures in the chambers equalize and the piston is moved to a position to set the engine throttle to an idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Devilbiss Air Power Company
    Inventors: S. Shane Dexter, Burl Daniel
  • Publication number: 20030180149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a volumetric control for blower filter devices in which a control unit (5) determines a differential pressure between measuring points (1, 2) that is converted into a control signal for the fan output. To this end, at least two measuring points (1, 2) are arranged in the airflow behind the fan impeller (3) and in front of the consumer, in particular, the breathing hood (4). The measuring points (1, 2) can be located in the airflow inside the case filter device behind the impeller wheel (3) and in front of the outlet of the blower filter device or one measuring point is placed in the airflow inside the housing of the case filter device behind the impeller wheel (3) and one is placed in the vicinity of the connection of the breathing hood (4) or both measuring points are located in the breathing hose (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Krugerke
  • Publication number: 20030132161
    Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. Transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable pump speed of the pump. Then, the first and second flow paths are disconnected, a transducer reading is taken, and the flow rate of the fluid flow in the first flow path is controlled by controlling the pump speed using the value of the pump speed from the previous interconnected paths which corresponds to the value of the transducer reading from the previous interconnected paths which matches the transducer reading for the disconnected paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks
  • Publication number: 20030118451
    Abstract: A body (1) of permanent magnetic material is arranged to be able to move freely back and forth in the liquid flow in the pump outlet (3), the position of the body being decided by the intensity of the flow. A tongue element (4), which is located in a room separated from the pump outlet (3) by a wall, is influenced by the magnetic field from the body (1) and can thereby detect the position of the body and consequently the intensity of the flow. This knowledge is used to stop the energy supply of the pump motor when the intensity of the flow reaches a certain minimum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Wikingsson, Stefan Svensson
  • Patent number: 6481973
    Abstract: A variable-speed submersible pump has a centrifugal pump, with a grinder for entrained solids at the intake, driven by a variable-speed 3-phase AC motor. A microcontroller controls the pump output on the basis of sensor data and/or inputs from an external controller, and also monitors the operation of the pump unit and emits alarms and statistical reports as appropriate. If the pump is clogged, the controller attempts to free it, firstly by reducing the pump speed and increasing the torque, secondly by jogging the pump backwards, and thirdly by running the pump briefly at maximum speed. Before pumping starts, and at intervals when the tank in which the pump is submerged is not full enough to be worth emptying, the pump is run backwards. That serves to agitate the tank, re-suspend any solids content that may tend to settle out in the tank, and thus improve pumping of the solids with the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Kevin D. Struthers
  • Patent number: 6474949
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of evacuating a vacuum chamber (process chamber) or the like of a semiconductor fabrication facility, for example. The evacuating apparatus has a vacuum chamber to be evacuated, a discharge pipe connecting the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric port, a vacuum pump connected to the discharge pipe and operable at a variable rotational speed, and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Arai, Katsuaki Usui, Takahiro Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6461323
    Abstract: The automatically controlled pump supplies pressurized irrigation fluid to a surgical site. The pump system includes a motor in a housing and a pump in a housing defining input and output ports. The pump has a rotatable impeller. The motor is powered by one or more batteries. An ON/OFF motor switch is controlled by fluid flow above a nominal flow by a sensor typically mounted downstream of the pump. The system operates in conjunction with a downstream manual control valve. Flow above a system minimal flow is detected by a negative buoyancy poppet having a “leaky” valve seat. When the poppet moves into a flow chamber, the switched motor is ON. Various position sensors may be used, i.e., an optical sensor. The method automatically controls a pump by monitoring fluid flow above a system minimal flow and turning ON/OFF the motor based upon flow above the minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Reginald H. Fowler, Garrett L. Barker, C. Kenneth French
  • Patent number: 6457319
    Abstract: A control valve controls the pressure in a crank chamber of a compressor to change the displacement of the compressor. The compressor includes a discharge chamber, a suction chamber and a supply passage, which connects the discharge chamber to the crank chamber. The control valve regulates the supply passage. The control valve includes a valve body, a spool and a solenoid. The valve body adjusts the size of an opening in the supply passage. The spool moves the valve body in accordance with the difference between the pressure in the discharge chamber and the pressure in the suction chamber. The solenoid urges the valve body by a force, the magnitude of which corresponds to a supply of electricity. The urging force of the solenoid represents a target value of the pressure difference. The spool moves the valve body such that the pressure difference seeks the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaki Ota, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Hirotaka Kurakake