Abstract: An improved pump unit for sampling air that operates at a constant air flow rate in the range of 5-5000 cc/min.

Abstract: After the pumping station set points for a desired pipeline operation are calculated, they are used by process controllers at the individual pumping stations to control operations at the station. Measured values of the station's performance are compared with the set points. If these values differ enough as to require a change in the speed of the compressors, the speed of the compressors then operating is then slowly changed (or ramped) so as to bring the pipeline into operation at the set points that were calculated. Ramping is performed so that the operating efficiency of the compressors is always maintained at approximately a predetermined level. If it is found that a change is required in the number of compressors being used, this is brought to the attention of the operator of the pipeline who must then decide to let the controller effect the change. At frequent intervals, each compressor is checked for surge and stonewall conditions.

Abstract: A pump off control apparatus for a pump assembly located downhole in a wellbore. The control apparatus prevents the pump motor from running for a finite time interval whenever a pump off condition is encountered. When the apparatus is energized, the downhole pump motor is started, and production normally occurs within a short interval of time, otherwise the pump is automatically shut down for a long time interval, and then another attempt is made to produce the well. When proper flow conditions are achieved within the predetermined short time interval, the control continues to monitor the flow and maintain the downhole pump energized until the well is pumped down and a pump off condition is encountered. The pump off condition is sensed by a flow switch interposed in the production line which senses a condition of inadequate flow and causes the circuitry to shut down the production pump for the long time interval.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic variable control for fire pumper engine and pump discharge.

Abstract: Transient change in heat flux due to ultrasmall variation in flow conditions, say from flow-to-no flow within a flowline of a wellhead connected to an oil well penetrating an earth formation, is surprisingly useful in pinpointing the occurrence of adverse "pump pounding" during the production cycle of the well. In one respect, the change in flux is monitored within each flowline using a heat flux transducer/meter in series with a pump controller. Cascading the signal output, i.e. serially combining the outputs of N thermocouples the transducer/meter, enhances sensitivity. In a preferred case, N is about 80 but can be as high as 320, if desired.

Abstract: A pressure booster system for fluids using one or more injectors for delivering a relatively low pressure output flow of fluid. A fluid accumulator receives the output from one or more injectors. A detector reveals any fluid mass change in the accumulator in relation to a selected value of fluid mass. A relatively high pressure pump increases the pressure of the output flow from the accumulator in accordance with the change of fluid mass within the accumulator which results in high pressure metering.

Abstract: Apparatus for the administration of solution to a patient at a precisely controlled rate. A length of flexible, collapsible tubing filled with the solution and connectable at one end to a conduit communicating with the vascular system of a patient is advanced through roller means, so that the solution expelled from the tubing is proportional to the rate of advancement of the tubing through the roller means.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for monitoring and controlling the normally inaccessible dynamic operating conditions, such as well fluid head and motor terminal voltage, of a well pumping operation, in response to monitored conditions at the top of the well. At the heart of the system is a computer having, stored therein, coded data representative of the fixed well, motor, and pump characteristics and programs defining the mathematical relationship between the stored fixed data, dynamic operating conditions of interest, and the monitored conditions. Feedback control for regulating the well fluid head and motor terminal voltage include the computer and uniquely designed frequency converter and line drop compensator apparatus.

Abstract: An arrangement for directly transporting manganese nodules obtained in ocean bottom mining, entrained in carrier water, to a ship includes a riser conduit and a submersible motor-pump arrangement located at the ocean bottom and discharging into the riser conduit in continuous operation. The motor-pump arrangement is so designed and operated that the highest possible pressure reduction therein due to changing consistency of the respective flowable medium minus the pressure differential along the characteristic curve of the pump arrangement at most equals, for all operating points along a characteristic control line, the pressure differential between a continuous operating point and the lowest pressure of the corresponding characteristic curve of the riser conduit at the operating limit.

Abstract: A pumping system protection device which continuously monitors the rate of flow from a pump, which provide pressurized liquid from a pump to a tank, through a check valve, such as can be used in a water well, for example, to provide water to a pressurized receiving tank. An orifice of selected small size is provided in the flow line means to the check valve and receiving tank. The purpose of this orifice is to bleed the pressure in the flow line whenever the pump stops delivering liquid. The pressure in the flow line at the point of the orifice is monitored by a pressure sensitive switch, which closes a contact when the pressure is below a selected small value. The contact controls power to the pump motor. If there is no liquid flow the contacts open, and power to the pump is cut off. If when the power switch is closed and liquid flows from the pump, the pressure sensitive switch will open its contact and leave the power switch in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fluid pressure and velocity, and in particular for maintaining an aspirator air velocity constant under varying atmospheric conditions. A precisely controlled air velocity is provided by a reference air source whose frequency is derived from a crystal oscillator. The total air pressure from the aspirator wind tunnel is compared with the total air pressure from the reference air source using a matched thermistor pair technique to convert the pressure difference into an electrical error signal which is used to control the main air source for the aspirator wind tunnel such that the error signal is maintained at zero, thereby maintaining the air velocity in the aspirator constant.

Abstract: In an air compressor-driven system, wherein compressed air and fuel are combined in a combustion chamber to produce hot gas for driving a turbine which then rotates the air compressor, surge is prevented by sensing an appropriate parameter, such as the flow rate of the compressed air at the compressor discharge outlet, and developing therefrom a feedback signal which varies the fuel flow to the combustion chamber to dynamically vary the compressor speed (and hence capacity) so that the discharge pressure versus discharge flow rate characteristic curve of the compressor always has a negative slope at the operating point, regardless of where that point is located on the curve. By providing a negative slope at all operating conditions, even when operating in the surge region of the pressure-flow plot, the system is incapable of surge.

Abstract: Flowable thermosetting synthetic-resin material is fed to a plurality of pressurizable buffer compartments and then to a plurality of respective molds having differently dimensioned mold cavities. Each of these compartments is pressurized so as to maintain pressure on the molten material in the respective molds during the molding and curing operation, during which time the pumps that feed the material to the compartments may be stopped. Each of the buffer compartments has sensing means which operate the pumps of the system.

Abstract: An improved dosimeter having a low air flow rate for monitoring working areas in which air is pumped through the dosimeter at a controlled constant low rate of flow and any particles or vapors in the air are collected on a filter, a variable drive pump having an inlet and an outlet is connected to the filter and is driven by an electric motor and controlled by a feed back circuit of an integrator and an amplifier and the pump maintains a constant flow of air through the dosimeter; in operation of the dosimeter the integrator receives a signal from a pressure switch that detects changes in the flow of the air stream through the dosimeter by a change in a pressure drop of the air which is being pumped through an orifice;The improvement is the use of an adjustable by-pass valve connected in parallel with the variable drive pump in such a manner that regulated quantities of air from the outlet of the pump are recycled to the inlet of the pump thereby allowing the pump to provide a constant low flow rate of air;In

Abstract: An automatic liquid flow control device for use in the application of building insulation foam is disclosed comprising flow meters to measure the flow of resin and foaming agent through conduits to the application gun, a needle valve connected to the resin conduit and operated by a servo motor, a controller to control the servo motor and having a selector to allow selection of the desired ratio of resin to foaming agent, a comparator to compare the actual ratio of resin flow/foaming agent flow to the selected ratio with the controller automatically controlling the servo motor and needle valve to "slave" the resin flow to the foaming agent flow in order to adjust the resin flow/foaming agent flow to the selected ratio. The comparator also compares the actual flow through the resin and foaming agent conduits to predetermine flow values in order to determine abnormal operating conditions.

Abstract: A regulator for controlling the speed of a rotary hydrodynamic pump algebraically sums a preselected value with a signal related to the pump speed and raised to a predetermined power. A root of the combined signals is compared with a flow rate or liquid level signal to develop a pump speed control signal. In the mechanical embodiments of the regulator, the algebraic summation is performed by the force of a spring against a fluid pressure, and the root of the resulting signal is obtained by means of an appropriately shaped cam. Electronically, the root signal is developed with an RC circuit.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus comprises a continuous mixer supplied with ingredients by a plurality of speed controlled motor driven pumps and having flow meters providing signals representative of ingredient flow rates. A programmed digital computer controls the pump motors in response to any differences between actual flow rates and selected reference flow rates so as to maintain the actual flow rates substantially at the reference values. The reference values are set into thumb wheel switches on a control panel having devices for displaying the actual flow rates or the errors between the actual and the set-in rates, and a plurality of switches selectively settable to establish the mode of operation of the apparatus. The computer periodically determines the set-in flow rates and the switch settings and updates the information displayed on the panel.

Abstract: Control of the main gas stream from a compressor is accomplished by automatically adjusting the amount of gas vented from the compressor output by a variable relief valve or other flow restriction means, with the speed of the compressor being automatically adjusted to maintain the compressor output at a level permitting effective control within the useful range of the venting system. In a preferred embodiment, the amount by which the position of the means used to restrict flow through the vent conduit departs from a desired operating range is used to generate a compressor acceleration signal which is in turn used to generate a compressor speed set point signal from which the compressor speed is controlled.

Abstract: Surge in a compressor-driven system, such as a refrigeration system, is precluded by sensing an appropriate parameter, for example the gas flow at the compressor discharge outlet, and developing therefrom a feedback signal which dynamically varies the capacity of the compressor so that the discharge pressure versus discharge flow rate characteristic curve of the compressor always has a negative slope at the operating point, regardless of where that point is located on the curve. By providing a negative slope at all operating conditions, the system is incapable of surge. In order to satisfy variable load requirements, the compressor capacity is adjusted to vary the steady state operating point on the characteristic curve.

Abstract: Fluid flow regulating systems involving systems for controlling the motor speed of fluid pumping devices are disclosed. The speed control systems involve use of a velocity head force sensor that movably responds to the velocity head forces of an air stream delivered by the pumping device, and these movements in the positions assumed by the force sensor are detected and used to control the power delivered to the motor. Temperature change detectors are used in most embodiments to modify the force sensor movements so as to introduce temperature change factors as well as velocity head force change factors into the control of the power circuitry. Force sensor of the pivotal vane, bendable vane and airfoil types are shown, and temperature sensors of the bimetallic and expandable fluid types are also used.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and process for producing discrete chilled products having preselected weights from a semi-fluid mixture. The semi-fluid mixture is pumped along a distribution path to an extruding manifold which extrudes a plurality of parallel continuous lengths of the mixture. The continuous lengths are directed through a chilling station in a parallel relationship in order to chill and firm the lengths such that the lengths maintain their extruded cross-sectional configuration. A cutter periodically severs the continuous lengths at predetermined intervals to provide a plurality of discrete products having predetermined weights. The pumping rate, rate of travel through the freezer and periodic severing of the continuous lengths may be selectively varied in order to maintain any desired weight of the discrete products.

Abstract: A system for disconnecting an oil well pump driving apparatus from a circuit in the absence of a liquid or the like in a pipeline connected from the pump. A vertical member having a cavity in communication with the interior of the pipeline has vertically spaced differential pressure unit (DPU) inlets. The DPU shuts down the pump motor when there is no liquid in the pipeline.

Abstract: Operation of a downhole reciprocating oil well pump is controlled by displacement of the fluids discharged from the pump into a displacement cell closed at its upper end. Gas is trapped in the upper end of the displacement cell. Fluids flow from the lower end of the displacement cell through a dump valve into a flow line. The dump valve opens when the pressure in the displacement cell rises to a predetermined high pressure and remains open until the pressure drops to a predetermined lower pressure which may be the flowline pressure. Operation of the dump valve resets a timer that actuates a switch controlling a pumping unit that drives the downhole pump. Thus, control of the pumping unit is based on the volume of fluids displaced from the well by the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the output of a system feed with a fluid medium irrespective of the instantaneous pressure in the system comprising a regulating device including an adjustable throttling connected in the inlet line of the system. A preset non-return valve is connected downstream of the throttling and a spring loaded non-return valve is connected in series with the preset non-return valve and is fitted with a leakage connection extending to a reservoir tank. A control line is connected between the pre-set non-return valve and the spring loaded non-return valve and it senses pressure drop at the throttling so that when the pressure drop reaches a predetermined value the non-return valve opens so that fluid medium is transferred and pressure in the control line increases. A central device is connected in the control line for regulating a quantity of flow to the primary line and the control device comprises a spring loaded piston actuated by increased pressure in the control line.

Abstract: An improved chemical dosimeter for individual use which collects on a filter particles or vapors present in an air stream which is being pumped through the dosimeter at a constant rate, the improvement is the use ofA variable drive pump that is connected to the filter and that is driven by an electric motor and is controlled by a feed back circuit of an integrator and an amplifier and maintains a constant flow of air through the dosimeter;The integrator receives a signal from a pressure switch that detects changes in the flow of the air stream through the dosimeter by a change in a pressure drop of the air which is being pumped through an orifice;The dosimeter is worn by an individual and at the termination of a period of time, such as a work day, the filter is removed and the collected contents are analyzed by conventional techniques such as gas chromatography to determine a level of exposure of the individual using the dosimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a failure alarm system for an intravenous feeding pump in which the pumping force is secured by the projection of a plunger into a chamber filled with the liquid to be pumped, which plunger is encased in a tightly fitting sheath of elastic material. In such a pump, actuation is secured by the application of a force from an actuator to the end of the plunger extending without the wall of a pumping chamber and the return force is secured by the elasticity of the sheath. The actuator of such a pump provides an actuator which can be selectively set to provide an extended range of operations per unit of time and can be modified to control the amount of projection into the pumping chamber by the plunger. In such a combination means is provided by the present invention for sensing the fact that there is a negative pressure, or suction, in the system that is not balanced by the in-flow of liquid, i.e.

Abstract: Fluid flow in small bore conduits is measured and controlled utilizing a Doppler flowmeter to measure flow rate. The fluid is then passed through a static chamber in which sound speed in the fluid is measured by a velocimeter. The outputs of the flowmeter and the velocimeter are multiplied to correct the measured flow rate for errors due to its sound speed dependency. The corrected flow rate may be then used to control a pump to provide the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A double acting pump is operated by a crank that is powered through a gear train driven by an electric motor. An adjustable pressure sensing device is used to control operation of the pump. A single motor, double pump embodiment is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device adapted to be attached to a conventional transfusion tube of a blood-transfusion apparatus, said device permitting the drop-by-drop regulation and control of the flow-rate and comprising a mechanical pump comprising a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted around the periphery of a disc rotatably mounted within a casing chamber, said chamber having the same diameter as the envelope defined by said rollers, said casing having an opening therein and comprising a slidable member in said opening adapted to be biased by resilient means against said rollers, thus permitting the interposition between said slidable member and said rollers of transfusion tubes of different diameters. An air-bubble detector is provided which stops the pump if an air bubble is present in the transfusion tube, and the failure of any electrical or mechanical member actuates an optical and acoustic alarm signal.

Abstract: The system coordinates the speed of a blood pump, in an extracorporeal blood circuit for a patient, with the blood flow from the patient to pass the blood through a treatment device such as an oxygenator and then back to the patient. The blood from the patient flows through a bladder which actuates a transducer to control an integrator and current amplifier. The current amplifier charges a capacitor to the breakdown potential of a DIAC avalanche diode causing the diode to fire and dump the charge of the capacitor into a silicon controlled rectifier which energizes the pump motor. The speed of the motor depends on the charging time of the capacitor in response to a signal voltage from the transducer. The motor is stopped by a comparator and flip flop when the blood flow through the bladder drops to a predetermined low value. The speed of the motor may also be controlled manually by a potentiometer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a particulated solids-carrier liquid slurry and transporting it through a conduit are provided wherein a continuous stream of carrier liquid is flowed into a sump, particulated solids to be transported are introduced into the sump so that a pumpable solids-carrier liquid slurry is formed therein, and the slurry is pumped out of the sump into a conduit for transport to a remote location. The flow rate of the stream of carrier liquid flowing into the sump is varied in inverse proportion to changes in the flow rate of particulated solids introduced therein so that the flow rate of slurry formed in the sump is maintained substantially equal to the flow rate of slurry pumped out of the sump.

Abstract: A sensor associated with the production of an oil well generates a signal indicative of pumpable fluid available in the wellbore. The signal activates a first oscillator whose count is compared with a variable frequency oscillator having a frequency of approximately one-half that of the first oscillator. The comparison is made over a given period of time to ascertain the percentage of time the well has produced fluid. The integrated timer is adjusted to shut down the system when the percentage of time the valve is open drops to the preselected amount. In response to the integration timer producing a signal, a shutdown timer is turned on which restarts the cycle after a preselected amount of time. The length of shutdown time for the pumping unit is preset according to the well fill-in rate. When the system is restarted by the shutdown timer, a pump-up timer is turned on which is adjusted to allow for a desired pump-up time.