Valve In Collapsible Wall Pumping Member Patents (Class 417/480)
  • Patent number: 11768178
    Abstract: A sensor for obtaining downhole data includes a first piezoelectric layer. The sensor also includes a second piezoelectric layer having a trench extending a depth below a surface of the second piezoelectric layer. The sensor also includes an electrode positioned within the trench. The first piezoelectric layer is directly coupled to the second piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Yi Liu
  • Patent number: 11596937
    Abstract: A product dispenser with a reservoir adapted for a product and a cap. The reservoir has a protrusion and a piston engaging mechanism. The cap has a pipette, a piston configured to move to create a suction to draw the product through a lower end orifice of the pipette, a housing for the piston, a corresponding engaging mechanism, a button configured to dispense the product, and a chamber configured to change its volume depending on the movement of the piston and the movement of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stefano Bartolucci, Nathan Daniel Grubbs
  • Patent number: 11469434
    Abstract: A power source includes a container, a fuel cell stack disposed within the container, the fuel cell stack having an anode side and a cathode side, a hydrogen producing fuel disposed within the container and positioned to provide hydrogen to anode side of the fuel cell stack, and a pump disposed within the hydrogen producing fuel to circulate water vapor through the hydrogen producing fuel. A capacitor may be coupled to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Jeffrey Michael Klein
  • Patent number: 10125760
    Abstract: A pump includes a pressure chamber that generates pressure oscillation occurring from the center of the pressure chamber to an outer peripheral portion of the pressure chamber when viewed in plan view in a thickness direction. The pump includes a vibrating plate portion that faces the pressure chamber in the thickness direction and that is displaced in the thickness direction and a top plate portion that faces the pressure chamber in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vibrating plate portion faces the pressure chamber. The vibrating plate portion has a first inlet port that is open at the outer peripheral portion of the pressure chamber. The top plate portion has an outlet port that is open at a center portion of the pressure chamber and a second inlet port that is open at the outer peripheral portion of the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9588683
    Abstract: One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel and a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a tactile layer comprising a peripheral region and a deformable region, the peripheral region coupled to the substrate, and the deformable region arranged over the fluid conduit, disconnected from the substrate, and operable between a retracted setting and an expanded setting, the deformable region elevated above the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a tube comprising a first end fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and constrained relative to the substrate; a volume of fluid within the tube; and a rotary actuator coupled to the tube remote from the first end and configured to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting by winding the tube to displace a portion of the volume of fluid within the tube into the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Micah B. Yairi, Craig Ciesla, Curtis Ray, Michael Jastrzebski, Amy Lai Wong, Simona Wong, Jonathon Jenkins, Nathan Knapp
  • Patent number: 9415925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for metered dispensing of a fluid, in which a storage container is connected to a metering head, a spindle being guided in the metering head and having a through-channel for the fluid to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: F. HOLZER GMBH
    Inventors: Hyeck Hee Lee, Frank Holzer, Ute Steinfeld, Markus Mahler
  • Patent number: 8985133
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt
  • Patent number: 8974416
    Abstract: A disposable cassette intended for a metering pump for infusion consisting of just two components, namely, a hollow first component (1) forming a pump body, and a second component (5) collaborating with the hollow first component (1) to form a pumping zone (6) and comprising a flexible part (10) characterized in that the second component (5) further comprises a rigid part (9) secured to the flexible part (10) and able to be assembled with the hollow first component (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a disposable cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Denis Rochat
  • Patent number: 8974200
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for inducing fluid flow. A fluid flow apparatus includes a directional membrane, a directional flow mechanism, and an oscillation module. The directional membrane allows a fluid to pass through the directional membrane in a first direction and resists fluid passing through the directional membrane in a second direction, the first direction substantially opposite the second direction. The directional flow mechanism allows a fluid to flow in a third direction and resists fluid flow in a fourth direction, the third direction substantially opposite the fourth direction. The oscillation module induces an oscillation in the directional membrane, wherein the oscillation of the directional membrane induces a flow of the fluid through the directional membrane in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Johan Junior Chan, Yiduo Li, Wei Chih Pan, Andrew Yong Liang Soon Ng, James Sai Cheong Tam
  • Publication number: 20140294629
    Abstract: There is provided a micro pump including a bottom substrate, a channel forming substrate coupled to the bottom substrate and provided with an inlet into which a fluid is introduced and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged, and a valve integrally formed with the channel forming substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sang Jin KIM, Bo Sung KU
  • Publication number: 20140255230
    Abstract: An air pump includes a driving unit and an airflow control unit. A piston base has a first intake through hole. A piston unit has an intake valve and a bladder portion, and the intake valve is located over the first intake through hole. A first valve base is located over the piston unit. A flow guide groove of the first valve base crosses over the paired intake valve and bladder portion. The first valve base has a first output through hole. The first valve base has a circular wall surrounding the first output through hole. A first output valve is located over the first output through hole. A second valve base is coupled to the circular wall to define a compression chamber. The second valve base has a second output through hole communicating with the compression chamber. A second output valve is located over the second output through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: XIAMEN KOGE MICRO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kun-Lin CHANG
  • Patent number: 8784080
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump for a seat adjusting device comprises a diaphragm and a valve member which define a pump chamber therebetween. An inlet valve and an outlet valve are formed on the valve member. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet valve and receives fluid discharged from the pump chamber via the outlet valve. One of the diaphragm and the valve member comprises a valve membrane of a pressure relief valve integrated in the pump. The valve membrane is integrally formed with the one of the diaphragm and the valve member. The valve membrane is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Swiss Holding AG
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Johannes Schwarz, Paul Tindall, Horia Blendea
  • Patent number: 8701545
    Abstract: In a rotation device using a hydraulic actuator, a rotation angle range is increased. A placement member rotatably coupled to a rotary member has a projecting part on an upper face. A hydraulic actuator is arranged on a projecting face of the projecting part; the actuator and the rotary member coupled with a wire material. The projecting part is formed such that it becomes higher from a leading edge on the side of the rotary member to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and becomes lower from the intermediate portion to a trailing edge. Thereby, when fluid is supplied to the actuator and shortens the actuator length, a tip of the actuator moves along the projecting face of the projecting part, and is located high, separated from the upper face of the placement member such that the rotation angle range of the rotary member becomes large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: SQUSE Inc., The Doshisha
    Inventors: Tatuwo Kudawara, Mikio Shimizu, Yasunori Ichikawa, Nobutaka Tsujiuchi
  • Publication number: 20140079563
    Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jing-Tang YANG, Chao-Jyun HUANG, Chih-Yu HWANG
  • Publication number: 20140037481
    Abstract: A pump having a first substrate extending in a plane, a cavity formed in a top face thereof and having fixed lateral walls that delimit sides thereof, intake and evacuation channels formed in the top face, each parallel to the plane from an inlet to an outlet, the outlet of the intake channel and the inlet of the evacuation channel opening into the cavity at the walls, a second substrate bonded onto the top face and forming a fluid-tight chamber, a membrane forming a wall of the chamber and being deformable between suction and positions to suck or discharge fluid, and non-return valves formed in the top face, each having a proximal side anchored to the first substrate. The proximal side of the first is between the orifices of the intake channel, and the proximal side of the second valve is between the orifices of the evacuation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Nicolas Stéphane
  • Patent number: 8608700
    Abstract: A micromechanical electromagnetic actuator may have two separate components: a flux-generating portion and a separate movable structure. The flux-generating portion may have a plurality of conductive coils wound around a magnetically permeable material. Each coil generates a magnetic field along its axis, which is different for each of the coils. The adjacent movable structure may include magnetically permeable features, one inlaid in the movable structure and other stationary features which focus the flux produced by the flux-generating mechanism across a gap between the stationary features. By energizing each coil sequentially, a push-pull motion in the actuator may result from the force of the magnetically permeable features. This push-pull actuator may be particularly effective when used as a pumping element in a drug delivery system, or other fluidic pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • Patent number: 8568489
    Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment is a vacuum pump including a compressible elastomeric member with an internal reservoir enclosing a volume of fluid, an outlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid sink, and an inlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid source. The pump further includes first and second pressure elements coupled to the elastomeric member on opposing sides. At least one of the first and second pressure elements is adapted to apply a longitudinal force along, and a rotational force about, an axis extending through the compressible elastomeric member. Upon the application of a longitudinal compression force to the compressible elastomeric member, fluid flows from the internal reservoir to the fluid sink and upon the application of a longitudinal expansion force, fluid flows from the fluid source to the internal reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare LP
    Inventors: Robert Edward Finlinson, Douglas E. Rush, Lüder Mosler
  • Patent number: 8499780
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey
  • Patent number: 8459292
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers
  • Patent number: 8403654
    Abstract: A fuel primer is disclosed. The primer includes a rigid valve body having first and second ends with first and second check valves therein. The pump also includes an elastic and substantially fuel impermeable bulb substantially encasing the rigid valve body and sealing to the valve body proximate the first and second check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: RL Hudson & Company
    Inventors: James Ray Podesta, Robert Denton, Benny R. Foreman
  • Publication number: 20130071273
    Abstract: A dual-cavity pump having a pump body with a substantially elliptical shape including a cylindrical wall closed at each end by end plates is disclosed. The pump further comprises a pair of disc-shaped interior plates supported within the pump by a ring-shaped isolator affixed to the cylindrical wall of the pump body. The internal surfaces of the cylindrical wall, one of the end plates, one of the interior plates, and the ring-shaped isolator form a first cavity within the pump. The internal surfaces of the cylindrical wall, the other end plate, the other interior plate, and the ring-shaped isolator form a second cavity within the pump. The interior plates together form an actuator that is operatively associated with the central portion of the interior plates. The illustrative embodiments of the dual-cavity pump have three valves including one located within a common end wall between the cavities of the pump. Methods for fabricating the pump are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8360287
    Abstract: A foam pump for pumping a foamable liquid from a foamable liquid source includes a premix chamber having an interior volume receiving the foamable liquid from the foamable liquid source. The foam pump also include a premix chamber air inlet valve, and a collapsible air chamber surrounds the premix chamber and fluidly communicates with the interior volume of the premix chamber through said premix chamber air inlet valve. The collapsible air chamber has an expanded volume and a compressed volume, and, when the collapsible air chamber is moved from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, air within the collapsible air chamber is forced into the premix chamber through the premix chamber air inlet valve and mixes with the foamable liquid received in the premix chamber. An outlet communicates with the premix chamber and, upon compression of the collapsible air chamber from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, foamable liquid and air are advanced from the premix chamber into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Daniel M. Willis
  • Publication number: 20120302946
    Abstract: A micromechanical electromagnetic actuator may have two separate components: a flux-generating portion and a separate movable structure. The flux-generating portion may have a plurality of conductive coils wound around a magnetically permeable material. Each coil generates a magnetic field along its axis, which is different for each of the coils. The adjacent movable structure may include magnetically permeable features, one inlaid in the movable structure and other stationary features which focus the flux produced by the flux-generating mechanism across a gap between the stationary features. By energizing each coil sequentially, a push-pull motion in the actuator may result from the force of the magnetically permeable features. This push-pull actuator may be particularly effective when used as a pumping element in a drug delivery system, or other fluidic pumping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • Publication number: 20120301338
    Abstract: A compressing diaphragm pump having abnormal pressure preventing features for spray use has a hollow tubular air discharge assembly having a plunger body and compressed spring as well as an air passage pierced at the wall of the water exit port and an air discharge orifice pierced of the central top surface of the air discharge assembly for connecting with the plunger body. When air is mixed within the pressurized water, the resilient force of the compressed spring is bigger than the water pressure of the pressurized water. This allows the air mixed in the pressurized water to get into the air passage and pass the plunger opening of the plunger body via through pore, and is dispelled out of the upper hood via the air discharge orifice of the air discharge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Ying Lin Cai, Chao Fou Hsu
  • Patent number: 8292120
    Abstract: A hanging liquid dispenser is provided that includes a pump and valving for delivering the fluid material when the dispenser is operated by the user in a controlled fashion. The hanging dispenser includes a main body that serves as a fluid reservoir and has an eyelet which is suitable for use in hanging the dispenser from a suitable support. In addition to including the ability to hang, the dispenser preferably includes a pump for metered dosing of the fluid within the dispenser when operation of the pump delivers a controlled volume of the fluid as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti
  • Patent number: 8206136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system of bellows and co-acting part, including a co-acting part which comprises a stiff outer wall, and a bellows co-acting therewith which comprises a flexible wall of a predetermined shape and thickness, wherein the flexible wall of the bellows is movable along the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part, wherein the bellows includes at least two separately deformable flexible wall parts' which each co-act with a different part of the stiff outer wall of the co-acting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Calmar Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Markus Franciscus Brouwer, Jeroen Daniel De Regt
  • Publication number: 20110293454
    Abstract: An air bladder pumping device includes an air pump and an air bladder. The air pump includes a base, a resilient membrane, and two air valves. The base forms a tubular receptacle that receives one of the air valves and has a bottom defining an air exit opening. The resilient membrane forms a socket that receives another air valve and has a bottom defining an air entrance opening. The resilient membrane and the base have circumferential sealing flanges, which are tightly secured together through ultrasonic processing or die pressing to form the air pump. The air pump is attached to one side of the air bladder to form an inner lining cushioning bladder. Air intake and exhaust of the air bladder can be performed through squeezing the air pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: SHIH-SHENG YANG
  • Patent number: 8042563
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Brian Tracey
  • Publication number: 20110229359
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump for a seat adjusting device comprises a diaphragm and a valve member which define a pump chamber therebetween. An inlet valve and an outlet valve are formed on the valve member. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet valve and receives fluid discharged from the pump chamber via the outlet valve. One of the diaphragm and the valve member comprises a valve membrane of a pressure relief valve integrated in the pump. The valve membrane is integrally formed with the one of the diaphragm and the valve member. The valve membrane is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Johannes Schwarz, Paul Tindall, Horia Blendea
  • Patent number: 7980425
    Abstract: A pump for metering a liquid is disclosed comprising a flexible tube connected to a container with a pressure relief valve located in the flexible tube. A housing defines an aperture for receiving the flexible tube with a compression surface located adjacent to the aperture. A reciprocating member has a sealing element and a pumping element. A drive moves the sealing element for pinching the flexible tube against the compression surface upstream from the pressure relief valve for trapping liquid between the sealing element and the pressure relief valve. The drive moves the pumping element for collapsing the flexible tube against the compression surface for pumping the trapped liquid to discharge a metered quantity of the liquid from the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Richard D. Baron, Steven A. Garbee, Valdemiro M. Quadros, Alan Lee Hackey
  • Patent number: 7967022
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt
  • Patent number: 7950909
    Abstract: A pump structure connectable with an aircushion or a bladder. The pump structure includes: a flexible main body defining a valve room in which a relief valve is arranged and a compressible chamber; a one-way valve permitting the fluid to one-way flow into the chamber; and a thin membrane-type check valve. The check valve has a first end and a second end, which are operable between opened position and closed position. The first and second ends respectively communicate with the chamber and an output tube, which is connectable with the aircushion or bladder. The first and second ends of the check valve are respectively positioned in spaces provided by the chamber and the valve room. A substrate board is disposed under the flexible main body. The substrate board has a through hole and a notch formed on positions where the first and second ends of the check valve are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 7905853
    Abstract: A dialysis machine valve manifold assembly includes a plurality of pneumatic valves; a plate including a first side and a second side, the plurality of pneumatic valves mounted to the first side of the plate, the second side of the plate defining a plurality of pneumatic flow paths; and a port header mounted removably to the plate, the port header including a plurality of ports configured to connect sealingly to pneumatic tubing, the ports in fluid communication with the pneumatic valves via the pneumatic flow paths defined in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Chapman, Robert W. Childers, Gideon Hecht, Anders Wellings
  • Publication number: 20100307616
    Abstract: A fluid transporting system including a microfluidic pump, a fluid guiding unit, and a first pipe connected between the microfluidic pump and the fluid guiding unit is provided. The microfluidic pump includes a body, a first unidirectional membrane valve, and a second unidirectional membrane valve. The body has a cavity, an inlet connected to the first unidirectional membrane valve, and an outlet connected to the second unidirectional membrane valve. When the cavity is compressed, the first unidirectional membrane valve is closed, and the second one is opened. When the cavity is dilated, the first unidirectional membrane valve is opened, and the second one is closed. The fluid guiding unit includes a tank provided with a first channel, and a second channel. A height of the first channel relative to the bottom of the tank is higher than that of the second channel relative to the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dar-Sun Liou, Long-Sheng Kuo, Ping-Hei Chen
  • Publication number: 20090269229
    Abstract: A fluid drawing device (10) comprising a hand pump (11) connected to a fluid reservoir (12). The reservoir (12) has an inlet/outlet orifice (18) through which fluid can be drawn into and expelled from the reservoir (12). The pump (11) comprises a squeeze bulb (13) with an air release valve (14) in its wall and an air intake valve (15). Compressing the bulb (13) releases the air to the atmosphere through the release valve (14), subsequent decompression of the bulb (13) draws air through the intake valve (15) from the reservoir (12) reducing the pressure in it to draw fluid through the orifice (18) into the reservoir (12). Pushing a plunger (24) slidably housed within the reservoir (12) expels the fluid out through the orifice (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jui Hwa Yeo
  • Publication number: 20090162229
    Abstract: A pump structure connectable with an aircushion or a bladder. The pump structure includes: a flexible main body defining a valve room in which a relief valve is arranged and a compressible chamber; a one-way valve permitting the fluid to one-way flow into the chamber; and a thin membrane-type check valve. The check valve has a first end and a second end, which are operable between opened position and closed position. The first and second ends respectively communicate with the chamber and an output tube, which is connectable with the aircushion or bladder. The first and second ends of the check valve are respectively positioned in spaces provided by the chamber and the valve room. A substrate board is disposed under the flexible main body. The substrate board has a through hole and a notch formed on positions where the first and second ends of the check valve are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan CHANG
  • Publication number: 20090010780
    Abstract: A micropump having a diaphragm portion, a valve portion of an intake-side check valve, and a valve portion of a discharge-side check valve formed in a single elastic-member sheet. A piezoelectric actuator is attached onto a back surface of the diaphragm portion. The elastic-member sheet is sandwiched between a first case member and a second case member, the elastic-member sheet providing sealing between both case members. A vibration chamber is defined between the elastic-member sheet and the first case member, the vibration chamber housing the piezoelectric actuator. A pump chamber is defined between the elastic-member sheet and the second case member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gaku Kamitani, Atsuhiko Hirata
  • Patent number: 7377756
    Abstract: A diaphragm is provided in a pump case so as to define a pump chamber communicated with an external member having an air chamber. A motor actuates the diaphragm to introduce air to the air chamber. An exhaust valve exhausts air in the pump chamber to lower a pressure in the air chamber. In the exhaust valve, an exhaust port is communicated with the pump chamber. A flexible valve body having a larger size than the exhaust port is disposed so as to close the exhaust port from a side facing the pump chamber. An actuator is disposed in an opposite side to the valve body relative to the exhaust port, and driven by the motor so as to be movable between a first position retracted from the exhaust port and a second position passing through the exhaust port so that the valve body is actuated so as to open the exhaust port. An urging member always urges the actuator to the first position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Hori
  • Patent number: 7322803
    Abstract: A pump comprises a diaphragm assembly which includes a first diaphragm (22) having a first diaphragm edge (28) and a second diaphragm (24) having a second diaphragm edge (30). The first diaphragm edge (28) and the second diaphragm edge (30) are bonded together so that a bellows chamber (26) is formed between the first diaphragm (22) and the second diaphragm (24). At least one and possibly both of the first diaphragm (22) and the second diaphragm (24) is a piezoelectric diaphragm which displaces in accordance with application of an electrical signal. A driver applies the electrical signal to whichever of the first diaphragm (22) and the second diaphragm (24) is the piezoelectric diaphragm. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm bow outwardly together and shrink in diameter during a suction stroke but flatten out and increase in diameter during a pump stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Adaptivenergy, LLC.
    Inventor: James Vogeley
  • Patent number: 7284962
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluid pump using perforate elements and closure elements which are alternately displace and relates particularly but not exclusively to miniature fluid pumps and pumps suitable for delivery of liquid pharmaceutical formulations. In the art of miniature liquid pumps are known pumps based on peristaltic and “pump chamber” principles. (Peristaltic pumps may be used to pump fluids in general, that is, liquids or gases). Both types of pump are used in ambulatory pump products for delivery of liquid medicaments, for which application miniaturization and low weight are important attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Technology Partnership PLC
    Inventor: David Mark Blakey
  • Patent number: 7261525
    Abstract: A manually operated pump having a pump assembly and a check valve. The pump assembly includes a dome with a fluid inlet. A support plate is sealed to the dome to define a fluid chamber. The support plate includes a fluid outlet. A foam material is positioned in the fluid chamber, the foam material expanding the dome to a rest state upon release of external pressure on the dome. The check valve has a valve inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the support plate. The check valve is positioned outside of the fluid chamber. The check valve has at least one exhaust channel to provide one way fluid flow from the fluid chamber through the exhaust channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dielectrics Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Pekar
  • Patent number: 6991213
    Abstract: A valve for regulating the flow of fluids (gas or liquid) using two flexible diaphragms in which an additional element is added to promote rolling contact between the diaphragms. The valve operates in a normally open configuration where fluid flows into the valve, passed through holes or openings in two electrostatically operative diaphragms and out of the valve. The holes or openings in one diaphragm are offset from the holes or openings in the other diaphragm, so that upon electro-static actuation, the diaphragms will seal together, closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yu Wang, Eugen I Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6939618
    Abstract: Various application are provided for an enclosure having a first wall and two or more second walls surrounding a cavity. The enclosure also has an inlet and outlet each in fluid communication with the cavity. The second walls each have at least a portion shaped such that a force acting on the first wall tending to deflect the element causes an amplified deflection of the second walls into the cavity. Such applications include a pump, a structure comprised of one or more enclosures, structural elements, and apparatus for storing and releasing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: OmniTek Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 6685444
    Abstract: A fluid discharging device is provided with diaphragm members 20 and 30. The diaphragm member 30 being a valve member comprises an outlet 35 and a suction passage opening and closing portion 33, and can be moved forward and backward relative to the diaphragm member 20 being a pump member. The diaphragm member 20 comprises an outlet opening and closing portion 25 capable of opening and closing the outlet 35 and a measuring portion 26 capable of changing the volume of a measuring space 42. An outlet opening and closing means 50 opens and closes the outlet 35 by moving the outlet opening and closing portion 25 backward and forward relative to the outlet 35, and opens a liquid suction passage 40 by detaching the suction passage opening and closing portion 33 from the diaphragm member 20. A diaphragm moving means 55 changes the volume of the measuring space 42 by moving the measuring portion 26 forward and backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Neuberg Company Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6575715
    Abstract: Various application are provided for an enclosure having a first wall and two or more second walls surrounding a cavity. The enclosure also has an inlet and outlet each in fluid communication with the cavity. The second walls each have at least a portion shaped such that a force acting on the first wall tending to deflect the element causes an amplified deflection of the second walls into the cavity. Such applications include a pump, a structure comprised of one or more enclosures, structural elements, and apparatus for storing and releasing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: OmniTek Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Publication number: 20020004015
    Abstract: A cassette for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, for example, a patient. The cassette comprises a housing, and a passive inlet valve for hydraulically controlling pressurized fluid flow from the inlet valve to a central chamber, and an actuatable outlet valve. The central chamber provides a fluid pathway between the inlet and outlet valves. The cassette further comprises a piston assembly for exerting pressure in the central chamber. The piston assembly comprises a movable member, a covering for the moveable member; and a flexible interface between the member and the housing for providing near frictionless movement between the member and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Peter F. Costa, Christopher K. Holmes, John M. Kirkman, John S. Thompson, Mark E. Semler
  • Patent number: 6179586
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump, which is preferably electrostatically actuated, but which may be activated by other forces such as electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuation. The pump is formed by a pump body having a pump chamber formed therein. First and second diaphragms each having a set of valve holes in the diaphragm surface thereof are mounted in the chamber. Also provided are at least one inlet and at least one outlet port for communication with the pump chamber. The ports are positioned for sealing contact with the diaphragms at points that are not aligned with the holes in the diaphragms. A driver electrostatically actuates the diaphragms to cause diaphragm movement to a plurality of diaphragm positions to control flow of fluid through the pump. The first position is when the diaphragms are spaced from one another and from the ports to permit flow of fluid through the pump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Herb, J. David Zook, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6168056
    Abstract: A device for inflating and deflating the shoulder strap of a satchel that includes an inflatable cushion located inside the strap that is connected to an inflation/deflation mechanism formed of a resilient deformable material including a bulb-like pump and a deformable valve housing coupled to the pump by a connecting line. The valve housing contains a ball valve that automatically opens when the pump is activated to inflate the cushion and closes to prevent air from escaping from the cushion when the pump is deactivated. Depressing the valve housing displaces the ball valve allowing air to escape from the cushion. The inflation/deflation mechanism is integrally mounted inside a pad that is attachable to a satchel by a fixed strap and an adjustable strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Tenesee S.A.
    Inventor: Christiane Bertholon
  • Patent number: 6120264
    Abstract: An air pump includes a first sheet, a second sheet, an inflation valve and a check valve. The second sheet is directly connected to the first sheet so as to form a chamber. The inflation valve is provided on the chamber to lead air into the chamber when the chamber is extended. The check valve is also provided on the chamber to discharge the air in the chamber when the chamber is compressed. The air pump can be built in an inflatable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Team Worldwide Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth Wang
  • Patent number: 6092695
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing cartridge pump suitable for dispensing reagent in an automatic system includes a compressible metering chamber suspended from a reservoir bag mounted within a rigid housing. Check valves between the reservoir and metering chamber and at a lower end of a metering chamber are formed of flexible membranes having apertures which close against conical projections on rigid disks. The reservoir and metering chamber pivot as a compression member squeezes the metering chamber against a back surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: CytoLogix Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert H. Loeffler