Liquid Piston Patents (Class 417/92)
  • Patent number: 11434882
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device including at least one circulating zone and at least one fluid including at least one more-paramagnetic liquid and at least one less-paramagnetic liquid forming a liquid-liquid interphase, the device including at least one element generating, in the circulating zone, a magnetic field, wherein the less-paramagnetic liquid is surrounded by the more-paramagnetic liquid in the circulating zone or wherein the more-paramagnetic liquid is surrounded by the less-paramagnetic liquid in the circulating zone. Also disclosed is a method including circulating at least one less-paramagnetic liquid inside one or more circulating zones of a device including at least one circulating zone and at least one more-paramagnetic liquid in the circulating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITÉ DE STRASBOURG, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH COLLEGE GREEN
    Inventors: Thomas Hermans, John Michael David Coey, Peter Dunne, Bernard Doudin
  • Patent number: 11073151
    Abstract: This invention relates to an energy generating system and method, particularly to a fluid actuated energy generating system and method employing multifarious mechanisms to produce energy. The system comprises first and second tower structures; means operable to displace fluid in the first tower structure, and means operable in response to fluid displaced from the first tower structure for displacing fluid in the second tower structure. The system also comprises means operable in response to fluid displaced from the second tower structure for generating energy; means for collecting fluid displaced from the second tower structure for return to the second tower structure; and means for receiving, in the first and second tower structures, fluid for maintaining a fluid level for operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: William Dennis Gillespie
  • Patent number: 11035289
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle engine system, comprising: a hydraulic pump for providing an oil supply during braking; an accumulator configured to: receive the oil supply during braking; store the oil supply under pressure; and release the oil supply under pressure during acceleration; and a turbo charger for receiving the oil supply released under pressure during acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: VN-AC IP LTD
    Inventor: Alasdair Cairns
  • Patent number: 11021050
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle engine system comprising: a fuel pump for selectively delivering fuel under high pressure; an accumulator having a first chamber for receiving an output from the fuel pump and a second chamber for receiving an oil feed, wherein as one chamber is filled up the other chamber is compressed; wherein on vehicle acceleration the fuel pump delivers fuel to a common rail fuel injection system, and on vehicle braking the fuel pump delivers fuel to the first chamber of the accumulator to thereby put the oil in the second chamber under pressure, and wherein on subsequent acceleration the oil chamber delivers an output under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: VN-AC IP LTD
    Inventor: Alasdair Cairns
  • Patent number: 10837465
    Abstract: An elongated tank for a slurry injection system has a side wall disposed in a vertical direction and top wall. The tank further comprises an end cap coupled to the side wall comprising a slurry injection channel and defining a bottom side of the tank. The bottom side is angled downward from the side wall toward the slurring injection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Vector Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9312792
    Abstract: A closed-loop apparatus for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy utilizes a closed-loop channel including sections of different cross-section (including a first group of sections having a constrained cross-section and a second group sections having an enlarged cross-section). An energy-producing configuration (such as coils and/or electrodes) is formed to surround at least a portion of the channel. A closed-loop chain of energy-producing elements is positioned in channel such that when the chain moves along the channel, the mechanical motion generates electrical energy. The chain is formed to include a set of expandable assemblies that change in dimension as they pass through the different cross-section areas of the channel. An inert fluid is injected into the channel at one or more locations by a mechanical force, resulting in the creation of a pressure-induced force differential that initiates and maintains the movement of the chain with respect to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Nikita Krupenkin, Joseph Ashley Taylor
  • Patent number: 9194384
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a pump is provided that includes a microfluidic channel and a plurality of electrodes for electrostatically translating a target fluid along the channel from an inlet to an outlet. In other embodiments, a valve includes a microfluidic channel, a reservoir in fluidic communication with the channel, and an electrode for electrostatically drawing a fluid from the reservoir into the channel so as to block the flow of other fluids through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 9051834
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. For example, systems, methods and devices for optimizing the heat transfer within an air compression and expansion energy storage system are described herein. A compressor and/or expander device can include one or more of various embodiments of a heat transfer element that can be disposed within an interior of a cylinder or pressure vessel used in the compression and/or expansion of a gas, such as air. Such devices can include hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators to move a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) within the cylinder or pressure vessel. The heat transfer element can be used to remove heat energy generated during a compression and/or expansion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn, Matthew Blieske, Iain Ridley
  • Patent number: 8925637
    Abstract: A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Coyle, William Michel, Louis-Claude Porel, Alistair Gill, Paul Ellerton, David Fielding
  • Patent number: 8454321
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. For example, systems, methods and devices for optimizing the heat transfer within an air compression and expansion energy storage system are described herein. A compressor and/or expander device can include one or more of various embodiments of a heat transfer element that can be disposed within an interior of a cylinder or pressure vessel used in the compression and/or expansion of a gas, such as air. Such devices can include hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators to move a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) within the cylinder or pressure vessel. The heat transfer element can be used to remove heat energy generated during a compression and/or expansion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn, Matthew Blieske, Iain Ridley
  • Publication number: 20120257991
    Abstract: A pressure exchanger for transferring pressure from a high pressure fluid to a low pressure fluid, including a housing and a rotor arranged for rotation within the housing, the rotor having at least one passage extending generally axially through the rotor, the passage having a first opening at one end and a second opening at another end, the openings being mutually spaced along the length of the rotor, the housing having a plurality of ports at one axial portion for communication with the first passage opening and a plurality of ports at another axial portion for communication with the second passage opening, wherein the first passage opening is directed substantially radially such that fluid is directed radially inwardly when entering the first passage opening and radially outwardly when exiting the first passage opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: GHD Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Owen Woodthorpe
  • Publication number: 20120070314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positive displacement pump, constructed in microsystem technology, which is preferably used as a vacuum pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer Technology Services GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Mueller, Régulo Miguel Ramirez Wong
  • Publication number: 20110300004
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pumping or transferring fluid and for producing energy continuously and autonomously are disclosed, made up of closed thermodynamic systems arranged in series. The invention is based on the discovery of the principles of autonomous serial depression and compression. The expansion of a gas supplies the work necessary for pumping or transferring liquid from one compartment to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Le Bemadjiel Djerassem
  • Patent number: 7815421
    Abstract: A pressure exchanger transferring pressure energy from a liquid in a first liquid system to a liquid in a second liquid system, having a housing with inlet and outlet connection openings for each liquid and a rotor arranged in the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis. Through rotor channels are arranged around the rotor longitudinal axis with openings on each axial end face of the rotor. The rotor channels are arranged for connection through opposing flow openings facing the housing to the connection openings of the housing. During rotor rotation high pressure liquid and low pressure liquid are alternately introduced into the respective systems. Liquid flowing to the rotor through the openings generates a circumferential force (cu) for driving the rotor, and starting at or following the openings a flow guiding configuration formed as a rotor channel flow diverting contour is arranged in the rotor channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Bross, Wolfgang Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 7488159
    Abstract: Gas compression system comprising a compression cylinder having a gas inlet, a compressed gas outlet, and one or more liquid transfer ports; a pump having a suction and a discharge; and a compressor liquid. The system also includes any of the following: a pressure intensifier having an inlet in flow communication with the pump and an outlet in flow communication with the compression cylinder; a feed eductor in flow communication with the discharge of the pump, with a reservoir containing a portion of the compressor liquid, and with the compression cylinder; a drain eductor in flow communication with the discharge of the pump, with the compression cylinder, and with a reservoir containing a portion of the compressor liquid; and a variable-volume compressor liquid accumulator in flow communication with the discharge of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Lajjaram Bhatt, William Curtis Kottke, David Jonathan Chalk, Todd Eric Carlson
  • Publication number: 20080166243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid for compressing a gaseous medium which transfers the force required for compression directly to the gas. The liquid has a vapour pressure of less than 10?3 mbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Kotschan, Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 7201557
    Abstract: A pressure exchanger for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing contains a rotor having a plurality of channels extending axially therethrough and a pair of end covers which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective end faces of the rotor. The end covers are supported against deformation by high pressure upon the end covers in an inward direction, as by exerting a balancing comparable outward axial force upon inward surfaces of the end covers through the employment of pressure-balancing chambers that are in communication with a high pressure fluid region at one end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L Stover
  • Patent number: 7021900
    Abstract: A kinetic pump and method of pumping a liquid comprising providing an acceleration tube for the acceleration of a liquid contained therein by an introduced high-pressure vapor or gas, receiving the liquid from the acceleration tube with a compressed-air surge tank, admitting the liquid from the acceleration tube into the compressed-air surge tank via a check valve, draining the liquid from the compressed-air surge tank from an outlet, and adding additional liquid to the acceleration tube via an inlet, wherein during each first half cycle of the method, the vapor or gas forces the liquid to accelerate in the acceleration tube, whereby a portion of the liquid is forced into the compressed-air surge tank, and wherein during each second half cycle of the pump, the vapor or gas is substantially removed from the acceleration tube and the liquid flows back to its original location and the additional liquid is added to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Melvin L. Prueitt, Reed J. Jensen, Ernst C. Janzen
  • Publication number: 20040076525
    Abstract: This invention relates to a microfluidic device for the manipulation of a non-magnetic liquid, comprising at least one cell comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Constantin Olivier, Patrick Pouteau, Yves Fouillet
  • Publication number: 20040037708
    Abstract: A working-fluid moving device is a laminate of ceramic sheets, which constitute a channel. One of the ceramic sheets is formed to serve as a diaphragm. A piezoelectric/electrostrictive film is formed on the diaphragm. The channel houses first and second working fluids. The first working fluid is inferior to the second working fluid in wettability to the inner wall surface of the channel. When voltage is applied to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, the diaphragm is deformed, and the cross-sectional area of the channel at the central portion is reduced. The first working fluid which is present in the form of a single fluid mass at the central portion of the channel receives a repulsive force from the wall surface of the channel due to inferior wettability. As a result, the first working fluid is split into two fluid masses, which then move in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Murasato, Ritsu Tanaka, Yuki Bessho
  • Patent number: 6655923
    Abstract: A micromechanical pump has a membrane (2) positioned above a substrate (1). The substrate is provided with a cavity (8) which is formed in an endlessly continuous shape (e.g., circular) to provide a channel for a drive fluid. A cover (9) is positioned above the substrate with the membrane being between the substrate and cover. The cover is provided with an inlet (11) and outlet (10). Electrodes (3, 4) are provided around the floor of the cavity. The electrodes are selectively actuated so as to attract selected areas of the membrane resulting in a gap forming between the cover and the selected areas of the membrane. The areas of the membrane above the non-selected electrodes form a seal with the cover. By selectively actuating the electrodes a peristaltic pumping action results in a pumped fluid traveling from the inlet, through the gaps and out the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Lisec, Bernd Wagner
  • Patent number: 6540487
    Abstract: A pressure exchanger for simultaneously reducing the pressure of a high pressure liquid and pressurizing a low pressure liquid. The pressure exchanger has a housing having a body portion; with end elements at opposite ends of the body portion. A rotor is in the body portion of the housing and in substantially sealing contact with the end plates. The rotor has at least one channel extending substantially longitudinally from one end of the rotor to the opposite end of the rotor with an opening at each end. The channels of the rotor are positioned in the rotor for alternate hydraulic communication with 1) high pressure liquid and 2) low pressure liquid, in order to transfer pressure between the high pressure liquid and the low pressure liquid. Because of the high pressures and the high angular velocities, this is a highly cavitation prone structure, In order to prevent cavitation, there are one or more grooves in one or both of the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.
    Inventors: Thanos Polizos, Thomas Babcock, Leif J. Hauge, Ragnar A. Hermanstad
  • Publication number: 20030026705
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple liquid transportation method without requiring high electric voltage or special external equipment, and a method for transporting liquid based on this transportation method. The liquid transportation method comprises a step of introducing a magnetic fluid and a liquid to be transported into a conduit or a chamber connected thereto so that the magnetic fluid and the liquid to be transported are in contact with each other directly or indirectly via a medium, a step of moving the magnetic fluid by applying a magnetic field, and a step of moving above-mentioned liquid to be transported by letting it follow the movement of the magnetic fluid. The present invention also provides a simple transportation method of a specific amount of liquid without requiring high voltage or incorporation of specific actuator components such as valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiko Ishiguro, Juichi Saitoh, Yoshifumi Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20020150479
    Abstract: A system and method for compressing gas that use a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic accumulator to compress gases in gaseous form. The accumulator is divided into a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The pneumatic chamber of the accumulator can be pneumatically connected to a gas supply and a gas receptacle that needs filled. One-way directional flow valves are used to permit the flow of gas from the gas supply to the pneumatic chamber and from the pneumatic chamber to the gas receptacle, but to prevent the flow of gas in the opposite direction. A motor drives the hydraulic pump, which moves pressurized oil into the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator. The pressurized oil within the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator compresses the gas within the pneumatic chamber of the accumulator, forcing the into a tank or other receptacle that needs filled. The invention can be used to compress a variety of gases at different flow rates, volumes, and pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Keith Jansen, Kris Jansen
  • Patent number: 6415821
    Abstract: Magnetically actuated fluid handling devices using magnetic fluid to move one or more fluids (gases or liquids or both) through microsized flow channels are provided. Fluid handling devices include micropumps and microvalves. Magnetically actuated slugs of magnetic fluid are moved within microchannels of a microfluidic device to facilitate valving and/or pumping of fluids and no separate pump is required. The magnets used to control fluid movement can be either individual magnets moved along the flow channels or one or more arrays of magnets whose elements can be individually controlled to hold or move a magnetic slug. Fluid handling devices include those having an array of electromagnets positioned along a flow channel which are turned on and off in a predetermined pattern to move magnetic fluid slugs in desired paths in the flow channel. The fluid handling devices of the present invention can handle gases and liquids simultaneously and thus can be made to be self-priming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Andrew Kamholz, Anson Hatch, Karl Bohringer, Paul Yager
  • Patent number: 6408884
    Abstract: Magnetically actuated fluid handling devices using magnetic fluid to move one or more fluids (gases or liquids or both) through microsized flow channels are provided. Fluid handling devices include micropumps and microvalves. Magnetically actuated slugs of magnetic fluid are moved within microchannels of a microfluidic device to facilitate valving and/or pumping of fluids and no separate pump is required. The magnets used to control fluid movement can be either individual magnets moved along the flow channels or one or more arrays of magnets whose elements can be individually controlled to hold or move a magnetic slug. Fluid handling devices include those having an array of electromagnets positioned along a flow channel which are turned on and off in a predetermined pattern to move magnetic fluid slugs in desired paths in the flow channel. The fluid handling devices of the present invention can handle gases and liquids simultaneously and thus can be made to be self-priming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Andrew Kamholz, Anson Hatch, Karl Böhringer, Paul Yager, Berhard Weigl
  • Patent number: 6318970
    Abstract: A microfluidic device operates as a pump for pumping fluid along a channel in a microchip by moving a drive fluid in the channel under the influence of a force field that is generated externally to the channel. The drive fluid is preferably a ferrofluid, and the force field is preferably a variable magnetic field. Drive fluid, driven by variation of the magnetic field, drives driven fluid through the channel. The drive fluid is recirculated, in one case by rotating the drive fluid within an enlargement in the channel, and in another case by returning the drive fluid along a return channel. A valve is formed by using a ferrofluid plug as a movable barrier for fluids in a channel. The microfluid device may be formed between two plates forming a microchip. The channels may be as small as 1 &mgr;m to 100 &mgr;m. Methods of pumping fluids by using an in channel drive fluid and exterior drive are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Micralyne Inc.
    Inventor: Chris J. Backhouse
  • Patent number: 6193476
    Abstract: A deep well fluid pump which enables the pumping of fluid with much less energy which includes a power column of fluid of sufficient volume, which communicates to the under side of the lifting piston for the column of fluid to be lifted, but is isolated from said fluid to be lifted, to balance the head force of the column of fluid to be lifted, a pump means to increase the head force on the power column of fluid a sufficient amount to overcome the seal friction and pre-load spring down force of the lifting piston, so that it raises the lifting piston and thus discharges a volume of lifted fluid in a surface reservoir, and when the increase force on the power column of fluid is relieved, the pre-load spring forces the lifting piston down to reload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald T. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6183206
    Abstract: A duct is provided having a flattened portion containing a liquid slug of gallium, and a magnetic field is passed through the gallium while an alternating current is also passed through the gallium to produce back and forth motion of the liquid gallium slug in step with the alternating current, enabling compression of working fluid within the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Javier A. Valenzuela, Stacy W. Dodd
  • Patent number: 5764483
    Abstract: Heat generated at heat generating components is efficiently transported to a wall of a metal box serving as a heat dissipation section to cool the heat generating components even in an apparatus, in which box the heat generating components together with other components are mounted. The heat generating components and the heat dissipation section are connected to each other through a thermal transport device having a flexible structure. The heat generating components and the box are readily connected to each other irrespective of the arrangement of components, and heat is efficiently transported by driving the liquid. In the heat dissipation section, because the heat generating components and the wall of the metal box are thermally connected to each other, a high heat dissipation capacity is obtained as heat is diffused extensively into the wall due to a high thermal conductivity of the metal box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Ohashi, Toshio Hatada, Shinji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5641399
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system 2 is provided which provides both water suction and compressed air to a pool cleaning device. A pump 20 draws water form a swimming pool P through the pool cleaning device, an attached vacuum hose 14 and a suction line 12. An air inlet port 10 enters the suction line 12 adjacent the pump 20. The pump 20 then compresses the air A and pumps the water to a higher pressure simultaneously. The pump 20 is followed by a main pool filter 40 in which the water is filtered and returned to the pool P and the compressed air A is separated. A compressed air outlet 50 draws the compressed air A out of the main pool filter 40 and delivers the compressed air A to the pool cleaning device along a compressed air supply line 58. The air inlet port 10 includes a hollow inner tube segment 60 partially surrounded by a resilient outer sleeve 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: David Jesse Rawlins
  • Patent number: 5616007
    Abstract: A liquid spray compressor is provided in which cooling liquid is sprayed into a vessel containing gases or vapors to be compressed, thereby displacing the gas and simultaneously absorbing a significant amount of the heat of compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Eric L. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5310321
    Abstract: A pump system includes a displacement pump whose oscillating fluid pressure variations are connected to drive a membrane pump. The membrane pump in turn oscillates fluid in a fluid-filled vertical pipe connected to a fluid-filled commuting pipe. The displacement of fluid in the commuting pipe induces intake of a fluid to be pumped into the commuting pipe during an intake portion of the oscillation and also induces expulsion of the fluid to be pumped during the remaining portion of the oscillation. The commuting pipe is made long enough so that fluid drawn in during the intake portion does not pass into the vertical pipe but stays in the commuting pipe. A heat exchanger about the vertical pipe dissipates heat that may be passed to the fluid therein by conduction or convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Cornelius J. de Koning
  • Patent number: 5205720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing compressed air includes sealing air in a container capable of reducing its volume by external hydraulic pressure. A weight having a larger specific gravity than water is attached to the container to sink the container deep under water. Compressed air is produced when the volume of the container is reduced by hydraulic pressure, and is transferred into a recovery vessel connected to the container via a check valve. The weight is then separated from the container to cause the container to float on the water by the action of buoyancy. The compressed air can then be recovered from the recovery vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Tsugio Nagata
  • Patent number: 4961688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the pumping and metering of liquid products, wherein the melting point is between 200.degree. and 350.degree. C. In the process, a pulsation generator with piston and diaphragm displaces a thermal fluid which actuates a pumping apparatus, and the fluid transmits its pulsations to a molten tin alloy or tin bath contained in a siphon, the bath in turn transmitting the pulsations to part of the liquid product to be displaced and which is contained in a conduit connecting the siphon to a diaphragm-free pumping head, between the suction valve and delivery valve of the said pumping head, which makes the latter operate in suction and delivery with respect to the same product between suction pipe and delivery pipe. The process and apparatus are particularly applicable to the pumping of melted salts with a melting point between 200.degree. and 350.degree. C. at temperatures between 210.degree. and 380.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Compagnie Europeene du Zirconium Cezus
    Inventor: Pierre Brun
  • Patent number: 4928125
    Abstract: A liquid-drop ejection apparatus for supplying a discharged fluid to a nozzle from a storage device and utilizing a magnetic fluid for ejecting the fluid in the form of drops from a discharge opening is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuji Iino
  • Patent number: 4791688
    Abstract: A jet pump macerator pump sewage handling system which provides a unique waste control system for use in mobile units such as passenger trains and ships in which multiple toilets are connected to a transfer manifold pipe which communicates with a non-clogging jet pump which is formed with a venturi and through which liquid material is driven by a macerator pump. Waste material from the toilets is drawn by the jet pump through the transfer manifold pipe and discharged into the retention tank. The macerator pump withdraws material from the retention tank, grinds it and discharges it back into the retention tank. The macerator pump has a self-cleaning feature in that it reverses and cleans itself whenever a loss in discharge pressure due to excessive solids loading is sensed. The transfer manifold pipe is virtually free from clogging due to the action of an air induction valve which keeps waste material in the manifold pipe moving without allowing it to accumulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Chamberlain Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: C. K. Krishnakumar, P. A. Saigh
  • Patent number: 4662386
    Abstract: A subsea system for the storage of petroleum products or other liquids with densities lighter than water is disclosed. The system includes at least one storage tank disposed alongside a bowl-like structure. A flexible membrane sealed to a top peripheral surface of the bowl structure or a hollow bladder supported by the bowl is provided. Pipes run from the bottom of the tank to the space between the membrane and the bowl or to the interior of the bladder. Water stored in the tank is displaced to the bowl/membrane volume space or to the hollow bladder. When discharge of the petroleum products is desired, a supply/discharge valve at the top of the tank is opened and sea pressure acting on the flexible membrane forces water from the membrane/bowl space or bladder back into the bottom of the tank causing the petroleum products to be discharged via the supply/discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Sofec, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristen I. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 4627419
    Abstract: A blood pump apparatus and method for pumping blood and pressure treating blood for minimizing hemolysis, platelet degradation, microthrombus and bubble formation. A blood pump apparatus for pumping and pressure treating blood comprising a flaccid chamber having an inlet for accepting fluid and an outlet for expelling fluid, a pressure housing associated with the flaccid chamber for applying pressure isotropically to dissolve or crush gaseous bubbles in the blood, an inert, heavier than blood, immiscible fluid acceptable in said flaccid chamber for displacing blood from said flaccid chamber and for drawing blood into said flaccid chamber, means for displacing said flaccid chamber and a hydraulic system and associated valves for controlling the flow of the inert fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas
    Inventor: Brian A. Hills
  • Patent number: 4545731
    Abstract: A system and method for producing earth formation fluids such as crude oil using a lighter oil to force the crude oil to the surface and thereafter removing the lighter oil by gas lift techniques. The well system includes spaced packers defining a production chamber in the well bore, a production tubing extending through the packers having check valves and ports for well fluids to flow into the chamber from below the packer while isolating the chamber from the pressure of production fluids in the production tubing. Power fluid tubing extends through the upper packer into the production chamber including spaced gas lift valves and gas flow means from the lowermost gas lift valve into the production chamber. Surface equipment is provided for pumping power fluid into the power fluid tubing string, introducing lift gas into the power fluid tubing string above the upper packer, and separating returned power fluid and lift gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos R. Canalizo, James M. Hays
  • Patent number: 4534709
    Abstract: A water displacement mercury pump has a fluid inlet conduit and diffuser, a valve, a pressure cannister, and a fluid outlet conduit. The valve has a valve head which seats in an opening in the cannister. The entire assembly is readily insertable into a process vessel which produces mercury as a product. As the mercury settles, it flows into the opening in the cannister displacing lighter material. When the valve is in a closed position, the pressure cannister is sealed except for the fluid inlet conduit and the fluid outlet conduit. Introduction of a lighter fluid into the cannister will act to displace a heavier fluid from the cannister via the fluid outlet conduit. The entire pump assembly penetrates only a top wall of the process vessel, and not the sides or the bottom wall of the process vessel. This insures a leak-proof environment and is especially suitable for processing of hazardous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Marshall G. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4527957
    Abstract: A piston pump has suction and pressure valves, a valve through-chamber extending between the valves, a working chamber with a piston reciprocal therein, and a force-transmitting chamber communicating with the working chamber and accommodating a force-transmitting medium, wherein the valve through-chamber and the force-transmitting chamber are formed as parts of a common chamber and located adjacent to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: URACA Pumpenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Willi Dettinger, Hugo Fries
  • Patent number: 4378183
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of pumping hot, erosive slurry of coal solids in a coal derived, water immiscible liquid to higher pressure involves the use of a motive fluid which is miscible with the liquid of the slurry. The apparatus includes a pump 12, a remote check valve 14 and a chamber 16 between and in fluid communication with the pump 12 and check valve 14 through conduits 18,20. Pump 12 exerts pressure on the motive fluid and thereby on the slurry through a concentration gradient of coal solids within chamber 16 to alternately discharge slurry under pressure from the outlet port of check valve 14 and draw slurry in through the inlet port of check valve 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: The Pittsburgh & Midway Coal Mining Co.
    Inventor: Carl D. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 4347223
    Abstract: An apparatus for effectively making the supply of material slurry at a high pressure into a high-pressure liquefaction reaction vessel and relief of the pressure of the high-pressure product slurry to permit the discharge of the product slurry as a low-pressure slurry. At least one cylinder having a float therein is used. The material slurry is charged at a low pressure into the cylinder from one end of the latter. Then, the high-pressure product slurry after the reaction is charged from the other end of this cylinder or another cylinder so that the material slurry is pressurized and forcibly supplied to the reaction vessel by the high pressure possessed by the high-pressure product slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yoji Kitaoka, Mizuho Hirato, Kazuo Miyatani
  • Patent number: 4310491
    Abstract: An apparatus for making the supply of a material liquid and relief of pressure of a reaction product liquid in a high-pressure liquefaction reaction such as direct liquefaction of coal. The apparatus includes at least one cylinder having two working chambers separated by a movable float, one of which is adapted to receive the material liquid while the other is adapted to be charged with high-pressure product liquid. A gas discharging pipe having a valve is connected to the side of the cylinder to which the high-pressure product slurry is to be charged. For delivering the product slurry from the cylinder to the outside of the system, the pressure in the cylinder is beforehand relieved and the gases separated from the product slurry are discharged through the valve of the gas discharging pipe. Thereafter, the product slurry filling the cylinder is delivered to the outside by a low pressure of the material slurry supplied to the other side of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Sakamoto, Kenji Uchida, Yukishige Kamino, Makoto Saito
  • Patent number: 4258700
    Abstract: Many acids, bases and the familys of liquid chemicals which are exothermic when mixed with water, and are reversible as endothermic are usable as "heat sinks" to store solar and waste heat energy. Selection of a liquid combination of any of these which when heated releases some or all the water provides a means of producing a "heat sink" for storage of solar or waste heat energy. The confined evaporation of the water produces a pressure which is used to move a piston thus moving a column of liquid being pumped. Moving the column of cool liquid through a condenser then reduces the temperature and pressure which in turn withdraws the piston so it can do additional work, as well as heats the column of pumped water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Inventor: Vesper A. Vaseen
  • Patent number: 4209982
    Abstract: A low temperature fluid energy conversion system in which at least two cylinders containing a working fluid which has been heated, for example by solar energy, are alternately supplied with a liquid expanding agent, preferably a hydrocarbon or a fluorocarbon whereby the heat from the working liquid in one cylinder causes vaporization and consequential expansion of the liquid expanding agent which, in turn, forces the working liquid from said one cylinder through a generator or the like device and then to the other cylinder, the cycle then being reversed to return the working liquid to the one cylinder again by way of said generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: Arthur W. Fisher, III
    Inventor: Clyde T. Pitts
  • Patent number: 4201049
    Abstract: A turbine power plant of particularly inexpensive construction and using static expansion of the combustion gas to accelerate slugs of liquid used as the motive power for a Pelton wheel. The turbine power plant comprises a fuel combustion unit producing combustion gas which serves to impart speed to slugs of an auxiliary liquid, like water, in output pipes; this auxiliary liquid acts on a Pelton wheel to produce rotary drive. A part of the auxiliary liquid is reconverted as slugs to compress the air supplied to the fuel combustion unit. The turbine power plant also includes a second Pelton wheel driving a common shaft for an air fan, and a pair of rotating nozzles arranged to produce the said slugs of auxiliary liquid. The second Pelton wheel is driven by part of the auxiliary liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Inventor: Arno W. Tobber
  • Patent number: 3938335
    Abstract: A de facto wall-less heat exchanger system wherein a non-volatile heated liquid from a nuclear, geothermal or other source of heat is introduced into a chamber containing a highly volatile fluid which is chemically non-reactive with the non-volatile liquid. The volatile fluid is converted to a pressurized vapor which may be used to drive a turbine for the production of useful energy, to pump the non-volatile liquid or to pump a different fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1973
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Inventor: Edward F. Marwick
  • Patent number: RE42432
    Abstract: A pressure exchanger for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing contains a rotor having a plurality of channels extending axially therethrough and a pair of end covers which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective end faces of the rotor. The end covers are supported against deformation by high pressure upon the end covers in an inward direction, as by exerting a balancing comparable outward axial force upon inward surfaces of the end covers through the employment of pressure-balancing chambers that are in communication with a high pressure fluid region at one end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Stover