Patents Assigned to Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.
-
Patent number: 7225936Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a support for a comestible fluid container on a comestible fluid container rack, and a container rack having such a support. The support can include a first portion extending from a stretcher of the comestible fluid container rack and a second portion extending substantially laterally from the first portion to support the comestible fluid container thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Steven T. Jersey, William W. Chung, Larry D. Broyles, Michael D. Henry, Michael R. Smith
-
Patent number: 7083392Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes pistons integrally formed in a diaphragm and coupled to the diaphragm by convolutes. The convolutes have a bottom surface angled with respect to a top surface of the pistons. The apparatus also includes an outlet port positioned tangentially with respect to the perimeter of an outlet chamber. The apparatus further includes a non-mechanical pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump. The control signal is based on the pressure within the pump, the current being provided to the pump, the voltage level of the battery, and the temperature of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Humberto V. Meza, Nikhil Jitrendo Gandhi, Quang Minh Truong
-
Patent number: 7007826Abstract: In some embodiments, a portable fluid dispenser is provided having a tank, a pump coupled to the tank for pumping fluid therefrom, and a battery connected to the tank for powering the pump. The battery can be part of a removable battery pack received within an external receptacle of the tank. Some embodiments of the dispenser are adapted to be worn (such as in the form of a backpack), while others are adapted to be carried by a user. Also, in some embodiments a conduit extends through the tank in order to enable fluid to pass from the pump to another location with respect to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Shapanus, Brian A. Babson, Joiee Lee Puckett, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20040191090Abstract: A bilge pump having a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a vessel and a base movably engageable with the mounting member and positionable in at least two positions relative to the mounting member. A housing is releasably coupled to the base and defines a cavity for receiving a motor. A locking ring is engageable with the motor and the housing to secure the motor in the cavity while allowing the motor to be movable with respect to the housing. The cavity in the housing communicates with an outlet portion defining a socket. An outlet nozzle having an outlet end is movably received in the socket so that the outlet end can be moved relative to the housing. These features can be employed individually or in combination to make the bilge pump highly adaptable, thereby facilitating installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Anil B. Patel, Brian A. Babson
-
Patent number: 6776590Abstract: Dynamo electric machines and stators for use in such machines are provided. The stators comprise plates configured to be substantially flat and a plurality of spaced apart projections or teeth extending away from the plate and, together with the plate defining a plurality of slots therebetween. The stators comprise masses of metal particles. Using stators made from such metal particles provides enhanced machine efficiency, which is believed to be because of reduced eddy current effects in the stator. Motors including rotors having generally flat arrays of permanent magnetic poles and such stators which are spaced apart from and generally facing the permanent magnetic poles and have a plurality of magnetic windings, and pumps powered by such motors are included within the scope of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: David J. Cooper, Gary F. McKee, Mike Saveliev, Patrick J. Weaver
-
Patent number: 6739524Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune, Steven T. Jersey
-
Patent number: 6623245Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes pistons integrally formed in a diaphragm and coupled to the diaphragm by convolutes. The convolutes have a bottom surface angled with respect to a top surface of the pistons. The apparatus also includes an outlet port positioned tangentially with respect to the perimeter of an outlet chamber. The apparatus further includes a non-mechanical pressure sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump. The control signal is based on the pressure within the pump, the current being provided to the pump, and the voltage level of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Humberto V. Meza, Congxiao Calvin Wang
-
Publication number: 20030121934Abstract: The nozzle of the present invention has an internal chamber, condiment input and discharge ports in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an extension downstream of the condiment discharge port. Preferably, the internal chamber has a flow disrupter taking the form of a funnel-shaped end portion adjacent to the condiment discharge port. The internal chamber is preferably elongated and has a larger cross section than the spout to which the nozzle is connected to reduce condiment pressure and flow speed entering the nozzle. Condiment pressure can also be reduced in the internal chamber by other types of flow disrupters: protrusions extending from the internal chamber walls into the condiment flow and/or by an insert received within the internal chamber. At the funnel-shaped end portion, condiment flow adjacent to the internal chamber side walls is preferably diverted toward the discharge port to generate crossflow and turbulence, further reducing condiment pressure and force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune, Steven T. Jersey
-
Patent number: 6572016Abstract: Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for energizing the transponder on the food or beverage container, and for discerning information therefrom. Alternatively, active transponders can be used and an non-exciter reader can be used. The information from the containers can be used to track the containers and control the amount of consumable material with which the containers are filled, the number of times the containers are filled, and the type of material with which the containers are filled.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael Saveliev, James R. Schuster
-
Patent number: 6564999Abstract: Food and beverage containers with attached or connected transponders. In one embodiment, relatively inexpensive passive transponders are used and are embedded or otherwise attached to the food and beverage containers. A transponder exciter is placed in or near the food or beverage dispenser for energizing the transponder on the food or beverage container, and for discerning information therefrom. Alternatively, active transponders can be used and an non-exciter reader can be used. The information from the containers can be used to track the containers and control the amount of consumable material with which the containers are filled, the number of times the containers are filled, and the type of material with which the containers are filled.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael Saveliev, James R. Schuster
-
Patent number: 6554587Abstract: The pump of the present invention preferably includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a chamber located in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. A diaphragm is sealingly secured in the chamber and, together with the housing, define a fluid passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port. An electromagnetic assembly or other driving device is preferably secured to the housing and is positioned to move the diaphragm in order to pump fluid through the pump. In some preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic assembly includes a plunger positioned and adapted to move the diaphragm against the biasing force of a spring. Improved diaphragms and diaphragm features are also disclosed, including a two-part diaphragm structure, diaphragm sealing portions for sealing the fluid chamber from driving and biasing assemblies of the pump, and inherently biased diaphragms.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Louis J. Paolini, Joseph A. Pascual, Jonathan Dinh
-
Publication number: 20030071093Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Raffi S. Pinedjian, Thomas Gagliano, Kevin J. Carlson
-
Publication number: 20030051499Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve control of comestible fluid temperature, some embodiments of the present invention have an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gagliano
-
Patent number: 6449970Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gagliano
-
Patent number: 6443335Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions prior to opening and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle having an increasing cross sectional area upstream of a nozzle portion having a relatively constant cross sectional area. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Raffi S. Pinedjian, Thomas Gagliano, Kevin J. Carlson
-
Patent number: 6360556Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gagliano
-
Patent number: 6354342Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gagliano
-
Publication number: 20010010318Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Thomas Gagliano, James R. Schuster, Louis J. Paolini,
-
Patent number: 6216918Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Thomas Gagliano, James R. Schuster, Louis J. Paolini, Jr.
-
Patent number: D466366Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Taylor-McCune