Abstract: A cyclonic separator is provided for separating a mixture containing three phases of mater into the constituent phases. The separator contains three concentric cylindrical chambers in fluid connection with each other. These three chambers are an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and an outlet chamber. Tangential fluid inlets and outlets are provided to minimize pressure loss across the separator. A radially disposed annular debris collector is located at the junction of the upper and lower chambers, and a gas support platform for directing gas out of the separator is disposed in the outlet chamber a sufficient distance from the debris collector so as to prevent turbulence adjacent the debris collector.

Abstract: A gear pump for use in a metered liquid dispensing system utilizes a pair of carbon graphite wear plates to increase pump vacuum or suction lift capabilities. The wear plates are disposed on opposite sides of the pump spur gears and are biased against the sides of the gears to reduce internal pump clearances. The biasing force is provided by a resilient O-ring positioned between a surface of the pump housing and one of the wear plates. The gears are mounted for limited movement so the urging of the one wear plate is transferred through the gears to the other wear plate. The gear pump is driven through a gear reducer unit by a reversible electric motor. The use of a gear pump assures accurate metering of the amount of fluid delivered by the system.

Abstract: A restrictor valve functions as an outlet valve in a metered liquid dispensing system and utilizes a spring biased, shiftable anti-siphon check valve to prevent fluid flow back from the receiving tank into the system. The restrictor valve is attached to the delivery end of the system discharge hose. The dispensing system is controlled by a central electronic unit and the restrictor valve includes a sensing unit for signalling the electronic control when liquid is present at the outlet. The restrictor valve is connected to the receiving tank by a low spill coupling to minimize escape of the liquid into the environment. The restrictor valve may also include a vacuum breaker valve which admits air into the discharge hose when the system pump is run in reverse to remove the prime from the discharge hose.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system utilizes a microprocessor based electronic control and a positive displacement gear pump to accurately meter predetermined batches of liquid pumped from a supply tank. The gear pump is driven by a reversible motor through a gear reducer, and is operative to pump a predetermined fixed volume of liquid for each revolution or fraction of revolution of the pump drive shaft. A passive magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the toothed periphery of a target wheel, which is mounted on the motor shaft, and generates a signal representative of the amount of rotation of the pump drive shaft. The electronic control is responsive to this signal for calculating the total volume of liquid dispaced by the pump. The electronic control includes a keyboard which enables a user to preprogram the precise amount of liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a particle separator adapted for use in a pressurized lubrication system for mechanical drives to separate debris particles from the fluid. Fluid tangentially injected into the housing impinges on the inner cylindrical wall in a manner which develops a downwardly directed spiral flow pattern, which generates a centrifugal force which firstly causes the entrapped gases to coalesce substantially in the center of the flow pattern and secondly selectively propels debris particles to the outer reaches of the pattern where the debris particles are segregated and trapped in a debris channel for subsequent removal from the system. A debris exit extends tangentially through the cylindrical wall. Apparatus for detecting and indicating the presence of debris particles, e.g. a magnetic particle detector, eddy current sensor, or optical particle detector, is preferably connected to the debris outlet. Outlets for the injected fluid and separated gases are also provided.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator, for use in a fluid flow system, e.g., a fluid lubrication system for a mechanical drive, comprises a housing containing an inlet, a moveble shroud, and at least one variable area outlet. The movement of the shroud and its location within the housing is determined by pressure equalization of fluid phases within the housing. Movement of the shroud causes a change in the discharge area of at least one of the outlets handling the discharge of one of the fluid phases. Changes in the discharge areas promote a more definitive "stable" interface between the two phases thereby increasing the effectiveness of separation of one phase from another. Also debris can be separated from the fluid.