Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The pump control circuit includes a temperature sensor capable of producing a signal representative of a temperature of the pump and a microcontroller coupled to receive the signal from the temperature sensor and programmed to control a current provided to the pump. The pump control circuit also includes an output power stage coupled to receive a control signal from the microcontroller and capable of controlling the application of current to the pump in response to the control signal in order to stabilize the temperature of the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of controlling a pump. The method includes sensing a pressure in the pump and entering a low-flow mode when the sensed pressure in the pump is greater than a low pressure threshold. The method also includes reducing power to the pump when the sensed pressure is greater than a shut-off pressure during the low-flow mode and there is flow through the pump until the sensed pressure is less than the shut-off pressure. The method further includes turning the pump off when in the low-flow mode the sensed pressure is greater than the shut-off pressure and there is no flow through the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes a 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The circuit includes a pressure sensor capable of sensing a pressure in the pump and a microcontroller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the pump. The microcontroller switches operation of the pump between a high-flow mode and a low-flow mode. When in the high flow mode, the microcontroller limits a current provided to the pump to a high-flow current limit value that is not dependent on the sensed pressure. When in the low flow mode, the microcontroller limits the current provided to the pump to a low-flow current limit value that is less than the high-flow current limit value and that changes depending on the sensed pressure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stand-alone controller and a method for controlling a pump motor driven by an alternating current source. The stand-alone controller includes a power terminal for connection with the alternating current source and a load terminal for connection with the pump motor. The stand-alone controller further includes an enable switch to form a power line carrying power from the alternating current source to the pump motor. The stand-alone controller can store a first current being drawn through the power line by the pump motor when a control switch is actuated. A state of the enable switch is based on a comparison of the first current to a second current being drawn through the power line by the pump motor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.