With Control Of Pumped Fluid Outlet Patents (Class 417/132)
  • Patent number: 11454254
    Abstract: A state determination device for a liquid pumping apparatus includes: a casing that forms a reservoir space; a feed valve that introduces working gas into the reservoir space; an exhaust valve that releases the working gas from the reservoir space; and a valve operating mechanism having a float arranged in the reservoir space, and performing a pumping stroke in which the liquid is pumped from the reservoir space under a pressure of the working gas and an inflow stroke in which the liquid flows into the reservoir space and the working gas is released. The state determination device further includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the reservoir space, and a determination unit that determines whether the liquid pumping apparatus is in an operating state of performing the pumping stroke or the inflow stroke based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TLV CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichi Sugie
  • Patent number: 11333268
    Abstract: Disclosed is a deterioration determination device for a liquid pumping apparatus including: a casing that forms a reservoir space for storing liquid flowed thereto; a feed valve that introduces working gas into the reservoir space; an exhaust valve that releases the working gas from the reservoir space; and a valve operating mechanism having a float arranged in the reservoir space, and performing a pumping stroke in which the liquid is pumped from the reservoir space under a pressure of the working gas by opening the feed valve and closing the exhaust valve when the float moves up to a predetermined high level, and an inflow stroke in which the liquid flows into the reservoir space and the working gas is released from the reservoir space by closing the feed valve and opening the exhaust valve when the float moves down to a predetermined low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TLV CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichi Sugie
  • Patent number: 11150024
    Abstract: A pumping and trapping device is provided. The pumping and trapping device removes condensate from a heat exchanger even when upstream pressure in the device is lesser than the downstream pressure. The device includes a float operated mechanical linkage. The float is displaceable with respect to condensate level within a vessel of the device. The mechanical linkage is configured to selectively operate a steam inlet port and a steam outlet port configured on the vessel, thereby removing condensate accumulated within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FORBES MARSHALL PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Akshay Suhas Kirloaskar, Milind Mohan Pingale, Sudhir Somnath Alande
  • Patent number: 8983667
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8882473
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism adapted to achieve an increased inflow and an increased outflow rate and consisting of an inlet line adapted to receive liquid from an external reservoir, and adapted to release aid liquid via an outlet line, said mechanism comprising a pressure chamber adapted to store liquid and provide liquid level to fall or rise as a function of pressure, before release; a buffer chamber adapted to connect with said pressure chamber by means of non-return valves, and further adapted to store liquid before it flows into said pressure chamber, in order to increase flow coefficient of inlet line; float member in said pressure chamber, adapted to sense level of liquid in said pressure chamber by means of position of said float member; multiple valve actuator assembly adapted to actuate a pre-defined configuration of valves, with a time-delay between engaging or disengaging subsequent valves, for controlled engaging or disengaging pressure in a predetermined format; snap action valve actuating me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spirax Marshall Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shirish R. Gandhi, Milind A. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8858190
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-electric pump. Gas pressure, typically steam or compressed air, is used to move a liquid, typically steam condensate, from a low pressure source to a high pressure destination. A tank fills with liquid from the source. Once full, the motive pressure is admitted to the tank and the pressure forces the liquid to the destination. When the tank is empty, the motive valve shuts and a vent valve opens to vent off the motive gas. A balanced trap plunger with an unattached float linkage provides for improved pump efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Watson McDaniel Company
    Inventor: Robert Collins
  • Patent number: 8594851
    Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8206127
    Abstract: A liquid pressure-feed device is provided wherein a working fluid discharge port can be connected to a liquid generation source side through an external pipe or can be connected to a liquid inlet port of a closed vessel without going through an external pipe. A closed vessel outer opening for opening a working fluid discharge port outwards of a closed vessel is provided and a communication passage for connecting the working fluid discharge port to a liquid inlet port is formed in the closed vessel. When connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid generation source side through an external pipe connected to the closed vessel outer opening, a ring member is used to provide closure between the working fluid discharge port and the liquid inlet port and provide communication between the working fluid discharge port and the closed vessel outer opening. Instead, when connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid inlet port, a plug member is used to close the closed vessel outer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 8152479
    Abstract: A liquid pressure-feed device is provided wherein, even with a third shaft disposed between a pivot shaft and a second shaft, a sub-arm positioned between the pivot shaft and the second shaft does not obstruct movement of the third shaft. A snap mechanism has a pivot shaft supported within a closed vessel, a float arm and a sub-arm both adapted to rotate about the pivot shaft, a first shaft supported by the float arm, a second shaft supported by the sub-arm, and a spring mounted between the first and second shafts. A liquid discharge valve has a third shaft supported by the float arm, a liquid discharge valve arm mounted to the third shaft, and a liquid discharge valve body mounted to the liquid discharge valve arm to establish and block communication between the interior of the closed vessel and a liquid discharge port. The third shaft is disposed between the pivot shaft and the second shaft and a window is formed in the sub-arm so as not to obstruct movement of the third shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Publication number: 20080240934
    Abstract: A liquid pressure-feed device is provided wherein a working fluid discharge port can be connected to a liquid generation source side through an external pipe or can be connected to a liquid inlet port of a closed vessel without going through an external pipe. A closed vessel outer opening for opening a working fluid discharge port outwards of a closed vessel is provided and a communication passage for connecting the working fluid discharge port to a liquid inlet port is formed in the closed vessel. When connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid generation source side through an external pipe connected to the closed vessel outer opening, a ring member is used to provide closure between the working fluid discharge port and the liquid inlet port and provide communication between the working fluid discharge port and the closed vessel outer opening. Instead, when connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid inlet port, a plug member is used to close the closed vessel outer opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 6244829
    Abstract: A liquid forced-feed apparatus has a built-in float in a hermetic vessel provided with a working fluid inlet port, a working fluid discharge port, a forced-feed liquid inlet port, and a forced-feed liquid discharge port. A snap mechanism which is actuated to operate the working fluid inlet port and the working fluid discharge port with the upward and downward strokes of the float, to thereby force a liquid in the hermetic vessel out through the forced-feed liquid discharge port. A power transmitting shaft for transmitting the upward-and-downward movement of the float to the snap mechanism extends out of the hermetic vessel. The snap mechanism is disposed outside of the hermetic vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TLV Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 6244828
    Abstract: A combination pump and trap is disclosed which includes a snap-over mechanism useful for small floats with little buoyancy. The snap-over mechanism has a geometry in which the distance between the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to a first arm or toggle link is greater than the distance from the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to the float or compression arm. This geometry allows the magnification of buoyancy by the main arm which is transmitted to the first toggle link to be large and the magnification of buoyancy by the first toggle link which is transmitted to the change-over valve to be large. A trap which is connected to the float arm is also used, which allows a liquid seal to be maintained at the liquid discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TLV Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 6227816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic delivery device with a displacement unit which delivers a medium from a suction connection under output pressure to a pressure connection, connectable with a consumer, and under consumer pressure, and a regulating device for setting and/or limiting a volume flow delivered by the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. Kg
    Inventors: Peter Breuer, Van Doan Nguyen, Hans-Jürgen Lauth, Randolf Körtge, Martin Jordan, Volker Seipel, Christof Lausser
  • Patent number: 6174138
    Abstract: A float operated device such as a pressure powered pump has a chamber 30 in which a float 32 is movable. The float 32 has a low profile form, having an aspect ratio greater than 2. The float operates a toggle mechanism 46 comprising an input lever 34 and an output lever 48 which are pivotable about spaced pivot locations 38, 50. A spring 54 acts between the input and output levers 34 and 48 to provide the toggling action. The toggle mechanism operates a valve arrangement 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Spirax-Sargo, Limited
    Inventor: Dean Jeffrey Stephens
  • Patent number: 5938409
    Abstract: A gas powered pump tank is alternately filled with liquid such as water at low pressure, and then emptied by gas pressure such as from pressurized steam. An auxiliary exhaust assist valve opens at a threshold pressure after switching from the pumping phase to the filling phase to more quickly vent the pressure in the tank and minimize obstruction of the incoming flow of liquid. The pump tank has inlet and outlet check valves for the liquid, permitting flow only in a positive pumping direction. A gas inlet valve and a primary gas exhaust valve are controlled by an alternating mechanism such as a float with a snap action toggle that opens one of the gas valves while closing the other. The auxiliary exhaust assist valve has a valve body spring biased inwardly of the tank, and opens at a pressure lower than the pumping pressure, thereby venting the tank more rapidly and also assisting in venting any additional steam produced by boiling of the water or other liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Radle, Jr., Daniel E. Douro
  • Patent number: 5934881
    Abstract: A liquid forced-feed apparatus, such as a steam trap or pump-trap combination, simplified in construction by decreasing the number of component parts, and capable of switching a change-over valve smoothly with reduced buoyancy. A float, a change-over valve and a snap mechanism are built in a hermetic vessel. The snap mechanism includes a float arm which rotates around a first shaft, a sub-arm which rotates around a second shaft, a spring bracket section formed on the float arm, a spring bracket section formed on the sub-arm, and a reversible plate spring disposed between the spring bracket sections. The float is connected to the float arm, and the change-over valve is connected to the sub-arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5655888
    Abstract: A combination pump and trap is disclosed which includes a snap-over mechanism useful for small floats with little buoyancy. The snap-over mechanism has a geometry in which the distance between the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to a first arm or toggle link is greater than the distance from the float or compression arm pivot point and the pivot for the portion of the spring connected to the float or compression arm. This geometry allows the magnification of buoyancy by the main arm which is transmitted to the first toggle link to be large and the magnification of buoyancy by the first toggle link which is transmitted to the change-over valve to be large. A trap which is connected to the float arm is also used, which allows a liquid seal to be maintained at the liquid discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5401142
    Abstract: In order to enable only condensate to be discharged/fed under pressure without leaking out steam independently of the respective pressures at the primary side and at the secondary side, in a condensate discharging device comprising a condensate receiving chamber provided with a condensate inlet opening and a condensate outlet opening as well as an operating high pressure fluid inlet and outlet; a float disposed within the chamber and adapted to rise and drop along with the water level; an inlet valve connected to the float and used for opening and closing the inlet; an exhaust valve connected to the float and used for opening and closing the outlet; and check valves, one arranged at the condensate inlet opening and the other at the condensate outlet opening, the improvement comprises a valve mechanism connected to the float to open and close the outlet opening independently of the check valves, the valve mechanism being adapted to close the condensate outlet opening when the water level is low, and to open th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5366349
    Abstract: An automatic liquid pump contained within a sealed pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes a liquid inlet opening, a liquid outlet opening, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A preloaded float-operated over-center valve mechanism closes the gas inlet valve and opens the gas outlet valve to permit vapor to vent through the gas outlet valve. The over-center valve mechanism alternately closes the gas outlet valve and opens the gas inlet valve to admit compressed gas into the sealed vessel to evacuate the liquid within the sealed vessel through the liquid outlet opening. A float valve is coupled to the liquid outlet opening for closing the liquid outlet opening when the liquid in the vessel drops below a first predetermined level. As a result, vapors are prevented from escaping through the liquid outlet opening under all operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Gestra, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond Ilg
  • Patent number: 5006046
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for removing liquid from a well using well bore pressurized gas. A U-shaped tube having a small orifice near the bottom thereof is received in the well. The upper portions of both legs of the tube are connected to well bore pressurized gas. A liquid sensor is received in one leg of the tube. When liquid flowing into the tube through the orifice rises to the level of the sensor, a valve, which is connected to one leg of the tube, is opened and the well head pressurized gas forces the liquid out of the tube and then out of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventors: William G. Buckman, Henry B. Steen, III, William G. Buckman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4901798
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to detect periodic well loading by produced accumulated secondary fluids, and accordingly to remove the undesired secondary fluid from the tubing of a hydrocarbon producing well. The method according to the present invention employs a surface control system that controls the operation of the fluid removal cycle, and the production cycle of the hydrocarbon producing well. Periodically, the well is "shut-in" and upper and lower flow control valves, connected at a predetermined depth to the well tubing, are actuated to a closed position to form an accumulation chamber within the tubing. The closed flow control valves block off the fluid in the accumulation chamber formed in the lower portion of the tubing string, which contains the undesired accumulated secondary fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Mahmood Amani
  • Patent number: 4842487
    Abstract: There is provided an improved fluid pumping device including an enclosure to be placed downhole in a well. A first hollow tube is received in the enclosure and extends to the surface of the well for removing fluid from the well. A second hollow tube also extends into the enclosure for forcing a gas into the enclosure. The bottom of the enclosure has an opening for permitting fluid to enter. A mechanical mechanism is provided for forcing the closing of the opening in the enclosure so that the device may be utilized in deep wells where high fluid pressures occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: William G. Buckman, Robert L. Boots
  • Patent number: 4828461
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring metered quantities of a flowable bonding agent from a tank into a mixer of a sand core making machine has an upright tubular vessel into which the bonding agent is drawn from the tank by a suction pump and a pressure pump which transfers the accumulated bonding agent from the vessel into the mixer. The vessel contains a float which cooperates with sensors serving to generate signals for actuation or deactivation of the pumps and/or valves in the conduits connecting the vessel with the tank, mixer and the pumps. The bonding agent is kept out of contact with the pumps and out of contact with the valves in the conduits connecting the vessel with the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Dipl. Ing. Laempe GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Laempe