Abstract: An automatic administration instrument includes a syringe and a partition wall in the syringe which partitions the syringe into different rooms for respectively holding plural kinds of drug solutions or a drug and a drug solution. A partition-wall driver displaces the partition wall and an injection needle is connected to the syringe. A body cap attached to the administration instrument body so as to cover the injection needle. The syringe, the partition wall, and the body cap are configured such that displacing the partition wall dissolves or mixes the drug solutions or the drug and the drug solution in a state that the injection needle is covered by the body cap.

Abstract: A method of operating a submersible pumping system includes the steps of placing the pumping system in a normal mode of operation and then detecting the possible presence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system by measuring a decrease in the load on the motor. Once the possibility of a gas slug has been detected, the method continues by placing the pumping system in a reduced speed cycle. The pumping system is kept in the reduced speed cycle until the absence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system is detected by evaluating two independent conditions within the pumping system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of a compressor with a controller as a function of the available gas flow. The method includes the steps of setting a desired value for the inlet pressure; determining the inlet pressure; and determining the speed. The method further includes controlling the speed of the compressor by reducing or increasing it depending on whether the inlet pressure is less than or greater than a set desired value until the inlet pressure is equal to the set desired value where the characteristic data of the compressor relating to the efficiency and/or the Specific Energy Requirement (SER) as a function of the speed and the inlet pressure is provided and the desired value of the inlet pressure is adjusted on the basis of the aforementioned characteristic data so that the efficiency of the compressor is a maximum or the SER is a minimum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump unit for a breast pump for extracting milk from a human breast, comprising a motor for driving the pump unit, wherein the motor is configured to provide a motor feedback signal; a control unit for providing a control signal for controlling the motor; and an estimator for estimating a pressure provided by the pump unit based on the motor feedback signal and the control signal; wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the control signal based on the estimated pressure.

Abstract: A power cable is presented. The power cable includes a power link. The power cable further includes an enclosure coupled to the power link, where the enclosure is partially open. Moreover, the power cable includes a contactor disposed at least partially within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the power link, where the contactor is configured to be connected to a receiver such that an open end of the enclosure forms a fluid-tight coupling with the receiver and a cavity is defined between the enclosure and the receiver. A system including the power cable and a method for controlling a supply of an electrical power are also presented.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the rod pumping unit at a pumping profile speed. The processor is further configured to compute a first downhole dynamometer card from surface measurements at the rod pumping unit. The processor is further configured to compute a second downhole dynamometer card from the surface measurements. The processor is further configured to validate at least one of the first downhole dynamometer card and the second downhole dynamometer card based on a rod pumping unit condition.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a user interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a power parameter associated with the motor and compares the power parameter to a predetermined threshold value. The controller triggers a safety vacuum release system based on the comparison of the power parameter and the threshold value.

Abstract: A method of a control system (2200) controls an inductance motor in a blower including an impeller and volute using a pressure compensation control system. The control system may be implemented in a respiratory pressure therapy device. The control system may include a sensor configured to provide a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of a flow of fluid produced by the blower. A measured pressure may be compared to a set pressure to determine a pressure error. A slip frequency may be adjusted as a function of the pressure error in an attempt to eliminate or minimise the pressure error.

Abstract: A control system, comprising one or more smoke sensors, each configured to measure a level of smoke at a location within a building and to output a smoke level signal based at least in part upon the measured level of smoke. A controller configured to receive the smoke level signals and to control an operation of one or more energy recovery ventilation systems in a first mode of operation to recover energy when the smoke level signal is below a predetermined value and in a second mode of operation to evacuate smoke when the smoke level signal is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: An invention relates to synchronous electric motors, in particular, to a method of controlling a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets, utilized as a linear drive for an electric submersible pump unit. A technical result achieved from a method embodiment consists in increasing an accuracy of a torque control of the electric motor and improving an energy efficiency of the electric motor, as well as in achieving an increase in an operation speed of control systems by minimizing settings and eliminating complex calculations of motor parameters. An essence of the claimed method consists in an implementation of an algorithm of the control system of the synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets, utilized, in particular, as a linear drive for an electric submersible pump unit.

Abstract: A ground support system (1) for an aircraft having a turbine engine, which ground support system comprises; an intermittent combustion engine (2), a generator (3) which is driven by the combustion engine to supply electrical power with a constant frequency, an electricity cable (4) to transport the electrical power to the aircraft, an air pump (5) which is driven by the combustion engine to supply pressurised air, an air duct (6) to transport the pressurised air to the aircraft, a control unit (7) to control the operation of the ground support system (1), which control unit (7) communicates with the combustion engine (2) to let the combustion engine run at a predetermined engine rotational speed, and wherein the air pump (5) is driven by the combustion engine (2) via an adjustable transmission (16) to adjust an air flow rate of the pressurised air supplied by the air pump (5), while the combustion engine (2) remains running at the predetermined engine rotational speed.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system with air sensation function includes a chassis, multiple fans, multiple air sensation units and an external control device connected to the fans. The chassis has an installation face for installing the fans thereon. The air sensation units are respectively disposed on the fans for detecting the air state of the corresponding fans to generate an air sensation signal. The external control device serves to receive the air sensation signal transmitted from the air sensation units and compare the data contained in the air sensation signal with preset data so as to control/adjust the rotational speed of the corresponding fans. Accordingly, a uniform airflow flows out of the fans to effectively lower the noise.

Abstract: A power cable is presented. The power cable includes a power link. The power cable further includes an enclosure coupled to the power link, where the enclosure is partially open. Moreover, the power cable includes a contactor disposed at least partially within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the power link, where the contactor is configured to be connected to a receiver such that an open end of the enclosure forms a fluid-tight coupling with the receiver and a cavity is defined between the enclosure and the receiver. A system including the power cable and a method for controlling a supply of an electrical power are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swimming pool having an integrated counter-current swimming system (1) comprising a device (10) for generating a strong, adjustable flow in the water, which has a compact design and a relatively low power consumption. The device (10), comprising a brushless underwater DC motor (8) which is arranged in the inlet area of a flow channel (3), is arranged in a housing (35) which has an end element (36) at the front, wherein the exit face of the flow channel (3) in the device (10) is almost flush in the plane of the shaped end element (36). The underwater DC motor (8) and thus the drive (2) is of slim design, wherein the geometric ratio of the length thereof to the diameter of the drive housing should be no less than 3.3.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to a server device with a capacitive circuit. For example, a server device with a capacitive circuit can include a capacitive circuit located on a printed circuit assembly (PCA) of the server device and a baseboard management controller unit (BMC) to provide a communication interface between the capacitive circuit and a computing device. A voltage can be applied across the capacitive circuit and a signal can be sent from the capacitive circuit to the computing device using the BMC in response to a change in voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A water supply system (1) includes an electric motor (8) and a centrifugal pump (7) which is driven by the electric motor (8) and with at least one impeller (10) which produces a main delivery flow (29) through an annular space (12) as well as a cooling fluid delivery flow (30) through a space (28) surrounding the motor (8). The annular space (12) is divided by two guide vanes into part-annular-spaces (23, 24) which have a different pressure level on operation. Each part-annular-space (23, 24) is conductively connected to the space (28) which surrounds the motor (8) and through which the cooling fluid runs (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of an electric submersible pump. The method includes receiving data signals indicating values for a plurality of parameters regarding operation of the electric submersible pumping system; establishing, for at least some of the plurality of parameters, an associated reference signal; and detecting a deviation of one of the parameters from the reference signal associated with that parameter. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change below a predetermined threshold, the method includes updating the value of the reference signal to reflect the deviation. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change above the predetermined threshold, the method includes detecting an event and generating an indication of the event. The indication of the event further depends on a type of the parameter and a direction of the deviation from the reference signal.

Abstract: A remote pump manager is provided. The remote pump manager includes pressure sensors or a depth sensor operating to determine the change in pressure of a pump, a flow sensor operating to determine flow rate of fluid exiting the pump, a power meter operating to determine power data related to operation of the pump, and a management device having a programmable logic controller and a display. The pressure sensors, the flow sensor and the power meter are in communication with the management device. The management device operates to determine pump efficiencies, wherein the programmable logic controller automatically determines pump efficiency data in response to receiving real time data from the pressure sensors, the flow sensor and the power meter and automatically delivers the pump efficiency data to the display for displaying the determined pump efficiency data.

Abstract: In processes and systems utilizing a compressor to fill a vessel with gas, for example, in the filling of the fuel tank of a vehicle that operates on compressed natural gas (CNG), a number of advantages are realized by establishing independent control over the flow rate of gas discharged from the compressor, such as on the basis of the compressor discharge pressure, utilizing feedback from one or more gas pressure sensors. In representative embodiments, a detected or actual measured compressor discharge pressure can serve as a process variable, in a feedback control loop for regulating the output of the compressor.

Abstract: A numerical controller includes: a monitor unit that monitors a water level; a backup unit that performs power supply when a main power source is turned off; and a cutoff circuit that cuts off the power supply, and when the water level monitored by the monitor unit detects a predetermined water level, the power source of the backup unit from an external power source means is cut off. Thus, the power supply is cut off before the flooding occurs in the numerical controller, which makes it possible to reduce the damage caused by electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a colon or other portion of an intestine include optional use of sensors to detect conditions of blockage of flow of materials within an evacuation channel used to remove fecal material from the body; and devices and methods for purging such blockages from the evacuation channel.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related control systems and methods. In one embodiment, an infusion device includes a voided portion adapted to receive a shaft portion that includes a shaft coupled to a plunger of a reservoir. The shaft portion includes a detectable feature, and the infusion device includes a sensing arrangement proximate the voided portion to sense the detectable feature. In some embodiments, a control module is coupled to the sensing arrangement to determine a remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature. In other embodiments, the control module identifies an anomalous condition based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a method of steam generation. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow in a fluid network system by fluid machines includes obtaining a respective current flow rate associated with each fluid machine, obtaining a current fluid machine speed of each fluid machine, obtaining desired flow rates in the system, and determining a new fluid machine speed for each fluid machine based on the current fluid machine speed and a change in the fluid machine speed required to obtain the desired flow rates. The change in fluid machine speed is determined by minimizing a total fluid machine power which is a function dependent of the change in the fluid machine speed, the minimization being performed with constraints for flow rate, fluid machine pressure and fluid machine speed. The method include controlling the speed of the fluid machines according to the new fluid machine speeds such that the minimum total fluid machine power in the system is attained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating linear motors, and for determining whether a linear motor has reached the end of its power and return strokes. In one embodiment, an electric drive controller of an ESP system monitors position signals received from the system's linear motor and determines transition time differentials, transition counts from the beginning of a stroke, elapsed stroke times and related parameters. If predetermined conditions relating to these parameters are met, the controller determines that the linear motor's mover has reached the end of its stroke. The controller therefore reverses the phase order of the drive's output power and thereby reverses the direction of the mover.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pump and a storage volume in fluid communication with a discharge port of the pump. The pump includes a housing defining a pump bore and a pump piston disposed in sliding engagement with the pump bore, the pump piston being in selective fluid communication with the discharge port of the pump. A method for operating the pump system includes determining a time to drain an amount of a first fluid from the storage volume, and retracting the pump piston within the pump bore at a target retraction rate based at least partly on the time to drain the first fluid from the storage volume.

Abstract: Method for controlling one or more vacuum generators (1) and thereby the vacuum in a vacuum sewage system, in particular controlling one or more liquid ring screw pumps in such system, including beyond the generator/s (1) one or more tubular collectors or suction pipelines (2) connected to the vacuum generator and one or more toilets, urinals, grey water sinks etc (3, 4), connected to the suction pipeline through branch pipelines (6). The rotational speed of the vacuum generator (1) is controlled on the basis of the set vacuum requirement.

Abstract: A sump, ejector, or other pump monitor configured to monitor the amperage of electric current power supplied through the pump monitor to a pump and communicate one or more signals regarding the amperage or variations in amperage to a remote signal receiving device which indicate a predicted failure or actual failure of the pump. In various embodiments, the pump monitor operates with a remote pump failure warning system. The remote signal receiving device or remote pump failure warning system provides suitable warnings to one or more user access devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (100, 100?) is configured such that passage of a fluid (30) through an open port of a distal tip (112, 112?) enables detection of a substance (116) that may be present on a surface (31, 33), e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid (30) through the open port. The apparatus (100, 100?) includes a proximal pump portion (124) and at least one distal probe portion (110) configured to be immersed in another fluid (11), e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A corresponding system (3000) includes one or two such apparatuses (3100, 3200). A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone (17) for at least partial obstruction of flow of the second fluid medium (30) through a distal probe tip.

Abstract: A load driver circuit for driving an electric or electronic load is described. In accordance with one example, a circuit includes a power supply circuit operably coupled to the load and configured to provide a load current operably passing through the load in accordance with at least one control signal. A measurement circuit is coupled to the power supply circuit or the load and configured to measure, during operation of the load, at least one operation parameter of the load. A signal processing circuit receives the at least one operation parameter measured by the measurement circuit and is configured to estimate, based on the at least one operation parameter and a parametric model that characterizes the load, one or more model parameters of the parametric model.

Abstract: A battery management method for one or more batteries in a healthcare delivery system is provided. The method includes determining when the healthcare delivery system is drawing power from the one or more batteries and controlling a display unit coupled to the controller to display an initial number corresponding to a time remaining on battery (TROB) when the healthcare delivery system is drawing power from the one or more batteries. The method also includes determining if the TROB is within a reserve range extending up to a reserve range maximum that is less than a maximum TROB, changing the TROB according to an operational state of the healthcare delivery system if the TROB is greater than the reserve range maximum, and decreasing the TROB to count down the TROB without regard for the operational state of the healthcare delivery system if the TROB is less than the reserve range maximum.

Abstract: A method for generating a steam cycle at a pressure around 200 bars and a temperature around 600° C., using an industrial steam generator with a solar receiver admitting an incident solar flux around 600 kW/m2, includes: generating a water-steam mixture in the evaporator by transferring heat from the incident solar flux onto the evaporator; separating the water-steam mixture into saturated water and saturated steam in the separator drum, the saturated steam having a pressure from 160 to 200 bars and a temperature from 347 to 366° C.; injecting the feed water into the mixing drum, where it is mixed with the saturated water from the separator drum, the mixed water next returning toward the evaporator via the return pipe provided with the circulation pump, such that the temperature of the mixed water entering the evaporator is below the saturated steam temperature, by a value from 5 to 15° C.

Abstract: A method for discharging fluid from a syringe and for mitigating occlusion conditions includes actuating the plunger of a syringe into a barrel. The method monitors fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel by a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured such that passage of a fluid through an open port of a distal probe tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on a surface, e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port. The apparatus includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in another fluid, e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A corresponding system includes one or two such apparatuses. A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone for at least partial obstruction of flow of the fluid through the distal probe tip. The distal probe tip may have a structural configuration for preventing blocking of the open port. The distal probe tip may also have a non-uniform wear profile. The at least one distal probe portion may include two or multiple components to improve performance and reliability.

Abstract: An artificial lifting system is disclosed. The artificial lifting system comprises an elongated cylinder fixed to a base or ground. The elongated cylinder receives a piston rod axially movable therein. The piston rod engages a downhole rod pump for driving the rod pump reciprocating uphole and downhole to pump downhole fluid to the surface. A control unit controls the axial movement of the piston rod, and automatically adjust the system operation to adapt to drift of the top and bottom stop positions of the piston rod. In an alternative embodiment, the system further comprises a dump valve controlled by the control unit to prevent over-stroke. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a chemical injection unit for injecting treatment fluid to a wellbore under the control of the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus (100, 100?) is configured such that passage of a fluid (30) through an open port (136, 2604) of a distal probe tip (112, 112?) enables detection of a substance (116) that may be present on a surface (31, 33), e.g., a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid (30) through the open port (136, 2604). The apparatus (100, 100?) includes a proximal pump portion (124) and at least one distal probe portion (110) configured to be immersed in another fluid (11), e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A corresponding system (3000) includes one or two such apparatuses (3100, 3200). A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone (17) for at least partial obstruction of flow of the fluid (30) through the distal probe tip (112, 112?). The distal probe tip (112, 112?) may have a structural configuration for preventing blocking of the open port (136, 2604).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to limiting a rate or pressurization in a reconfigurable pressurized flow system for which different system configurations can have different system volumes. In exemplary embodiments, the system can determine a limit for the rate of pressurization by configuring the system for a closed system rate of pressurization, measuring the closed system rate of pressurization at a set flow rate, and determining a relationship between the closed system rate of pressurization and the flow rate. The system can use the relationship to dynamically set the limit for different flow rates in the system.

Abstract: The optimized mine ventilation system of this invention supplements mine ventilation basic control systems composed of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers with human machine interfaces from vendors such as Allen-Bradley™, Modicon™ and others) or DCSs (Distributed Control System from vendors such as ABB™ and others) with supervisory control establishing a dynamic ventilation demand as a function of real-time tracking of machinery and/or personnel location and where this demand is optimally distributed in the work zones via the mine ventilation network and where the energy required to ventilate is minimized while totally satisfying the demand for each work zones. The optimized mine ventilation system operates on the basis of a predictive dynamic simulation model of the mine ventilation network along with emulated control equipment such as fans and air flow regulators.

Abstract: An apparatus (110) includes an activation mechanism (20) and a safety latch (122). The activation mechanism is operative to deploy a needle (116) to protrude out of a housing (112), the needle (116) having a longitudinal axis. The safety latch (122) is movably mounted on the housing (112) and formed with a needle opening (129) to allow the needle (116) to pass therethrough. The safety latch (122) has a first position wherein the needle (116) is aligned to pass through the needle opening (129) and a second position wherein the safety latch (122) is moved with respect to the housing (112) such that the needle (116) is blocked from movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof by a portion of the safety latch (122) distanced from the needle opening (129).

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for monitoring a sump pump system. The monitoring device may include electrical sensors to sense electrical characteristics of the sump pump system. The sensors may include one or more current clamps which may be clamped around an electrical lead or wire of the sump pump system. The monitoring device may further include control logic circuitry configured to monitor sensed electrical characteristics of the sump pump system and deduce an operating status based on the sensed electrical characteristics. The monitoring device may further include a communications interface configured to report the deduced operating status to an interested party via a communications device.

Abstract: An apparatus (110) includes an activation mechanism (20) and a safety latch (122). The activation mechanism is operative to deploy a needle (116) to protrude out of a housing (112), the needle (116) having a longitudinal axis. The safety latch (122) is movably mounted on the housing (112) and formed with a needle opening (129) to allow the needle (116) to pass therethrough. The safety latch (122) has a first position wherein the needle (116) is aligned to pass through the needle opening (129) and a second position wherein the safety latch (122) is moved with respect to the housing (112) such that the needle (116) is blocked from movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof by a portion of the safety latch (122) distanced from the needle opening (129).

Abstract: To obtain a multiple-unit air conditioning apparatus capable of detecting, when improper wire connections are made, improper wiring and eliminating an improper wiring state without performing a re-wiring work. When an operation command for an indoor unit Y, received from indoor unit control means 15, does not match a refrigerant circuit of an indoor unit Y whose refrigerant circulation is controlled by outdoor unit control means 14, operation patterns are extracted on the basis of the number of operating indoor units Y. A refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated is switched in accordance with the operation patterns. Each wire 18 connected to the indoor unit control means 15 of each indoor unit Y is associated with each refrigerant circuit controlled by the outdoor unit control means 14, and recognition of wire connections is changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a portion of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation of a crude oil reservoir containing heavy hydrocarbons using a microwave enhanced heavy hydrocarbon recovery system includes forming a horizontal injection well having an injection horizontal run, forming a horizontal microwave source well having a microwave source horizontal run, forming a horizontal production well having a production horizontal run, introducing a treatment fluid into the crude oil reservoir through the horizontal injection well, introducing a microwave antenna having a microwave emitter into the horizontal microwave source well, introducing electrical power to the microwave emitter such, forming a microwave energy field which reduces the viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbons and forms a production fluid forms, and extracting the production fluid through the horizontal production well. The injection horizontal run is positioned below both the microwave source horizontal run and the production horizontal run.

Abstract: An aftercooler bypass system for selectively allowing a portion of the hot compressed gases exiting an air compressor to bypass an aftercooler and intermix with the cooled compressed gases exiting the aftercooler in order to ensure that the cooled compressed gases are above a threshold temperature when the ambient air temperature is at or below freezing. The system includes a valve for controlling the amount of air diverted around the aftercooler and a mixing chamber for allowing the valved air supply to intermix with the aftercooler outlet stream. Temperature sensor may be used to measure ambient air temperature and downstream air temperature to control the opening and closing of the valve and maintain the desired mixed air temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of a polished rod movement in a reciprocating rod pumping system comprising reciprocal motive elements is provided. A proximity sensor target is mounted on the polished rod while a corresponding sensor element, is mounted in fixed relation to the pumping system, for example in fixed relation to the wellhead or ground. The sensor detects passage of the proximity sensor target, and thus the polished rod, as it moves in opposite directions during a single stroke cycle. The time of passage and the speed of the polished rod, as determined from its kinematic relationship with other pumping system components, is used to determine the position of the polished rod at any point during the cycle. The proximity sensor target may be mounted on a walking beam or other reciprocally moving element, with the sensor positioned in a corresponding fixed location.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion system and a method of operating including a disposable infusion cartridge having a collapsible reservoir and a substantially rigid shell disposed over the collapsible reservoir having an interior volume, a pump device, a pressure sensor in communication with the interior volume and a processor. The method includes actuating the pressure sensor to take pressure measurements at regular time intervals; periodically assessing a preselected number of the pressure measurements with statistical analysis to identify statistical measures associated with the pressure measurements; and using the statistical measures to assess the status of the flexible reservoir and the pump device.

Abstract: A method of operating an oil well comprises applying through a regenerative variable frequency drive AC electrical energy from a power grid to an AC electric motor to operate a drive mechanism of an oil well pump. The motor speed is regulated in a manner to optimize fluid production and maximize the operational life of the drive mechanism, decreasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy to the power grid and increasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy from the power grid to the motor. The drive mechanism has a predetermined stroke cycle and, over the course of each stroke cycle, the motor is operated at different regulated speeds initiated when the drive mechanism is at a predetermined position.