One Condition Is Rate Of Flow To Or From Pump Patents (Class 417/20)
  • Patent number: 11168680
    Abstract: An air compressor includes a compressor main body that compresses air; a storage tank that stores the gas compressed by the compressor main body; a motor that rotates a rotary shaft to drive the compressor main body; and a control unit that controls a drive of the motor. In a case where a value of a voltage to be supplied to the motor is lower than a first voltage value, the control unit detects a stop time of the compressor and changes an operation stop pressure which is a pressure to stop the drive of the motor, based on the stop time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akito Oohata
  • Patent number: 10711787
    Abstract: A portable pump facility, pump facilities systems, and system to monitor and control a centrifugal pump include a controller configured to receive pressure and speed data from a centrifugal pump and automatically adjust the speed of an engine which drives the pump to control cavitation of the pump and to also optimize load balancing of fluid among pumping facilities. Multiple pumping facilities are provided and communicate for efficient fluid delivery, and include remote control monitoring and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: W.S. Darley & Co.
    Inventor: Kyle M. Darley
  • Patent number: 10527035
    Abstract: An anti-ripple injection method for injecting an anti-ripple signal into a control system of a pump is disclosed. The control system controls an electric motor via an electric motor drive, and the electric motor drives the pump. The anti-ripple signal causes pressure ripples in the pump output to be at least partially cancelled. The anti-ripple injection method includes: injecting an anti-ripple signal of any waveform into the control system, the anti-ripple signal being represented by the following equation: f(?)=?mAm cos(m?+?m), wherein ? is the rotation angle of the motor shaft, m is the order of a signal harmonic in the anti-ripple signal, Am and ?m are parameters with respect to the mth signal harmonic. A control system of a pump including the anti-ripple injection apparatus, and a pump system including the control system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Yilun Chen, Xiaomeng Cheng
  • Patent number: 10473097
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a speed of a pumping system includes a controller, a variable frequency drive connected to the controller, a motor connected to the variable frequency drive, a pump connected to the motor, a set of sensors connected to the motor, the pump, and the controller, and an interface connected to the controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. A motor control process is saved in the memory and executed by the processor that generates a motor control signal to control the speed of the motor and the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TIGERFLOW SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Morris, Minh Truong
  • Patent number: 10436208
    Abstract: A method of correcting surge control parameters that includes providing a dynamic compressor having a compressor, driver, surge valve, and control system. The control system establishes surge control parameters such as surge detection lines, surge limit lines, and then detects the onset of a surge in the dynamic compressor. When the surge is detected the control system measures variables of the dynamic compressor such as fluid pressure, fluid speed, power, speed and valve position and based on these variables the control system automatically corrects the surge control parameters based on these variables at the time of the onset of the surge is detected. Advisory information is provided by control system to user for corrective actions to prevent surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ENERGY CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Krishnan Narayanan, Paul Reinke
  • Patent number: 10386341
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping carbon dioxide in a chromatography system include an actuator that receives and compresses carbon dioxide at or above room temperature at a given pressure to put the carbon dioxide in or near supercritical form. This actuator can be a pre-pump disposed on the intake side of a pumping system. Alternatively, this actuator can be a primary actuator in the pumping system. The actuator includes an intake chamber that receives the carbon dioxide and a movable plunger extending into and closely received by the intake chamber. The plunger has a diameter and stroke length adapted to compress the carbon dioxide received by the intake chamber in sufficient volume at the given pressure to put the carbon dioxide in or near supercritical form at or above room temperature. A metered amount of the carbon dioxide in or near supercritical form can then be pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Dumas, Kurt D. Joudrey, Michael R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10358989
    Abstract: Method for controlling a hydraulic pumping system that is stationary while in operation, the pumping system comprising a fuel-driven drive with a motor for a pump, a heating device for heating the motor and an accumulator with a charge control, the method comprising the steps of: detecting at least a first operating value, determining a current and an expected operating mode, and influencing at least a second operating value. Further, a control device for a hydraulic pumping system that is stationary while in operation, and a hydraulic pumping system that is stationary while in operation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: EKU POWER DRIVES GmbH
    Inventors: Leonardo Uriona, Manuel Klein, Edward Eichstetter
  • Patent number: 10288062
    Abstract: A gas compressor of the present invention includes a reciprocating member, an accommodation portion, and a sealing portion, and the accommodation portion includes a compression chamber that compresses a gas and a non-compression chamber that is separated from the compression chamber by the reciprocating member and the sealing portion. Further, since the compression chamber includes a suction line that suctions a hydrogen gas, a discharge line that discharges a compressed gas, a connection line that is connected to the accommodation portion and is used so that at least a part of a gas flows therethrough when a gas passing through the sealing portion from the compression chamber exists, a flowmeter that is provided in the connection line, and a determination unit that determines whether a flow amount measured by the flowmeter is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to easily determine the abrasion state of the sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagura, Hitoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 9352944
    Abstract: A wireless portable vehicle lift system. The lift system includes two or more portable lifts and an electronic control system for controlling the lifts. The electronic control system comprises a wireless communication system for wirelessly communicating lift control signals among the lifts. The electronic control system includes a remote control module configured to communicate wirelessly with the lifts, with the remote control module including a touch screen display. The electronic control system is programmed so that vertical shifting of the lifts requires dual operator input from at least two locations on the remote control module, with at least one of the two locations being on the touch screen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Fagan, Larry M. Jaipaul, Ralph Sam McKee, Stephen J. Rucker, David Dwight Sandmann, William R. Keck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9334145
    Abstract: A velocity controlled wireless portable vehicle lift system for lifting a vehicle. The lift system includes two or more portable lifts and an electronic control system for controlling the lifts. The electronic control system includes a wireless communication system for communicating control signals among the lifts. The electronic control system includes a velocity control system that determines the velocity of each lift and, based on the determined velocities, maintains the lifted vehicle in a level condition during raising and lowering operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Fagan, Larry M. Jaipaul, Ralph Sam McKee, Stephen J. Rucker, David Dwight Sandmann, William R. Keck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9119923
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting developing faults in a flow generator or ventilator during therapeutic use thereof are provided. The motor current may be measured to estimate the torque input by the motor, while the output torque from the impeller may be determined (e.g., as inferred from the motor control system model and/or by consulting a lookup table). One or more transducers may collect data useful in determining the input and output torques. A difference between the input (to the motor) torque and the output (from the impeller) torque may be calculated. The difference, optionally filtered using a low-pass filter to reduce noise, may be compared to a predetermined threshold once or over a period of time to detect gross failures and/or developing failures. Once a failure or developing failure is detected, a user may be alerted and/or the flow generator may be placed into a “service required” mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Armitstead, Dion Charles Chewe Martin, William Mcinnes Somerville
  • Patent number: 8956125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a flow rate indicator relating to the output flow rate of one or more activated pumps of a pumping station. The pumping station includes a well to be at least partially emptied by the pumps and an inlet through which inflow can be supplied into the well. The method includes the step of determining, using a computational device, an operating condition relating to the activated pumps. The pumps are temporarily deactivated and an inflow rate indicator relating to the inflow is determined using the computational device, responsive to the determination of the operating condition. The method further includes the step of determining, using the computational device, the flow rate indicator using the determined inflow rate indicator. The present invention is equally applicable to a well to be at least partially filled by the pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Multitrode Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stuart McMillan Duncan
  • Patent number: 8920131
    Abstract: A pump control (20) and method are provided for controlling a pump (16) for a pressurized liquid supply system (10). The pump control (20) includes a controller (38) configured to provide at least two selectable modes of pump operation as follows: a flow start mode wherein the controller (38) starts the pump (16) in response to a desired start flow rate of the liquid in the system (10) and stops the pump (16) in response to a desired stopping low flow rate of the liquid in the system; and a pressure start mode wherein the controller (38) starts the pump (16) in response to a desired start pressure of the liquid in the system (10) and stops the pump (16) in response to the desired stopping low flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Randal S. Aspen
  • Patent number: 8920132
    Abstract: A blower system includes a blower motor and an inverter in electrical communication therewith. The blower motor is mechanically coupled to a blower configured to generate an airstream having an airflow rate. The inverter is configured to provide a motor drive signal to the motor. A flow rate calculator is configured to determine a calculated airflow rate from motor operating parameters of the blower motor using a mathematical model of the airflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Gene Havard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8910710
    Abstract: A method, software, and apparatus for controlling a pump configured to pump liquid out of a well. Such control may involve determining whether a production rate of gas from the well is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and whether to switch the pump between an OFF state and an ON state. Whether the pump is switched may depend upon whether the production rate of the gas is determined to be increasing, decreasing, or steady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Frederick Krauss
  • Patent number: 8876487
    Abstract: This disclosure relates a water pump control system for an internal combustion engine, and a method for operating an internal combustion engine including a clutch-controlled water pump. The water pump control system and method provide protection of the pump impeller during dry pump operation, such as when a watercraft engine is started while the watercraft is out of water, by turning off the clutch-controlled pump when no water is detected at the inlet of the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. England, Mike Abraham
  • Publication number: 20140172087
    Abstract: A method is provided of controlling a pump including a electrical motor coupled to a rotor which carries first and second impellers at opposite ends thereof. The method includes: (a) driving the rotor using the motor, so as to circulate fluid from the first impeller through a first fluid circuit, the second impeller, a second fluid circuit, and back to the first impeller; (b) determining a resistance of the first fluid circuit, based on a first motor parameter which is a function of electrical power delivered to the motor; (c) determining a flow rate through the first fluid circuit based on a second motor parameter which is a function of electrical power delivered to the motor; and (d) varying at least one operational parameter of the pump so as to maintain a predetermined relationship between the flow rate and the resistance of the first fluid circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: David Horvath, Alex Massiello, Leonard A. R. Golding, Barry Kuban
  • Patent number: 8740574
    Abstract: A method in connection with a pump drive connected to a container or the like, wherein a frequency converter is arranged to supply power to a pump in such a manner that a pump flow (Qp) is responsive to an estimated mean incoming flow (Qest) to the container. The method includes draining the container, allowing the container to fill during a predefined filling time (tfill) while the pump is inactive, draining the container again at a known pump flow (Qp,nom), defining the drainage time (tdrain), defining an estimated mean incoming flow (Qest) on the basis of the filling time (tfill), drainage time (tdrain) and known pump flow (Qp,nom), and setting the power supplied by the frequency converter to the pump to be such that the pump flow (Qp) corresponds to the produced estimated mean incoming flow (Qest).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Juha Saukko
  • Patent number: 8714934
    Abstract: A circulation pump for a conveyed liquid is provided. The circulation pump has an electric motor, which is electronically commutated, has a rotor, a stator and a motor circuit. An impeller is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotor. The electric motor has an evaluation device for determining a flow rate of conveyed liquid through the circulation pump from a rotational speed of the rotor and/or a power consumption of the electric motor. At least one signal output is provided, by which a flow rate signal and/or flow rate-dependent switching signal can be supplied by the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Laing, Karsten Laing
  • Publication number: 20140056720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump system comprising a positive-displacement pump module, preferably a screw pump, a drive module which can be exchanged separately from the positive-displacement pump module, said drive module comprises an electric drive motor and a frequency converter associated therewith for controlling or adjusting a drive motor speed, control means comprising a controller for producing an adjustment variable (YS) for the frequency converter in accordance with a reference variable (W) and a first actual operational parameter (X) and logistic means associated with the controller, and reference variable defining means for providing the reference variable (W) for the control means. According to the invention, the control means are provided in a control module separately from the drive module, and the drive module can be exchanged separately from the control module, and the drive module does not have a designed and/or controlled controller for producing the adjustment variable (YS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ALLWEILER GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Jackle, Christian Hopf
  • Publication number: 20140044561
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a frequency inverter of a positive displacement pump motor of a positive displacement pump. The controller comprises a control unit configured to produce a control variable (Ys) for a frequency inverter of a positive displacement pump motor depending on a reference variable (W) and a first actual operating parameter (X). According to the invention, the control unit is associated with logical means having a first threshold value defining means that are designed to determine at least one first threshold value (YGrenzmax, YGrenzmin) depending on the first actual operating parameter (X) and/or at least one further actual operating parameter (XH, YH, YHH) that could lead to a failure state of the positive displacement pump when exceeded or fallen short of.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Wolfgang Leiber, Martin Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20140010667
    Abstract: A device and a method for dosing an uptake or a release of a liquid. The device comprises a pump pumping a fluid, a pump drive driving the pump, and a fluid channel connected to the pump. A tip is connected to the fluid channel comprising an opening for the uptake or the release of the liquid. At least one flow sensor measures a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid channel. A controller monitors and adjusts the flow rate and/or pressure in the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Martin Trump, Tibor Horvath
  • Publication number: 20130343916
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a rotational component for moving air, a speed sensor, an electrical draw sensor, and a controller. The speed sensor may configured to determine a speed of the rotational component. The electrical draw sensor may be configured to determine an electrical draw of the air mover. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the rotational component, the speed sensor, and the electrical draw sensor, and may be configured to control the speed of the rotational component based on the speed and the electrical draw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Curtis, Chris E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8545189
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a pump station includes measurement of the surface level of a liquid (465) by means of a sensor (452) and controlling the electric drive (401, 420, 430) of the pump (440) to a predetermined speed of rotation when a specific surface level value has been reached. This predetermined rotation speed value is preferably the rotation speed at which the ratio of the flow rate to the consumed power, i.e. the efficiency, is optimal. The measurement of the surface level and the related data processing for control of the pump are performed in a frequency converter (420) in conjunction with the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Srikanth Venkatachari, Mikael Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8529214
    Abstract: A pump system including a pump and a sensor system for monitoring a fluid production of the pump and providing an output indicative of the fluid production. The sensor system is configured to use at least two discreet methodologies for measuring the fluid production. The pump system further includes a control system operatively coupled to the sensor system and the pump and configured to automatically vary the speed of the pump at least partially based upon the output of the sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.
    Inventor: Michael E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8517692
    Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a mud pump system includes generating a pressure limiting factor output using a pressure feedback input and a motor speed input to calculate a fluid conductance estimate, maintaining the pressure limiting factor output at a maximum value based on a pressure set-point, continuously updating a normal fluid conductance value based on the fluid conductance estimate while the pressure limiting factor output remains at the maximum value, freezing the normal fluid conductance value, if the pressure limiting factor output is less than the maximum value, calculating a change in fluid conductance based on the normal fluid conductance value and the fluid conductance estimate, generating at least one adaptive gain based on the change in fluid conductance, and controlling a motor speed of a pump in the mud pump system based on the at least one adaptive gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Oilfield & Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Fergus Hopwood, Arun Natarajan
  • Patent number: 8500413
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Patent number: 8480374
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and auto-control system on improving pumping system performance. The system contains a pump, a pool, pipelines, a parameter setting module, a water level measuring module and a system control module. The parameter setting module is configured to preset a characteristic parameter and a control parameter of the pump and the pipelines. The water level measuring module is configured to measure, determine and compute a high level pool water level, a flow demand trend and a system instantaneous flow at regular intervals. The system control module is configured to receive the data sent by the water level measuring module that is measured and computed, and controls the operation of the system based on the data. Compared to existing pumping control system, the system in the present invention can save energy for 10%-30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Zhijin Yang
  • Patent number: 8456062
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave sensor device includes a main body and a liquid controller disposed external to the main body. The main body includes a sample chamber, a surface acoustic wave sensor connected to the sample chamber, a first disposal chamber connected to the surface acoustic wave sensor and channels connecting the sample chamber, the surface acoustic wave sensor and the first disposal chamber. The liquid controller controls flow of a sample through the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun Joo Lee, Soo Suk Lee, Eun Chul Cho
  • Patent number: 8441222
    Abstract: A system for measuring current in an H-Bridge motor drive circuit and using that current to determine the output of a device powered by the motor. A particular embodiment is disclosed for a motor-driven fluid pump. Motor current is measured at predetermined pump pressures and flow rates to create calibration tables relating motor current to pump pressure. Once calibrated, the system determines pump pressure based on motor current by referring to the calibration tables. In an embodiment, the pump is driven to achieve a predetermined fluid dispense profile. The system monitors pump pressure by measuring motor current and determines if the dispense profile is being achieved and sets alarms if predetermined thresholds are not maintained. The system also detects pump wear based on the current measurements and issues warnings to the user in such conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Integrated Designs, L.P.
    Inventors: Donovan Keith Manzarek, John Laessle, John Charles Vines
  • Patent number: 8313305
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid system with a pump activation device. The fluid system can include a tank containing fluid and a conduit connected to the tank for the distribution of fluid. The fluid system can include a pump apparatus that increases fluid pressure through the fluid system in response to a flow rate of fluid through the fluid system. The pump activation device can include a magnet that generates a magnetic field, causing the pump apparatus to increase the fluid pressure when the pump activation device is moved to an activation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pentair Pump Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack T. Bevington
  • Patent number: 8303260
    Abstract: The present invention provides protection for centrifugal pumps while differentiating between dangerous operating conditions (e.g. dry running, minimum flow and runout) and/or conditions where transient conditions (e.g. closed valve operation) may occur and the protection can be revoked once the condition clears. The methodology utilizes a calculated flow value which can be mathematically determined from a calibrated closed valve power vs speed curve and/or various pump and motor parameters such as speed, torque, power and/or differential pressure or from calibrated flow curves stored in the evaluation device. The calculated flow value is then compared to threshold values of flow associated with these adverse operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony E. Stavale, Nicolas W. Ganzon
  • Patent number: 8287244
    Abstract: A method of constant airflow control includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition. Also disclosed is an apparatus for conducting these control methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sntech, Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8282360
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating pump comprises two opposed pumping chambers, in each one of which a respective flexible bellow slides under the control of a pneumatically operated shuttle valve capable to alternatively let a gaseous fluid in one of the two chambers for expanding the respective flexible bellow, each one of the two chambers being connected to at least one respective suction valve and to at least one respective delivery valve. Each delivery valve is provided with a compensating elastic means capable to compensate variations of rate of fluid that is pumped by the respective chamber. The pneumatically operated shuttle valve comprises a shaped spool sliding between two limit positions within a perforated cylinder, which shuttle valve is connected, for each chamber, to one or more delivery ducts and to one or more ducts for respectively letting and discharging gaseous fluid in and from the respective chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Aldo Di Leo
  • Patent number: 8266943
    Abstract: In a flow rate estimation device of a blood pump, a general flow rate estimation formula which includes a correction term is formed based on a plurality of blood pumps. Measured data obtained from an objective blood pump implanted inside a patient is substituted into the correction term, thus forming a flow rate estimation formula of the objective blood pump. The flow rate Q of the objective blood pump is estimated based on the flow rate estimation formula and the values of the rotational speed N and the consumption current I of the motor of the objective blood pump, and the attribute data Z of the blood of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Medical Technology Research Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyakoshi, Kenji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8257053
    Abstract: In order to provide a compressed air manufacturing facility which can increase a stability of a supply pressure while obtaining an energy saving effect, in a compressed air manufacturing facility provided with a compressor compressing an air, an electric motor driving the compressor, and an inverter variably controlling a rotating speed of the electric motor, the compressed air manufacturing facility is provided with a pressure sensor detecting a discharge pressure of the compressor at an upstream side position of a discharge air system connected to a discharge side of the compressor, and a control apparatus computing a pressure loss of the discharge air system in correspondence to a rotating speed of the electric motor, and changing a control range of the discharge pressure of the compressor at the upstream side position of the discharge air system on the basis of the computation in such a manner that a terminal pressure at a downstream side position of the discharge air system comes to a predetermined range
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Hase, Hiroyuki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20120141298
    Abstract: Provided is a system for transporting an oil sand slurry, comprising a pump, upstream and downstream lines, a shaft connectable to the pump, a driving mechanism driving the pump and a regulator for regulating the torque applied to the shaft between positive and negative torque modes, to pump the slurry at higher or lower flow rates. Also provided is a method comprising pumping the slurry through a pipeline using a pump driven by a motorised shaft and adjusting the flow rate of the slurry by varying the torque applied to the motorised shaft between positive and negative torque modes. The oil sand slurry transportation system and method enable positive head (regular pump action) for normal and high flow rates and negative head (pump brake action) for low flow rates, which reduces system energy loss, pipeline wear, vapour breakout and sanding off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark L. ODEGARD
  • Patent number: 8172545
    Abstract: A method for continuously controlling the flow rate of a meat input stream for making a meat product is disclosed. A flow rate algorithm is provided that depends upon pump speed (RPM) for control of the flow rate. A correction factor provides further control of the system and is dependant upon loss in weight data when meat is not being added. When meat is being added and a new target flow rate is desired, a modified correction factor is calculated based upon a previous error factor and a new initial pump speed based on the new target flow rate. The modified correction factor is used to obtain an adjusted pump speed. The RPM of the pump motor is used as the main control of the flow rate, and the loss in weight data fine tunes this RPM parameter for finer control to better achieve a target flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Daniel B. Wilke
  • Patent number: 8134319
    Abstract: A method of constant airflow control includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition. Also disclosed is an apparatus for conducting these control methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: SNTech Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Chun Jeung
  • Patent number: 8123496
    Abstract: A pump device which accurately detects a flow rate of a pump, performs real-time control of the flow rate, and thus can suppress a flow rate error caused by occurrence of pulsation. Control of a pump rotation speed by a pressure sensor has low responsiveness in a low pressure region, and a correlation between a pressure and a flow rate is incomplete in a high flow rate region. With this taken into consideration, a flow rate sensor is disposed at an outlet port of a second pump. A position detection sensor detects a point where a first pump is shifted from a suction mode to a discharge mode. Moreover, the flow rate sensor detects that there is no discharge from the pump, and that there is discharge from the pump alone. Accordingly, a controller sets a rotation speed of a motor to a speed double the previous speed (double the normal rotation speed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiko Ishii, Kiyotoshi Mori, Masahito Ito, Hironori Kaji, Takefumi Yokokura
  • Publication number: 20110286859
    Abstract: A variable speed motor controller senses the electrical load on the motor in turning a pump. An output of the controller may be used to trigger a vent valve or power to the motor may be cut if the load level indicates a restricted flow of fluid into the suction side of the pump, such as would be caused by drain occlusion in a swimming pool. A sensor in communication with the suction side of the pump ascertains a vacuum/pressure level present and may be used to verify that an intended operational state for the variable speed motor and the pump is actualized, otherwise anomaly processing is invoked. This pressure/vacuum monitoring may be conducted through speed changes of the motor/pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Gary ORTIZ, Slawomir Surowinski, James Murdock, Eugene Bright, Bahman Khoshnood, Jason W. Parcell
  • Patent number: 7874808
    Abstract: A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stiles
  • Patent number: 7870900
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of a progressing cavity liquid well pump to increase liquid production from a well while avoiding operation of the well in a pumped-off state. A controller controls a variable speed drive to drive a progressing cavity liquid well pump at a set pump speed while measuring well and system parameters indicative of pumping performance and/or liquid production from the well. The set speed of the pump is changed in steps either increasingly or decreasingly by the controller, acting through the variable speed drive, in response to the measured well and system parameters. The controller, responsive to the measured well and system parameters, challenges the set pump speed by varying the set pump speed so as to increase the production from the well while avoiding pump and well operation in a pumped-off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Doneil M. Dorado, Kelly A. Woolsey
  • Patent number: 7861582
    Abstract: In a flow rate estimation method of a blood pump, a general flow rate estimation formula which includes a correction term is formed based on a plurality of blood pumps. Measured data obtained from an objective blood pump implanted inside a patient is substituted into the correction term, thus forming a flow rate estimation formula of the objective blood pump. The flow rate Q of the objective blood pump is estimated based on the flow rate estimation formula and the values of the rotational speed N and the consumption current I of the motor of the objective blood pump, and the attribute data Z of the blood of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sun Medical Technology Research Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyakoshi, Kenji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7810309
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel system for an engine including a water supply source for providing water and a fuel supply source for providing fuel. A centrifugal pump is fluidly connected to the water and fuel supply sources, respectively at water and fuel inputs. The pump receives the water and the fuel from the inputs and produces a homogeneous mixture without using other pumps or mixing devices. A metering device is arranged between the pump and one of the supply sources, preferably the water supply source, to produce the desired ratio of water and fuel. The speed of the pump is varied to deliver the desired total volume and pressure of fuel and water to the engine through the pump output. The water metering device may be closed to deliver only fuel to the engine during special conditions such as engine startup and rapid load dumps. Operation of the system is simplified because only one pump and metering device is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventors: Douglas A. Parsons, Kenneth Marks
  • Publication number: 20100254825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Publication number: 20100247332
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Patent number: 7798781
    Abstract: A metering pump incorporates a method of relating inner loop current to a pump output pressure. Pump/motor speed, which correlates to current, is measured and controlled by a system controller. System temperature is also measured by the system controller. The controller monitors the measured system temperature and provides for compensation for system losses, including inductive-resistive (IR) losses, and for density and viscosity shifts, within a pre-determined allowable system temperature operating range. An initial system calibration is conducted using a “shut-off” test, where the metering pump is run at a very slow known speed while the system is shut-off. After initial start-up, a health-monitoring feature continues to monitor the current as an indicator of pump performance and continuously adjusts a motor speed to maintain a desired level of pump performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Parsons, Kevin E. Alstrin
  • Publication number: 20100107904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for fluid flow control, for particular user in a hay baler. The system involves calculating or inputting a preferred flow rate (the Set Point), measuring the “actual” flow rate of liquid through the system, and controlling the speed of a pump used to move the liquid through the system to ensure that the flow rate is maintained as close as possible to the Set Point flow rate at all times during operation. The flow rate Set Point can be calculated using one or more user or sensor inputs, including the dose rate, the mass flow rate of fodder, the moisture content, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SIPCO PTY LTD
    Inventor: RICHARD KINGSWOOD KELLY
  • Patent number: 7686589
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives, division of Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson