Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operableto subject the vest to pulses of air which applies and releases high frequency pressure forces to the body. The pulsator has two diaphrams connected to an electric de motor with rotary to reciprocating linear motion transmitting mechanisms operable to generate air pulses in an air pulsing chamber. The diaphragms also increase the pressure in a manifold chamber. A check valve connects the manifold chamber with a pulsing chamber to allow pressurized air to flow from the manifold chamber into the pulsing chamber. An air flow control valve in commmunication with the manifold chamber is used to adjust the pressure of the air in the manifold and pulsing chambers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high-pressure compressor comprising a compression mechanism for reciprocating/driving a piston with respect to a conventional cylinder by rotation of a motor and compressing an operating fluid sucked by this driving to generate the high-pressure operating fluid according to improvements in a piston shape, positions of a cylinder operation surface and the piston, specifics shapes of the cylinder and piston, and connecting constitution of the piston to a connecting rod, which solves problems such as occurrence of wear on a cylinder inner surface by displacement of the piston, size enlargement by an increase of a removal capacity, difficulty in processing the piston and connecting rod, and a large top clearance.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan has a first housing and a first blade assembly. The first blade assembly includes a plurality of blades attached to a hub, and is configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation in a first direction. The second fan includes a second housing and a second blade assembly. The second blade assembly also includes a plurality of blades attached to a hub. The second blade assembly, however, is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation in a second direction that is opposite the first direction of rotation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation can be coincidental or they can be slightly offset.

Abstract: A pump system for multi-phase fluids that includes a drive-shaft (11), mechanical differential units (12, 22, 23, 23′, D1 . . . Dn) and pumps (14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) where the differential units allow for the changing of pump rotation speeds between pumps(14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) so as to adjust the compressibility of fluids in order to reduce or eliminate circulatory flow. There is also a description of the method of operating the system according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a fuel pump having increased pump inlet suction and outlet pressures as compared to known fuel pumps. Such pressure increases enable use of one fuel pump even with an engine including multiple cylinder banks, and facilitates elimination of vapor and air bubbles in the fuel. The fuel pump also does not include small, or narrow passages that are prone to be clogged by dirt or the like. More specifically, and in one embodiment, the fuel pump includes a pump housing including an inlet and an outlet. An inlet nozzle extends from the inlet, and an outlet nozzle extends from the outlet. The inlet nozzle is configured to be coupled to a fuel line extending from a fuel tank, and the outlet nozzle is configured to be coupled to a fuel line extending to the engine block. The pump further includes first and second pump inlet covers. Each cover includes an air nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-stage internal gear/turbine fuel pump for a vehicle includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a motor disposed in the housing. The multi-stage internal gear/turbine fuel pump also includes a shaft extending axially and disposed in the housing. The multi-stage internal gear/turbine fuel pump further includes a plurality of pumping modules disposed axially along the shaft. One of the pumping modules is a turbine pumping module and another of the pumping modules is a gerotor pumping module for rotation by the motor to pump fuel from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system includes a number of stages. Each stage has a fluid chamber having a top end with an air aperture and a bottom end with a fluid apertures. An air line is connected to the air aperture, and a fluid input conduit, with an input check valve, is connected to the fluid aperture. A float valve is disposed in the chamber directly between the fluid aperture and the air aperture. A fluid output conduit is connected to the fluid aperture above the input check valve. The float has a bottom end adapted to seal with the fluid aperture when the chamber is empty. A first set of pumping stages are supplied by a first compressed air line and a second set of pumping stages are supplied by a second compressed air line. Periodically, compressed air is supplied to a first set of pump stages to drive fluid from each of the first set of pump stages to a second set of stages, and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a pump unit 22 incorporating an engine driven low pressure pump for drawing fuel from a reservoir and an engine driven high pressure pump connected to supply fuel drawn by the low pressure fuel pump under pressure to a common fuel rail 18. The assembly also includes fuel filter 48 connected in the fuel flow path between the low pressure and the high pressure pump. The fuel filter comprises a fuel filter head 30 mounted directly on, or formed integrally with, the housing of the pump unit 22. The filter head 30 includes a plate 30b for mounting a filter housing 48 containing a filter element, and is formed with a first internal flow passage to enable fuel pressurised by the low pressure pump to be supplied to one side of the filter element and a second flow passage connected to the other side of the filter element to enable the filtered fuel to be supplied to the high pressure pump.

Abstract: Nozzle assembly for injecting a liquid into a process unit through a cross fitting body having at least one of a first and second crossing passageway therethrough with a tubular member carrying a nozzle being injected through one of the cross passageways to position the nozzle carried on the tubular member for the injection of liquid into the processing unit with the liquid being supplied to the tubular member via the other crossing passageway through which liquid is supplied to openings in the tubular member which is in liquid communication with the first crossing passageway to supply liquid to the nozzle.

Abstract: A pumping system for selectively activating the stages of a multi-stage centrifugal pump is provided. The pumping system has a first stage impeller for receiving fluid into the system and imparting rotational energy into the fluid. The system also has a second stage impeller for centrifugally imparting additional rotational energy into the fluid after the first stage impeller. A valve selectively closes an inlet to the second stage impeller so that the system operates as a single stage centrifugal pump while the second stage impeller remains wetted.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system includes a number of stages. Each stage has a fluid chamber having a top end with an air aperture and a bottom end with a fluid apertures. An air line is connected to the air aperture, and a fluid input conduit, with an input check valve) is connected to the fluid aperture. A float valve is disposed in the chamber directly between the fluid aperture and the air aperture. A fluid output conduit is connected to the fluid aperture above the input check valve. The float has a bottom end adapted to seal with the fluid aperture when the chamber is empty. A first set of pumping stages are supplied by a first compressed air line and a second set of pumping stages are supplied by a second compressed air line. Periodically, compressed air is supplied to a first set of pump stages to drive fluid from each of the first set of pump stages to a second set of stages, and vice versa.

Abstract: There is provided a multistage high pressure compressor in which a rotor is supported with respect to a rotating shaft of an electric motor and which can suppress a torque fluctuation of the electric motor and achieve a stable operation of the electric motor. A fly wheel is attached to a lower end of the rotating shaft of the electric motor, and the fly wheel supports the rotor of the electric motor with respect to the rotating shaft. The fly wheel is connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft of the electric motor by a bolt, and an extension of a detent key between the rotating shaft of the electric motor and the rotor of the electric motor is inserted into the fly wheel. Moreover, there is provided a multistage high pressure compressor achieving improved sealing between a cylinder and members surrounding the periphery thereof, which is capable of realizing a simplified processing of the cylinder and an easy assembly process.

Abstract: In a fuel delivery unit for a motor vehicle, having a delivery pump which has a preliminary stage and a main stage, an outlet channel of the preliminary stage is guided radially outward and configured such that it rises upward. An inlet channel of the main stage is guided laterally past the preliminary stage. In accordance with this design, impellers of the delivery pump can be arranged particularly low down and gas bubbles are guided away out of the preliminary stage in a very simple manner.

Abstract: A two-stage, permanent-magnet, integral disk-motor centrifugal pump, has a housing having first and second suction ports and first and second discharge ports, the first discharge port being connected to the second suction port. A first impeller is rotatably disposed on a shaft between the first suction port and the first discharge port and a second impeller is placed back-to-back with the first impeller and rotatably disposed on a shaft between the second suction port and the second discharge port, each of the first and second impellers having a back shroud with an array of permanent magnets fixed thereto. A first stator and a second stator are interposed between and adjacent to the first and second impellers, respectively, the rotational speed of the impellers being controlled by invertors acting upon the stators. Provisions are also included for extracting motor heat from the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction vacuum pump (1) containing at least one turbomolecular pump stage (6, 7), a screw pump stage (11, 12) connected to the delivery side of the pump, and a filling stage (24) arranged between the turbomolecular pump stage (6, 7) and the screw pump stage (11, 12). According to the invention it is proposed that said filling stage (24) be configured as a centrifugal stage in order to simplify the construction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for regulating the pressure in an enclosure (1) that is to contain processed gas for manufacturing semiconductor components or micro- or nano-technology devices, the enclosure being connected by pipework (2) to a pump unit (3) comprising a dry mechanical primary pump (4) and at least one secondary pump (5). According to the invention, the system further comprises a speed controller (6) controlling simultaneously the speeds of rotation of the dry mechanical primary pump (4) and of said at least one secondary pump (5).

Abstract: A package-type screw compressor includes a low-pressure stage state compressor and a high-pressure stage compressor. Motive power is transmitted from an electric motor to the two compressors via a speed increaser. The discharge gas, compressed and heated to a high temperature by the low-pressure stage compressor, is cooled by an intercooler. The discharge gas, compressed and heated to a high temperature by the high-pressure stage compressor, is cooled by an aftercooler. A casing of the intercooler and that of the aftercooler are formed integrally with a speed increaser casing, reducing the number of component parts. A cooler portion, formed by the intercooler and the aftercooler, is spaced from the speed increaser casing, thereby preventing heat, produced by the compressed air, from being transmitted to the speed increaser casing.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly has an inducer and diffuser for applying a positive pressure to the first pump stage. The pump assembly includes a centrifugal pump with a housing having a well fluid inlet and a number of pump stages. Each pump stage has an impeller and a diffuser. An inducer is mounted in the housing upstream of the impeller of the first pump stage. The inducer has a helical flight that is rotatable in unison with the pump. A diffuser is positioned between the inducer and the impeller of the first stage.

Abstract: An integrated pumping system for use in environments, such as subterranean environments, to move a desired fluid from one location to another. The integrated pumping system comprises one or more stages that each have an integrated pump and motor. A controller may be utilized to individually control the one or more integrated pumps and motors.

Abstract: A multi-stage compressor, including a system for the injection of a cooling liquid into at least a portion of the compressor stages to increase the efficiency of the multi-stage compressor by reducing the temperature of the compressed gas produced in the multi-stage compressor. A cleaning solution may also be injected through nozzles used for the injection of the cooling liquid.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a two-phase compression device and a process which provides energy to fluids including an essentially liquid fluid and an essentially gaseous fluid or a fluid having a liquid phase and a gas phase, at least one of the fluids or phases being miscible in at least one other of the fluids or phases which allows mixing of the fluids or phases. A device in accordance with the invention includes at least one two-phase compression element having at least one inlet stage and at least one outlet stage, each one of the stages having an impeller and a diffuser, which mixes the essentially liquid fluid and the essentially gaseous fluid or the phases and which provides energy to each of the essentially liquid and gaseous fluids or phases with the mixture provided from the at least one two-phase compression element being a pressurized liquid or essentially a pressurized liquid.

Abstract: A multi-stage pump device includes a plurality of pump devices, each of the pump devices having a pump portion feeding working fluid under pressure, and a connecting portion provided between at least two of the pump devices, through which working fluid pumped by the respective pump devices passes. The connecting portion is expandable in a direction of the length thereof and is provided with a sealing structure to prevent a leakage of the working fluid. The connecting portion may be two telescopically arranged pipes or a bellows.

Abstract: A pump that has an inlet manifold passage with a varying cross-sectional area. The manifold passage provides fluid communication between an inlet port and a plurality of pump chambers within the pump. The varying cross-sectional area may reduce the likelihood of air being entrapped in the pump chambers. Each pump chamber may have a corresponding piston that moves in a reciprocating manner within the chamber. The pistons may be moved by a motor driven wobble plate. Movement of the pistons may pull fluid into the pump chambers through corresponding inlet valves and into an outlet port through corresponding outlet valves. The valves may cooperate with valve seats that each have an outer radius smaller than an inner radius. The pump may have an in-line check valve that controls fluid flow from an outlet manifold passage to the outlet port, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the outlet port. The motor may have a leak detector integrated into the metal shell and fasteners of the motor assembly.

Abstract: An electric air pump having multiple impellers parallel mounted on the same motor shaft and typically employed for providing a source of low pressure, high volume air for charging inflatable devices. The multiple impellers provide improved motor efficiency in heat dissipation and air volume delivery when compared to a single impeller motor operating at the same RPM, and exhibits a near zero True Indicator Reading (TIR). In its most fundamental embodiment, the electric air pump having multiple impellers exhibits a construction including an outer housing having an air intake port and an air exhaust port. An electric motor is mounted within the outer housing and includes a rotating output shaft. A plurality of air impellers each parallel mounted on the rotating output shaft is employed for drawing a volume of air through the air intake port and across the electric motor.

Abstract: A system for compressing one or more fluids (F1, F2) with one of the fluids being essentially gaseous. A single-phase compression unit (20) is fed gaseous fluid (F1) from a delivery line (21). A multiphase compression unit (24) receives both fluids (F1, F2). A delivery line (22) delivers gaseous fluid to the multiphase compression unit and a delivery line (23) feeds the other fluid F2 to the multiphase compression unit (24). A discharge line connects to the multiphase compression unit. The single phase compression unit allows operation of the multiphase compression unit within a two-phase efficiency range.

Abstract: Device intended for two-phase compression of several fluids such as a gas soluble in an essentially liquid solvent.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and an accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid. The system further includes a suck-back device downstream of the second pump.

Abstract: A mini-environment control device includes an individual enclosure to contain a sample and to isolate it from the external environment. An array of micropumps attached to the individual enclosure generates and maintains a controlled vacuum in the individual enclosure. Transfer means introduce the sample into the individual enclosure and extract it therefrom. The micropumps of the array of micropumps can be of a type employing the thermal transpiration effect. Temperature and pressure microsensors and a gas analyzer enable the operation of the array of micropumps to be controlled by an onboard microcomputer. The atmosphere surrounding a sample is therefore controlled.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor (1) including a single rotating shaft (5), a first (upstream) and second (downstream) impellers (2, 3) mounted on ends of the rotating shaft (5) respectively, and a casing (4) for accommodating these impellers. An air path (35) is provided for introducing an air pressurized by the upstream impeller (2) to the downstream impeller (3). An abradable layer (34) is embedded in the casing inner wall (4) such that it faces and is cut by the second downstream impeller (3). The expensive abradable layer (34) is only provided for the downstream impeller (3) since the effect of the abradable layer (34) is significant when provided for the downstream impeller.

Abstract: A solvent delivery pump assembly for use in high performance liquid chromatography systems, which accurately delivers a solvent (eluent) drawn from a reservoir, and having removed gases, dissolved in the eluent, and then delivering the eluent as desired for analysis. The apparatus comprises two pump units, each with two plungers of different diameters on a single shaft; one of the plungers in one of the pump unit is of a large diameter size for driving a first pump head in large volume, and the other plunger in the other pump unit is of a smaller diameter for driving a second pump head in small volume.

Abstract: The invention is a two-phase compression device and a process which provides energy to fluids including an essentially liquid fluid and an essentially gaseous fluid or a fluid having a liquid phase and a gas phase, at least one of the fluids or phases being miscible in at least one other of the fluids or phases which allows mixing of the fluids or phases. A device in accordance with the invention includes at least one two-phase compression element having at least one inlet stage and at least one outlet stage, each one of the stages having an impeller and a diffuser, which mixes the essentially liquid fluid and the essentially gaseous fluid or the phases and which provides energy to each of the essentially liquid and gaseous fluids or phases with the mixture provided from the at least one two-phase compression element being a pressurized liquid or essentially a pressurized liquid.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a housing having an inlet port and an exhaust port, a motor disposed in the housing, and one or more vacuum pumping stages disposed in the housing and operationally coupled to the motor for pumping gas from the inlet port to the exhaust port. The motor includes a stator disposed on a central axis and a rotor disposed around the stator. The rotor rotates about the central axis when the motor is energized. The motor may be located at the center of the housing, and the vacuum pumping stages may be disposed around the motor in an annular configuration. The inverted motor configuration facilitates a compact vacuum pump structure.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly having a housing and a pair of spaced apart main bearings, disposed within the housing, which subdivide the housing into first and second discharge chambers, and a suction chamber. The suction chamber is disposed between the pair of main bearings and first and second compressor mechanisms are disposed, respectively, in the discharge chambers. Each compressor mechanism has an outboard bearing, a cylinder block, which is disposed between the outboard and main bearings and defining a cylindrical cavity, a roller piston in the cylindrical cavity and a vane supported in the cylinder block and rotationally engaging the roller piston. At least one discharge opening is in fluid communication with the respective discharge chamber and a drive motor is disposed in the suction chamber. A drive shaft drivingly connects each roller piston to the motor. A suction port is disposed within at least one of the compressor mechanisms and extends through the respective main bearing.

Abstract: A pump which performs a pumping function by reciprocally moving a piston by driving a connecting rod so as to maintain a pump chamber in an airtight condition with a diaphragm sandwiched between a piston disposed on a side of a pump chamber and the connecting rod, wherein the diaphragm has a planar plate like form as a whole and a curved portion which is transformed around the piston so as to be brought close to the piston.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam assembly is configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate. The device may also incude a pressure sensing pin positioned on the cam assembly which contacts the tubing during the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A wet gas compression device combining the following stages: a separation stage providing a gas phase and a liquid phase; a conversion stage for converting a gas phase and a liquid phase; a conversion stage for converting the liquid phase provided by the separation stage to a vapor phase by heat exchange; a compression stage for compressing the gases from the separation stage and the conversion stage and for providing a portion of gas for use in the heat exchange of the compression stage.

Abstract: A windmill having a plurality of radially extending blades, each being an aerodynamic-shaped airfoil having a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge into the wind, and a trailing edge which has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge and an end cap. The blade is of substantial uniform thickness. An air compressor and generator are driven by the windmill. The compressor is connected to a storage tank which is connected to the intake of a second compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump device for high-pressure fuel delivery in fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, in particular in a common rail injection system, including a radial piston pump (2, 68, 80) with a drive shaft (38, 74, 114) that is supported in a pump housing (14) and is embodied eccentrically or has cam-like projections in the circumference direction, preferably with a number of pistons that are each disposed in a cylinder chamber radially in relation to the drive shaft and can be driven to reciprocate in the cylinder chamber when the drive shaft rotates, and with a check valve on the intake side and the high pressure side, and a low pressure pump (4, 71, 82) connected before the radial piston pump; in order to improve the pump device in such a way that it is more compact and can be produced more cheaply and the danger of the occurrence of leaks is reduced, the low pressure pump (4, 71, 82) is provided on or in the pump housing (14) of the radial piston pump (2, 68, 80), on the

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine mounted in-line between a gas production facility and the inlet of the sales lines for boosting pressure sufficiently to insert natural gas from the production facility into the sales line when the sale line pressure is at a high level. The turbine includes a compact turbine pump having several stages of compression with each compression stage including a 15-horse power motor that drives a hydraulic pump. A variable speed control is attached to the motor to allow the user to control the speed of the pump. Each pump stage has its own hydraulic motor that drives a turbine blade inside an enclosure. Pressure at each stage is controlled by means of an adjustable vane that has a stationary plate with a succession of fixed openings. The stationary plate is in face to face contact with a moving plate of similar design. The moving plate rotates at the center and may be adjusted by means of an elongated bolt assembly which adjusts the moving plate clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and a accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: A multi-stage manual hydraulic pump comprising a plurality of cylinders in tandem. A block holds each cylinder assembly. One or more cylinders are the high volume stage, one or more cylinders are the medium volume stage and the final cylinders are the low volume, high pressure stage. The pump utilizes check valves built into flow tubes that control the direction of fluid. A spring and piston in each high volume block automatically turns off the vacuum and flow of fluid to each cylinder at a designated pressure. At the point of highest pressure only the smallest cylinder or cylinders are pumping fluid, where the effort expended is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying compressed air to air operated elements of a locomotive includes an air compressor, an aftercooler coupled for receiving compressed air from the compressor, a cooling fan for blowing ambient air onto the aftercooler for reducing the temperature of the compressed air, whereby moisture in the compressed air forms condensation which is discharged from the compressor during normal operation of the aftercooler. A bypass system shunts the compressed air from the compressor around the aftercooler when the condensation freezes in the aftercooler passages and blocks normal air flow. The bypass system includes an orifice of a size selected to create a pressure drop which is greater than a pressure drop across the aftercooler when air flow through the aftercooler is not inhibited by blockage whereby air flow from the compressor normally passes through the aftercooler and bypasses the bypass system.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed for isolating product gas from compressor operating fluid. A portion of a piston rod directly exposed to the compressor's operating fluid (the oily portion of the piston rod) is atmospherically isolated from the remaining portion of the piston rod by providing the piston rod with a collar that separates the oily portion of the piston rod from the remainder of the piston rod. A first and a second flexible membrane are coupled to the collar to form a first isolation region, and a second isolation region; the first isolation region encases the oily portion of the piston rod and atmospherically isolates it from the second isolation region, and the second isolation region provides additional isolation from both the operating fluid and the ambient environment. A higher pressure is maintained along the backside of the piston that compresses the product gas than the pressure within the adjacent isolation region.

Abstract: A pump having an improved fluid passage has an inner casing which houses at least one impeller and an outer casing which houses the inner casing. The pump also has a communicating pipe disposed outside of the outer casing for guiding a main flow of a fluid being handled from a space defined in the outer casing into another space defined in the outer casing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a rotary vane vacuum pump (1) with a high vacuum stage (9, 22), with a fore-vacuum stage (8, 21), with a substantially cylindrical rotor (3) which has bearing and anchor segments (11 and 21, 22), a bearing segment (11) being situated between two anchor segments (21, 22) and the anchor segments (21, 22) having vane slots (25, 26), and with a roughly pot-shaped housing (2) which contains the pump chambers (8, 9) and whose base is designed as a bearing piece (13) with a passage (35) for the rotor drive. To provide for a simple manufacture, the invention proposes that the operational rotor (3) is of one piece, that both anchor sections (21, 22) of the rotor (3) are arranged on the face side, that the bearing segment (11) between the anchor segments (21, 22) is the only bearing segment and that both vane slots (25, 26) are open from their respective front sides. (Drawing FIG.

Abstract: A micro-machined vacuum pump is provided which may be utilized with microsensors. The pump in accordance with the present invention is preferably fabricated within a semiconductor substrate and utilizes thermal transpiration to provide compression. The pump has a plurality of flow chambers and a plurality of flow tubes to interconnect the flow chambers. The pump additionally includes means for creating a temperature differential between a first end and a second end of each flow tube to draw the gas therethrough. Drawing the gas through the flow tube increases the pressure within an adjacent flow chamber and induces a pumping action.

Abstract: A method of compressing a compressible fluid, using a hydraulically driven compressor comprising a precompressor, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. The precompressor receives a low pressure input of compressible fluid and fills the first cylinder to a precompressor output target pressure. A piston within the first cylinder then forces the compressible fluid into the second cylinder. This cycle is repeated until the second cylinder is filled to a first-cylinder output target pressure, whereupon a piston within the second cylinder forces the compressible fluid out of the second cylinder as a high pressure compressible fluid output, typically into some sort of storage vessel. This cycle is repeated until the compressible fluid output pressure reaches a second-cylinder output target pressure.

Abstract: The air pressure within a part of an appliance (e.g., a refrigeration pipe of an air conditioner unit) is reduced as the part is conveyed on a conveyor. This pressure reduction is accomplished by connecting a first end of a vacuum hose to the part, and then rotating a rotatable member to which the second end is connected. That causes the second end to be alternately brought into and out of communication with a vacuum source, whereby a vacuum is intermittently induced in the part. During periods when the second end of the vacuum hose is out of communication with the vacuum source, that second hose end is placed in communication with a pressure at least at atmospheric, to temporarily increase the pressure in the part.

Abstract: The air pressure in a part of an appliance (e.g., a refrigeration pipe of an air conditioner unit) is reduced as the part is conveyed on a conveyor. This is accomplished by means of a vacuum pump which is connected to the part by a hose. The pressure reduction is achieved in a step-by-step fashion by either (a) alternately starting and stopping the pump while the hose remains connected to the part, or (b) alternately connecting and disconnecting the hose to and from the part.