Motor Driven Patents (Class 417/321)
  • Publication number: 20080317611
    Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set amount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber for mixing with water to form a beverage. A pump head includes a piston opening that receives a piston and a water port that defines a water flow path. The pump head includes protrusions. An adapter plate includes a piston opening that receives the piston and a water opening that receives the water port of the pump head. The adapter plate includes depressions. When the adapter plate is installed in the pump, the piston opening of the adapter plate and the piston opening of the pump head align, and the water port of the pump head is received in the water opening of the adapter plate. The protrusions of the pump heads are received in the depressions of the adapter plate, aligning the pump head and the adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Carrier Commerical Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush
  • Publication number: 20080317615
    Abstract: An actuator housing unit for a system of layered surfaces, comprising an activated primary surface having a physical shape capable of change when activated by an electrical, chemical, or light stimulus, to expand and exert force or pressure or contract and remove force or pressure, upon activation or deactivation, to move or keep matter within the housing by direct or indirect contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Banister
  • Publication number: 20080302389
    Abstract: A pumping unit is provided that allows at least four passes to be made simultaneously with a single pumping unit. A single engine is used to drive two pumps, each connected into separate pumping circuits. Fluid flow in each of the pumping circuits is controlled by respective flow control elements on the pumping circuits, as for example a variable flow valve. Two engines may thus be used to drive four pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Orlande Sivacoe
  • Publication number: 20080286117
    Abstract: An automatic deactivation mechanism is configured for an air bladder pump having a casing and a motor located therein to pump air into an air bladder from the atmosphere and through an air valve connected through the casing. The automatic deactivation mechanism includes a housing positioned within the casing and has defined therethrough a first aperture in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the casing and a second aperture in fluid communication with the air bladder through the casing. Included within the housing are at least two switches and a diaphragm positioned between the switches. The housing is sealed so that when a threshold pressure is reached therein, at least one switch is triggered by deflection of the diaphragm to automatically deactivate the pump by de-energizing the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael F. Kehrmann, Vincent Wen, Chun Chung Tsai, Timothy F. Austen, Corey Lewison
  • Patent number: 7438538
    Abstract: A pump for moving a liquid including a rotor rotatable within a housing and slidable relative to the housing between a first axial rotor position during normal pump operation and a second axial rotor position during a pump inoperative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Publication number: 20080253906
    Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a piston and a magnetically actuated valve. The magnetically actuated valve may be adjacent the piston and, in some embodiments, include a spool valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20080253905
    Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Jorge A. Morando, Jon Tipton, George S. Mordue, Mark Bright, Lennard Lutes, Richard S. Henderson, Chris T. Vild
  • Publication number: 20080245097
    Abstract: A two stage reciprocating compressor includes a casing. A first compressing unit is disposed in the casing and includes a first piston and a first cylinder, the first compressing unit being driven by a reciprocating motor to linearly reciprocate the first piston in the first cylinder to suck in and compress gas. A second compressing unit is disposed in the casing and includes a second piston and a second cylinder, the second compressing unit being driven by vibration of the first compressing unit to linearly reciprocate the second piston in the second cylinder to suck in and compress gas. A vibration transfer member transfers the vibration from the first compressing unit to the second compressing unit. The first and second compressing units extend in parallel and face toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sung-Man CHO, Jeong-Woo KIM, Eon-Pyo HONG, Jung-Sik PARK
  • Publication number: 20080247868
    Abstract: A fan has an impeller, a motor and a frame. The impeller and the motor are disposed within the frame, and the motor is connected to the impeller and drives the impeller to rotate. The impeller includes a hub and an odd number of blade sets. The blade sets are disposed around the circumference of the hub. Bach blade set has a plurality of the blades, and the blades of each blade set can be the same or not. For example, the blades in each of the blade sets have different tilting angles, heights and/or lengths while the blades are connected with the hub. Or the blades in each of the blade sets have different curvatures, arc lengths, thicknesses, or side-view shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Chung-Kai Lan, Hung-Chi Chen, Li-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 7418948
    Abstract: A stator core of a motor arrangement includes six cores, which are arranged one after another in a circumferential direction. A bobbin, which is made of dielectric resin, is fitted to each core. Each coil is formed such that a winding is wound around the bobbin through a concentrated winding technique. Dielectric resin is filled between each circumferentially adjacent two teeth to cover each coil. Furthermore, the dielectric resin is molded to form clearances, each of which is formed between the corresponding circumferentially adjacent two teeth on a rotor side. Fuel, which is pressurized by a pump arrangement, passes an interior of the motor arrangement through a fuel passage, which is a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the stator core and an outer peripheral surface of the rotor, and also through the clearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nagata, Masaya Otake
  • Publication number: 20080206076
    Abstract: In one aspect, a pump having a pump module and a motor module includes a support member that substantially supports a weight of the motor module and uncouples the pump module from the weight of the motor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER SPD
    Inventors: Sohaib Anwer, Francis J. Mathieu, Glen W. Smeal
  • Publication number: 20080187447
    Abstract: An air compressor package that includes a pancake air tank, which has a pair of convex tank members that are coupled to one another about an equator of the pancake air tank, a motor and a compressor that is driven by the motor. The compressor is coupled in fluid communication with the pancake air tank. The motor and the compressor are arranged relative to the pancake air tank such that a plane taken through the equator of the pancake air tank passes through the motor and the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Craig R. Steinfels, Scott D. Craig
  • Publication number: 20080184523
    Abstract: A portable air blower includes a blower fan, a drive unit for driving the blower fan, a casing for covering at least the blower fan and having a side wall with an air intake opening defined therein, and a covering unit for covering the air intake opening. The covering includes an air intake grille fitted to the casing and operable to permit an air to pass therethrough into the air intake opening, but to block foreign matters off therefrom, and a protective shroud held in overlapping relation with the air intake grille for covering the air intake grille on one side of the air intake grille opposite to the air intake opening. The air intake grille has an outermost area having a circumferential edge, which is positioned substantially radially inwardly of an outer peripheral edge of the protective shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Tsuneyoshi Yuasa
  • Publication number: 20080170954
    Abstract: An assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for providing a substantially uniform output flow from at least one piston of a pump powered by a prime mover includes at least a first power piston disposed in a cylinder and reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder between an extension direction when supplied with power from the prime mover and an opposite retraction direction, and a synchronization element attached to the power piston to control the speed of the power piston in the retraction direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Fangfang Jiang, Philippe Gambier, Rod Shampine
  • Publication number: 20080152515
    Abstract: A pump for pumping discrete liquid volumes is provided with an anti-rotation construction to prevent a nut mated to a rotating head screw from rotating when the lead screw is rotated. The anti-rotation construction comprises a set of rails that slideably fit within a mating set of tracks. The pump also can include a variable homing position for a pump piston having at least two different homing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Karg, Paul Simonetti, Vanessa Kollars
  • Publication number: 20080145252
    Abstract: A rotary compressor is provided which uses a synchronous reluctance motor to provide a driving force. The motor includes a rotor and a stator, each formed by a respective plurality of laminated steel plates. A plurality of magnetic flux barriers are formed on the steel plates which form the rotor, and a crystalline plastic film is disposed between the stator and a coil of the driving motor, the coil being implemented by an enamel coating layer. Accordingly, deformation of the rotor is decreased when the driving motor is assembled, and degradation of compressor performance due to slippage between the rotor and the stator is decreased, and heat emission of the rotor is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Se-Jin Ku, Jae-Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 7384245
    Abstract: An air compressor assembly including a rotatable handle that provides protection and structure for transporting the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a plurality of air tanks each of which are configured to be removable and replaced when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Alltrade Tools LLC
    Inventors: Hector R. Hernandez, Jaime W. Nash
  • Publication number: 20080131302
    Abstract: An oil-free fluid machine unit is provided of which the fluid machine has two or more rotors and torque transmission between the rotors can be performed without a need of using lubrication oil thereby eliminating contamination induced by lubrication oil and without reduction of longevity of the synchronizing gears. The drive shaft 12 of the drive motor 11 is connected to the rotor shaft 14 of the fluid machine, synchronization gears 18 and 19 are attached to the rotor shafts 14 and 15 at the motor 11 side end of the rotor shafts respectively, and pulleys 16 and 17 are attached to the rotor shafts 14 and 15 at the other side ends respectively opposite to the motor 11 and a belt is looped over the pulleys so that the pulleys are rotated in counter direction to each other. At least one of the synchronization gears is made of plastic material. Thus, torque transmission between the rotors is done in two ways, via synchronization gear drive and belt drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shiro TANIGAWA
  • Publication number: 20080087342
    Abstract: An inflatable product has an air pump device and a pressure releasing valve. The air pump device has a housing and a pumping assembly. The housing has two openings as an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The pumping assembly is mounted in the housing and has a motor and a fan. The motor is mounted between the inlet and outlet openings and drives the fan. Consequently, mounting the motor between the first opening and the second opening dissipates the heat of the motor because the air passing by the motor cools the motor. The pressure releasing valve is adjusted by users and releases air while pressure of air in the inflatable body reaches a predetermined pressure level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung WANG
  • Publication number: 20080063538
    Abstract: A pump that includes a piston moveable along a first axis and an eccentric cam positioned about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The pump also includes an actuator positioned adjacent to the cam and configured to move the cam along the second axis. In addition, the pump further includes a cam-adjacent bearing positioned between the piston and the cam, wherein the cam-adjacent bearing remains positioned substantially along the first axis upon movement of the cam along the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Landrum, Douglas Miller, Donald E. Blackman, James M. Heim
  • Publication number: 20080044299
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker. The apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may be powered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine. The apparatus also include a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. In a further embodiment, compressor may also include an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Liquid Load Logistics, LLC
    Inventor: Kent V. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20080031749
    Abstract: A first rotor is rotatably supported by a housing. A second rotor rotates integrally with a rotary shaft. A power transmission mechanism is capable of transmitting power from the first rotor to the second rotor. When supplied with a current, an electromagnetic coil is capable of causing the armature plate to adhere to the first rotor. In a state where the armature plate adheres to the first rotor, the spring clutch couples the second rotor to the first rotor. An urging member is accommodated in the second rotor. The urging member is located between the rotary shaft and the armature plate. Therefore, the power transmission mechanism is compact and achieves a high performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Nobuaki Hoshino, Masaki Ota, Xiaoliang Wang
  • Publication number: 20080003116
    Abstract: A motor/pump unit, particularly for a power-steering arrangement in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a hydraulic pump unit having a pump module and a motor unit with a drive motor. At least one damping element is provided between the pump unit and a portion of the housing to decouple the noise of the pump unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Gummersbach, Martin Jordan, Stephan Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7314352
    Abstract: An electric pump comprises a case in which a core being enwound by a coil is embedded, a permanent magnet formed in a cylindrical shape, having a central axis being identical to that of the core, and positioned so as to face an inner peripheral side of the core, an outer rotor fixed to an inner peripheral side of the permanent magnet, a rotor unit including the permanent magnet and the outer rotor, an inner rotor having a central axis, which is eccentric from a central axis of the core, so as to rotate; and an inscribed-type pump for carrying out, by means of rotation of the inner rotor, which is engaged with the outer rotor so as to rotate in accordance with rotation of the outer rotor, intake and exhaust of fluids, wherein the rotor unit includes a slide surface extending in an axial direction; the case includes a cylindrical projecting ring portion having an identical central axis to that of the core, and the rotor unit is rotatably supported by the peripheral surface of the cylindrical projecting ring por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Nakayoshi, Atsutoshi Ikegawa
  • Publication number: 20070258833
    Abstract: A portable air displacement device having one or more aesthetic overlays that disguise its air circulation properties. The body is configured in its shape and air inlet and air outlet dimensions and configurations to resemble an article unrelated to air circulation with an air displacement unit inside the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Roland Santa Anna
  • Publication number: 20070237655
    Abstract: A pump system for small fill volumes having a pump unit with a disposable pump head assembly, a controller, a drive motor, and a transmission between the drive motor and the pump unit. A user may enter pump operational data through a controller on the system housing. Operational data may be monitored remotely and through the controller. Access to the pump system is protected through required usernames, passwords, and electronic signatures of system operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Rodney W. Baker, Keith L. Grayson
  • Patent number: 7261524
    Abstract: A rotation support has improved thrust-bearing for rotors of electric motors of synchronous pumps. The rotation sup: a stator of the electric motor, in which a hollow body is housed for supporting and containing a permanent magnet rotor, an impeller being kinematically coupled with a shaft of the electric motor, as well as opposite supports of the shaft, one of which is provided with axial thrust-bearing. Advantageously, the support provided with thrust-bearing comprises a bush of antifriction material facing a side of the rotor and which has an axial abutment placed directly in contact with this side of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 7244109
    Abstract: Inside frame of a compressor including a frame body having a pass through hole for a crankshaft, legs formed by bending, and extending from, opposite ends of the frame body, respectively, and component fastening parts formed by extending from the legs in parallel to the frame body, respectively, wherein the component fastening parts have opposite inward extensions, and the frame body is formed such that component fastening to the component fastening parts is possible without interference with the frame body, thereby minimizing a size of the compressor and enhancing an assembly precision and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Own Park, Hun Sik Lee, Young Jo Kim, Yong Uk Son, June Soo Hur, Ki Wook Song
  • Patent number: 7226278
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde K. Nason, William H. Stutz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7207781
    Abstract: A pressure exchange device is provided that utilizes a rotor assembly inside a housing to transfer the pressure of a fluid from one high pressure fluid to another low pressure fluid. The housing may comprise a pressurized fluid contained therein to provide a sealing force to reduce fluid leakage between the spinning rotors and the housing. The sealing force and wear characteristics may be controlled to reduce leakage and wear of the pressure exchange device. The rotor assembly may be driven in either direction and the high pressure ports may be switched with the low pressure ports if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Shumway
  • Patent number: 7198474
    Abstract: A pump having a linearly movable shaft, a rotatable hub operably connected to the shaft, and shape memory actuator operably connected to the rotatable hub, and a fuel cell system including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alan R Arthur, Gary J. Watts
  • Patent number: 7052251
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde K. Nason, William H. Stutz, Jr., Darren Y. Yap
  • Patent number: 6916159
    Abstract: A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Rush, Christopher V. Reggiardo
  • Patent number: 6905315
    Abstract: An air compressor includes a valve plate with cooling fins and a piston also having cooling fins. The valve plate includes an integral and angled valve plate outlet. The angling of the valve plate outlet reduces turbulence and improves compressed air flow. The pump frame of the gas compressor includes a lipless bearing bore, decreasing the distance between the portion of the frame supporting the bearing and the piston. The pump frame is flat such that a portion of the cylinder is over a portion of the motor. The flatness of this arrangement increases the strength of the pump frame. The piston bearing bore includes two clamping structures having screw holes. Each screw hole is formed from a series half-cylinder or barrel portions, which individually do not form the complete circumference of a hole. Such a screw hole does not require a core pull on casting, lowering manufacturing costs. The piston includes a piston seal which is angled with respect to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Powermate Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Graber, Paul Klimek, Jan Davidson
  • Patent number: 6866488
    Abstract: A molecular drag vacuum pump for pumping a gas from an inlet to an outlet includes a high-speed spinning disk disposed within a housing. Gas flows through passageways in the housing adjacent the disk, where it comes into contact with surfaces of the spinning disk. Conformable wipers direct the gas to successive stages adjacent the disk. The pump can be powered by an integrated motor, comprising permanent magnets in the disk and cooperating coils in the housing. The pump can include various features, such as ridges on the wipers, seal rings, and regenerative pumping pockets, to reduce leakage and prevent backflow. The housing can have a modular configuration to allow two or more pump modules to be connected and operate in series. Successive modules may be independently or commonly powered, and may counter-rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sarcos LC
    Inventors: Marc Olivier, Stephen C. Jacobsen, David Knutti
  • Publication number: 20040223858
    Abstract: The invention can be used in a micropump for dispensing a pharmaceutical liquid, in an ink jet printer or similar devices, or in other applications for controlled pumping of a liquid through an opening in a barrier wall. A pair of electrodes is in electrical contact with a fluid confined behind a containing wall. Each electrode is connected to a source of different electrical potential. When current is conducted through the fluid between the electrodes, resistance heating in the fluid causes local boiling and thus the formation and expansion of a bubble within the fluid. The electrodes are disposed on either side of an opening in the wall, so that the bubble is formed on one side of the wall in close proximity to the opening. Fluid behavior is such that a fluid jet is formed when the bubble collapses in close proximity to the wall. This jet impacts the bubble in a direction toward the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicants: INSTITUTE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
    Inventors: Evert Klaseboer, Cheng Wang, Kin Chew Hung, Boo Cheong Khoo
  • Patent number: 6758107
    Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 6755621
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid material and a method for forming a hybrid material comprising actuator made from a stimuli responsive polymer mounted in a porous framework. The present invention also provides devices employing the actuator of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Science & Technology Corporation @ University of New Mexico
    Inventors: Gabriel Lopez, Ashutosh Chilkoti, Plamen Atanassov, Venkata R. Goparaju
  • Publication number: 20040042915
    Abstract: The fluidic drive for miniature acoustic-fluidic pump and mixer is comprised of an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming results due to the absorption of the acoustic energy in the fluid itself. This absorption results in a radiation pressure and acoustic streaming in the direction of propagation of the acoustic propagation or what is termed “quartz wind”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jack C. Rife, Michael I. Bell, James Horwitz, Milton N. Kabler
  • Patent number: 6685442
    Abstract: A valve actuator based on a conductive polymer gel is disclosed. A nonconductive housing is provided having two separate chambers separated by a porous frit. The conductive polymer is held in one chamber and an electrolyte solution, used as a source of charged ions, is held in the second chamber. The ends of the housing a sealed with a flexible elastomer. The polymer gel is further provide with electrodes with which to apply an electrical potential across the gel in order to initiate an oxidation reaction which in turn drives anions across the porous frit and into the polymer gel, swelling the volume of the gel and simultaneously contracting the volume of the electrolyte solution. Because the two end chambers are sealed the flexible elastomer expands or contracts with the chamber volume change. By manipulating the potential across the gel the motion of the elastomer can be controlled to act as a “gate” to open or close a fluid channel and thereby control flow through that channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Douglas A. Chinn, David J. Irvin
  • Patent number: 6648612
    Abstract: An oil-free air compressor is characterized in an air inlet provided at a lateral open end of a crankcase of the air compressor. External air enters into the crankcase via the lateral air inlet and then enters into a cylinder above the crankcase via a check valve provided on a piston head in the cylinder. Air in the cylinder is compressed by the piston head and then discharged to an air storage tank via a single air outlet provided on a cylinder head of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: I-Min Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6636010
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system increases the precision, reliability, and safety of dispensing medications and other liquids. An electronic brake grounds a power terminal of a pump motor to absorb the kinetic energy of the motor and other mechanically coupled components. The electronic brake reduces overage and overage variation in the dispensing of liquids at very little cost or complexity. A watchdog circuit monitors a controller heartbeat signal and disables the motor in the absence of a regular beat. The watchdog circuit along with redundant power switches greatly reduce the possibility of motor runaway in the event of component failure. A controller begins or ends each dispensing cycle with a diagnostic which determines whether the liquid dispensing system is fully operational. If not, the controller may disable the motor, emit an alarm tone, and display an alarm message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: James Malmstrom, David Soss
  • Patent number: 6531842
    Abstract: The present technique utilizes already existing components within a variable speed drive to provide harmonic filtering characteristics. Particularly, the present technique integrates transformers and inductors to provide a filter within the variable speed drive. Further, the present technique may also utilize a sine wave filter to provide additional filtering of unwanted frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Kurt LeDoux, William C. Pelton
  • Publication number: 20020131869
    Abstract: A plurality of connection terminals are covered with a housing so that the plurality of connection terminals are collectively treated by handling of the housing. The housing is put over and fitted to a case of a compressor while connecting the connection terminals to connection pins for external wiring through an opening of the housing. With a seal member arranged in between, the opening is pressed against an external face of the case to conduct sealing between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Makino, Yoshifumi Abe, Nobuyuki Nishii, Ken Obata, Yoshihiko Konishi
  • Publication number: 20020110461
    Abstract: A dynamotor capable of operating as either a motor or a generator is used with both the armature portion and the field portion thereof capable of being rotated. In the case where a pulley operatively interlocked with the output shaft of the prime mover is mounted on the rotary shaft of the armature portion, the drive shaft of the compressor is mounted on the rotating field portion. Once the dynamotor is operated in motor mode, the rotational speed of the compressor is increased to the sum of the input rotational speed and the rotational speed of the dynamotor. The compressor is stopped by disconnecting a power feed circuit. When the input rotational speed is too high, the dynamotor is operated in generator mode. In this way, the rotational speed is reduced in accordance with the generated electric energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Yukio Ogawa, Takashi Inoue, Hironori Asa
  • Publication number: 20020094746
    Abstract: A figure toy having a head with a mouth and eyes mounted on a torso, the figure toy including a mechanism for expelling a flow of air from the mouth. This mechanism consists of an electric motor-driven blower mounted within the torso, an electronic controller operatively connected to the blower for activating and deactivating it, a power supply operatively connected to the blower and controller, and a sensing device designed and configured such that upon triggering, the sensing device provides a signal to the electronic controller for the purpose of activating and deactivating the blower. The figure toy can include a lamp for illuminating the eyes. The power supply and electronic controller can be mounted inside the figure toy. Sensing devices can be based on an LED emitter/receiver, ultrasonic detection, infrared detection, a directly-contacted microswitch, noise detection, verbal command recognition, temperature sensing, relative humidity sensing, or motion detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Amos Harlev
  • Patent number: 6409480
    Abstract: A drive unit for hydraulic consumers for individual structural component parts of a machine for producing shaped articles from molding materials, including a motor, a pump driven by the motor, and a carrying part configured to connect at least one of the pump and the motor to the machine. The carrying part has a pipe-shaped area which is closed at both ends by at least one of a bottom and a cover. At least the pump projects into the carrying part and is enclosed by the carrying part. The pump is attached to the carrying part on a side facing away from the motor. A portion of the carrying part is constructed as a connection block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Kurt Dieno, Andreas Kübel, Hans-Jürgen Popp, Ernst Würl
  • Publication number: 20020066568
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Steven E. Buchanan, Grigory L. Arauz, Kenneth L. Havlinek, Ashley Kishino, Lawrence C. Lee, W. Keith Russell, Thomas H. Zimmerman, Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Publication number: 20010006602
    Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a compressor having a mounting construction which can be mounted to the mounted body even in a limited setting space in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Masahiko Okada, Hiroaki Kayukawa, Kazushige Murao, Shigeyuki Hidaka
  • Patent number: 6234766
    Abstract: A pump system suitable for pumping a hot medium, such as hot mixtures of liquid and solid substances (slurries), includes at least one displacement pump, such as a membrane pump, at least one bidirectional flow pipe, and a second pipe connected to the pump chamber of the displacement pump. The bidirectional flow pipe is connected at a first end to a first and a second one-way valve. A supply pipe for drawing an amount of medium from the supply pipe is connected to the bidirectional flow pipe via the first one-way valve and a discharge pipe for discharging an identical amount of medium from the bidirectional flow pipe is connected to the bidirectional flow pipe via the second one-way valve. The second pipe is provided in a horizontal plane. The displacement pump is associated with an expansion accommodating feature to allow the displacement pump to move when the bidirectional flow pipe or second pipe expand. A partition element is provided in the bidirectional flow pipe to restrict flow through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Envirotech Pumpsystems Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Johannes De Koning