Fluid Pump Patents (Class 417/390)
  • Patent number: 7566208
    Abstract: A non-electric drive mechanism connectable to a submersible pump for pumping a fluid from a wellbore to the surface, the drive mechanism including a shaft rotatably disposed within a housing, the shaft operationally connectable to the submersible pump, at least one fan connected to the shaft and a supply manifold positioned to pass a pressurized fluid across the at least one fan in a manner to rotate the fan and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Enrique C. Santos
  • Patent number: 7566205
    Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, drive power of a drive-power supply member is transmitted to a diaphragm within a diaphragm drive chamber via operating fluid. An operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber for regulating the flow of operating fluid is located between the drive-power supply member and the diaphragm drive chamber. A first gas discharge member and a second gas discharge member are respectively located in an upper part of the inside of the operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber and an upper part of the inside of the diaphragm drive chamber. The first gas discharge member is held in fluid communication with the second gas discharge member so as to constitute a single gas discharge mechanism. This single gas discharge mechanism is provided with a reverse-flow prevention member for preventing a reverse flow of fluid from the first gas discharge member to the second gas discharge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tacmina Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehisa Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7530799
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for driving a positive displacement pump disposed within a wellbore are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide a drive mechanism for driving the downhole positive displacement pump. In embodiments of the present invention, the positive displacement pump is hydraulically driven and mechanically counterbalanced. The drive mechanism may be mechanically or electrically controlled, or may be controlled by a combination of mechanical and electrical controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Norris Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20090107254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles, said system including a cooling device for a braking device and/or a power-generating means, and having power-absorbing means for absorbing a power applied thereto by power-generating means, the cooling device including a fan arrangement for producing an air stream, said air stream being intended to be directed towards the braking device and/or the power-generating means and/or a heat exchanger for providing a cooling effect. The fan arrangement includes two fans, which are substantially axially aligned, and the cooling device includes means for rotating the fans in opposite directions relative to each other. The present invention also relates to a method for cooling power-generating means or power-absorbing means in a system for dynamometer testing of motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Nils G. Engstrom
  • Publication number: 20090016909
    Abstract: A pump for use in handling one or more different process fluids includes a plurality of pumping chambers having a process fluid inlet and a process fluid outlet, process fluid outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber, an actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to a plurality of actuating fluid chambers in fluid communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of actuating fluid, and at least one diaphragm separating each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber, for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism displaces actuating fluid and causes actuating fluid to flow only into each of the actuating fluid chambers having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: INTEGRATED DESIGNS L.P.
    Inventors: Raymond T. Savard, Greg Gray
  • Patent number: 7458786
    Abstract: An improved oil well pumping unit and method thereof configured for use on new or existing oil wells. The present invention is for mechanical operation of the subsurface pump and replaces existing mechanical pumping units. The present invention multiplies input purchased energy through mechanical links, pressurized fluid and/or gas, moving weights and counterweights and a control system in order to pump produced fluid through a new or existing conventional reciprocating oil well pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Robert George Mac Donald
  • Publication number: 20080286134
    Abstract: Submersible pumping systems, devices and methods for extracting liquids in deep well applications are disclosed. In the various embodiments, a submersible pumping system includes a power supply and a power converter coupled to the power supply. A subsurface unit may be coupled to the power converter and positioned in the well. The subsurface unit may include a subsurface controller, a motor and a pump portion operably coupled to the subsurface controller. The pump portion may further include a front shroud having an inlet, and a back shroud sealably coupled to the front shroud to define a volume. An orifice fluidly communicates with the volume and an annular fluid discharge space disposed about the subsurface unit. An impeller operably coupled to the motor and positioned within the volume may transport a liquid from the inlet to the annular fluid discharge space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Regalado, Joseph L. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20080279700
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. When the pump-motor includes a swash-plate or similar structure, compensating for drift during normal operation helps to promote efficient operation of the hydraulic drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Randy Anderson, Doug Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20080277230
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. An approach for facilitating the application of a clutch when it is not a simple on/off mechanism provides an enhanced interface for the conversion between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy, thereby improving efficiency within the hydraulic drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Dan Youtt
  • Publication number: 20080260550
    Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of an efficient pump apparatus. In one embodiment the pump apparatus comprises a piston assembly loosely disposed within a cylinder. The piston assembly includes a driving cable connecting a top leaky piston and a bottom leaky piston having a check valve connected thereto. The cylinder includes an outlet pipe at an upper portion thereof and a check valve located at a lower end of the cylinder. The pistons move in the cylinder at a velocity relative to the conduit such that as the pistons move along the cylinder they create a substantial tortuous leak path forming a hydrodynamic seal between the pistons and the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Kickstart International
    Inventors: Martin J. Fisher, Lawrence E. Carlson, Ben Tarbell, Jonathan I. Kaplan, Shilajeet Banerjee, Opher Doron Yom-Tov, Ari T. Adler, Christine M. Kurjan, Robert Ian Lister, Alan Charles Spybey, Abdilkadir Mohammed Musa, Mohammed Swaleh
  • Publication number: 20080166218
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump for abrasive fluid. The pump may include a bearing housing mounted to a tank containing an abrasive fluid. The bearing housing may house wear-susceptible components in a manner distancing and isolating the components from the fluid. A shaft may be coupled to the bearing housing and disposed through the tank to an impeller for dispensing the abrasive fluid beyond the centrifugal pump. Additionally the impeller itself may be housed within an impeller housing that is mechanically coupled to the bearing housing in order to enhance dimensional stability therebetween. Such a centrifugal pump may be coupled to other pumps such as higher pressure positive displacement pumps. In these circumstances the centrifugal pump may be used to facilitate the mixing of the abrasive fluid and provide a degree of pressurization thereto in advance of the fluid's use at an operation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Pessin, Josh Rayner, Laurent Coquilleau, Michael Woodmansee
  • Patent number: 7381035
    Abstract: A pump for use with a dispensing unit of a liquid hot melt adhesive system, dispensing units including the pump, and a method of operating a pump for pumping a liquid like liquid hot melt adhesive. The pump has a piston movable within a pumping chamber for transferring liquid from an inlet to an outlet. A valve body, which is resiliently biased relative to the piston, is moved out of contact with the inlet when the piston moves in a first direction and into contact with the inlet when the piston moves in a second direction. When the piston is moved in the first direction, the resilient biasing actively lifts the valve body out of contact with the inlet for overcoming any attractive adhesive force acting between the valve body and inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: John Matthew Riney
  • Publication number: 20080080990
    Abstract: A pump has a pump barrel formed from a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section. Each section has a biased piston moveable within the section and the pistons are connected together to form a variable volume chamber between the pistons. As the connected pistons move toward the larger diameter section, a volume of fluid is moved through an inlet valve into the variable volume chamber of increasing volume. When the pistons are moved toward the smaller diameter section, a differential volume of fluid is discharged from the variable volume chamber of decreasing volume through a discharge valve into a discharge conduit. The pistons are actuated to move within the pump barrel by application and release of pressure at a remote end of the discharge conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: PETRO-CANADA
    Inventor: Grant Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080080991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting fluids from a well is provided. In one embodiment, a pump assembly comprises a rotary motor adapted to actuate a reciprocating pump. The motor shaft of the rotary motor is threadedly coupled to a drive member of the reciprocating pump. In operation, rotation of the rotary motor causes reciprocation of the reciprocating pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Yuratich, Steven Charles Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7311502
    Abstract: A method for supplying solvent to an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system using a hydraulic amplifier. The hydraulic amplifier system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary piston chamber in which a primary piston is disposed and a secondary piston chamber in which a secondary piston is disposed. The cross-sectional area of the primary piston is larger than the cross-sectional area of the secondary piston. The difference in the cross-sectional areas of the pistons creates an amplification of the pressure in the primary piston chamber and a reduction in flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Bruce J. Compton
  • Patent number: 7204679
    Abstract: A flow control system includes a substantially rigid vessel with a process fluid reservoir situated in the rigid vessel is in fluid communication with an outlet. A movable member and/or a working fluid is situated in the rigid vessel so as to selectively expel process fluid from the outlet. Where a movable member is employed, movement of the movable member in a first direction causes process fluid to be drawn into an inlet and movement of the movable member in a second direction causes process fluid to be expelled from the outlet. In other implementations, the working fluid is metered into a working fluid reservoir to compress a flexible process fluid reservoir and expel process fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Matthew G. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7177151
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for cooling a heat source. One apparatus embodiment includes a housing, a fluid conduit, a pump within the housing and in communication with the fluid conduit for conveying fluid through the fluid conduit, and a turbine in communication with the fluid conduit to be driven by the fluid as it passes through the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian T. Van Lear, Jerad D. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7134499
    Abstract: A well pumping system has a downhole rotary pump that drives a downhole reciprocating pump. The reciprocating pump is an intensifier, having a primary piston and a secondary piston of lesser diameter. A sequencing valve connects between the discharge of the rotary pump and the primary cylinder for alternately supplying well fluid from the rotary pump to the primary piston to stroke the primary and secondary pistons. The secondary piston pumps well fluid to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Donn J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7134849
    Abstract: A mechanical pump having a unitary construction such that the fluid being pumped is prevented from leaking without requiring the use of discrete seal elements. The absence of discrete seal elements and integral coupling of various components of the pump substantially reduces the likelihood of failure of potential leak points. This allows the pump to operate continuously for a longer period and with greater reliability than previously utilized pumps. The pump can be utilized in a greater number of applications without requiring special design consideration for the fluid being pumped. The absence of discrete seal elements also reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Trebor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky B. Steck, Michael Dunn
  • Patent number: 7114929
    Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, drive power of a drive-power supply member is transmitted to a diaphragm within a diaphragm drive chamber via operating fluid. An operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber for regulating the flow of operating fluid is located between the drive-power supply member and the diaphragm drive chamber. A first gas discharge member and a second gas discharge member are respectively located in an upper part of the inside of the operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber and an upper part of the inside of the diaphragm drive chamber. The first gas discharge member is held in fluid communication with the second gas discharge member so as to constitute a single gas discharge mechanism. This single gas discharge mechanism is provided with a reverse-flow prevention member for preventing a reverse flow of fluid from the first gas discharge member to the second gas discharge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Shigehisa Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 6981850
    Abstract: A cryogenic stream is pumped by a cryopump and then vaporized in a vaporizer to produce the pressurized vapor stream. The cryopump is driven by a transmission that is in turn driven by a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid flows within a hydraulic fluid circuit having first and second hydraulic fluid flow paths. The first of the flow paths is used to drive the hydraulic transmission. The second of the flow paths is dedicated to raising heat. Hydraulic fluid is circulated within the flow path by hydraulic fluid pumps and the amount of heat generated is controlled by adjustable back pressure valves. The adjustable back pressure valves in both fluid flow paths can be adjusted to control the degree to which heat is added to the vaporizer and therefore the pressurized vapor stream. The hydraulic fluid pumps can be driven by diesel engines. Heat may also be recovered from the diesel engines and gear oil used in pumps and the cryopump to also help vaporize the pressurized liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignees: Praxair Technology, Inc., Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Norman Maltbie, Norman Henry White
  • Patent number: 6846166
    Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, drive power of a drive-power supply member is transmitted to a diaphragm within a diaphragm drive chamber via operating fluid. An operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber for regulating the flow of operating fluid is located between the drive-power supply member and the diaphragm drive chamber. A first gas discharge member and a second gas discharge member are respectively located in an upper part of the inside of the operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber and an upper part of the inside of the diaphragm drive chamber. The first gas discharge member is held in fluid communication with the second gas discharge member so as to constitute a single gas discharge mechanism. This single gas discharge mechanism is provided with a reverse-flow prevention member for preventing a reverse flow of fluid from the first gas discharge member to the second gas discharge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tacmina Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehisa Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 6841076
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for desalting water by reverse osmosis, in particular for desalting sea water, whereby salt water at a first pressure level is introduced into a pressure compensating device, and is conveyed from the pressure-compensating device at a second, higher pressure level into a membrane module, whereby desalted water and concentrated salt water are discharged from the membrane module. In order to increase the efficiency and consequently the energy balance of such a method, the invention proposes to continuously introduce the concentrated salt water, which has been discharged from the membrane module, at a second pressure level into the pressure-compensating device, wherein it is used to subject the salt water introduced into the pressure compensating device to the second pressure level, and to discharge the salt water and convey it to the membrane module. The invention also concerns a device for implementing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20040170510
    Abstract: A method for supplying solvent to an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system using a hydraulic amplifier. The hydraulic amplifier system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary piston chamber in which a primary piston is disposed and a secondary piston chamber in which a secondary piston is disposed. The cross-sectional area of the primary piston is larger than the cross-sectional area of the secondary piston. The difference in the cross-sectional areas of the pistons creates an amplification of the pressure in the primary piston chamber and a reduction in flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Bruce J. Compton
  • Patent number: 6712587
    Abstract: A hydraulic amplifier system for an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system. The hydraulic amplifier system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary piston chamber in which a primary piston is disposed and a secondary piston chamber in which a secondary piston is disposed. The cross-sectional area of the primary piston is larger than the cross-sectional area of the secondary piston. The difference in the cross-sectional areas of the pistons creates an amplification of the pressure in the primary piston chamber and a reduction in flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Bruce J. Compton
  • Patent number: 6699019
    Abstract: A system for pumping water from a well (32) drilled into an underground water source (44) that is operable in association with the windmill (10) having a tower frame (14), a wind driven turbine (12), and a reciprocating pump shaft (16) operably connected to the turbine. The system includes an air pump (20) mechanically linked to the reciprocating pump shaft (16) of the windmill (10) and operable by the direct reciprocating motion of the shaft (16). The air pump (20) operates through the reciprocating motion of the windmill shaft (16) and delivers a flow of compressed air into the well (32) down to a point below the water level within the well (32). An air lift fluid pump (20, 36) is positioned within the well (32) and comprises a submerged mixing chamber wherein compressed air is injected into the mixing chamber forming a buoyant air-water mixture. This buoyant mixture flows towards the surface which in turn draws water up through the fluid conduit (38) to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Craig Myers, Allan Curtis Hogue
  • Patent number: 6672841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pumping device for delivering and metering fluids, in particular medical fluids such as dialysis fluids, with a piston unit having a driving device and a piston and with a membrane unit which has a membrane and a first chamber bordered by the membrane. The pumping device also has a hydraulic unit which has a space to accommodate a hydraulic fluid which is connected to the piston of the piston unit and to the first chamber of the membrane unit. The reliability of metering by such a pumping device is increased by providing a control unit for guaranteeing a predefinable metering rate and/or quantity and also providing a measuring device by means of which the axial position of the piston unit can be determined directly and which can be connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Herklotz, Hans-Peter Schneider, Jörg Bigalke, Rainer Dönig, Jürgen Häcker
  • Patent number: 6644937
    Abstract: A water powered pumping system includes a leverage connected to a water source and moving upward and downward by using a water weight to produce a lever movement, a hydraulic pump pushed by the leverage to move reciprocally, and a water pump pushed by the hydraulic pump to perform a water drawing movement for drawing the water contained in a water source and conveying the water into a water storage tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tai-Kang Han
  • Patent number: 6619930
    Abstract: A system and method for compressing gas uses a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic accumulator to compress gases in gaseous form. The accumulator is divided into a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The pneumatic chamber of the accumulator can be pneumatically connected to a gas supply and a gas receptacle that needs filled. One-way directional flow valves are used to permit the flow of gas from the gas supply to the pneumatic chamber and from the pneumatic chamber to the gas receptacle, but to prevent the flow of gas in the opposite direction. A motor drives the hydraulic pump, which moves pressurized oil into the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator. The pressurized oil within the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator compresses the gas within the pneumatic chamber of the accumulator, forcing the into a tank or other receptacle that needs filled. The invention can be used to compress a variety of gases at different flow rates, volumes, and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mandus Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith Michael Jansen, Kris Martin Jansen
  • Publication number: 20030118459
    Abstract: A hydraulic amplifier system for an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system. The hydraulic amplifier system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a primary piston chamber in which a primary piston is disposed and a secondary piston chamber in which a secondary piston is disposed. The cross-sectional area of the primary piston is larger than the cross-sectional area of the secondary piston. The difference in the cross-sectional areas of the pistons creates an amplification of the pressure in the primary piston chamber and a reduction in flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Bruce J. Compton
  • Patent number: 6554582
    Abstract: A pump has a main unit (18) for pumping a transferred liquid which is actuated by an secondary unit (20) which pumps a working liquid. The secondary unit (20) has a hub (64) which is rotably mounted in a housing (16). The hub has a cylindrical guiding surface (SG) which is rotatable in the housing. A shoulder (FE) axially positions the hub in the housing. The guiding surface and shoulder cooperate with rotation guiding and axial positioning elements on the housing. The hub connects to a swashplate (62) which actuates a piston (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Peugeot Automobiles SA, Siemens VDO Automotive
    Inventor: Alain Belec
  • Publication number: 20030077190
    Abstract: In a reciprocating pump, drive power of a drive-power supply member is transmitted to a diaphragm within a diaphragm drive chamber via operating fluid. An operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber for regulating the flow of operating fluid is located between the drive-power supply member and the diaphragm drive chamber. A first gas discharge member and a second gas discharge member are respectively located in an upper part of the inside of the operating-fluid-flow regulation chamber and an upper part of the inside of the diaphragm drive chamber. The first gas discharge member is held in fluid communication with the second gas discharge member so as to constitute a single gas discharge mechanism. This single gas discharge mechanism is provided with a reverse-flow prevention member for preventing a reverse flow of fluid from the first gas discharge member to the second gas discharge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Shigehisa Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 6551076
    Abstract: An engine type apparatus converts the energy released by the internal combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel directly into high pressure. A power cylinder is physically located opposite one of a gas or liquid work cylinder. The power piston is coupled directly to either the gas/liquid work piston. Gas/liquid, under low pressure, enters the work cylinder to cause the coupled pistons to move and generate the compression stroke. The ignition of compressed fuel and air forces the coupled pistons in the opposite direction and the trapped gas/liquid travels through a one-way valve into one or more high-pressure accumulator(s). The pressure of the gas/liquid drives a pneumatic/hydraulic motor to accomplish work. The process is controlled by load requirements to create an “energy on demand” system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jim L. Boulware
  • Publication number: 20020025263
    Abstract: A device (10) for continuous regulation of the gas flow rate processed by a reciprocating compressor, wherein the reciprocating compressor has at least one first compression piston (35), which is associated with a first cylinder (51), and can create a pressure which is variable over a period of time, and a second piston (13), which acts inside a second cylinder (52), which is in free communication with the said first compression cylinder (51), associated with the said first piston (35), and which acts on an additional dead space (11). The device includes a third fluid mechanics cylinder (12), which moves the said piston (13) of the dead space (11), wherein the third fluid mechanics cylinder (12) is activated by means of a compressed fluid, supplied by means of an independent hydraulic system (14), in order to obtain continuous variation of the dead space (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Franco Graziani, Piero Morganti, Andrea Giusti
  • Patent number: 6322333
    Abstract: A device for enhancing fluid flow in a well, which includes a housing, a first chamber, and a shaft bored surface interconnecting the first and a second chamber, a rotor rotatably mounted within the first chamber and connected to the shaft, a pump impeller rotor rotatably mounted within the second chamber and connected to the shaft in a manner to aid fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Roy Knight
  • Patent number: 6264437
    Abstract: A device enables the pumping of any kind of liquid while giving the liquid very high delivery pressure. The units that cause pumped liquid suction and then its delivery are driven exclusively by hydraulic means excluding mechanical means. So that there is no material contact between the driving units and the pumped product and that the product cannot damage the mechanical driving units, the chamber receiving the hydraulic fluid is, at the end of each compression cycle, placed again in direct communication with the hydraulic fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro Rene Leduc
    Inventor: Louis-Claude Porel
  • Patent number: 6183217
    Abstract: A pilot control valve for controlling a reciprocating pump having a valve member shiftable within a valve body between a first or “downstroke” position and a second or “upstroke” position. When the valve member is in its first position, the valve member allows communication of control fluid to the lower surface of a piston to move the piston from a first position to a second position. As the piston reaches its second position, a vent in a rod attached to the piston allows control fluid acting on the valve member to depressurize. As such control fluid is depressurized, pressurized control fluid acts on the valve member to move the valve member from its first position to its second position. In its second position, the valve member blocks communication of the control fluid to the lower surface of the piston and allows communication of the control fluid to the upper surface of the piston causing the piston to return to its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew C. Elliott, Ray A. Guccione, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6179570
    Abstract: A variable pump control for a hydraulic fan drive is provided to control the speed of the fan between a maximum and a minimum desired value. A proportional solenoid valve arrangement is provided to established a maximum displacement of a variable displacement pump which drive a fluid motor having a cooling fan attached thereto. A variable electrical signal is directed to the proportional solenoid valve arrangement to proportionally reduce the displacement of the pump thus reducing the speed of the cooling fan to a predetermined minimum desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6155792
    Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluids in a wellbore from a subterranean formation. The apparatus includes a tubular housing which is capable of being suspended from its associated upper end in a well bore or hole that communicates with a subterranean formation or oil reservoir. The tubular housing has at least one port or opening where through fluids (e.g. water, oil etc.) pass from the well bore. A pump assembly is contained within the tubular housing such as to be supported thereby. A rotating rod assembly is also contained within the tubular housing and is coupled to the pump assembly for operating the same. A gear assembly is coupled to the rotating rod assembly, and a motor assembly is coupled to the gear assembly while being dependedly attached to the tubular housing. The apparatus additionally includes a filter assembly coupled to the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignees: Canadian Occidential Petroleum Ltd., Option Machine & Repair (1987) Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan C. Hartley, Russell S. J. Krasey, Norman Obst
  • Patent number: 6113357
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Rocky Dobbs
  • Patent number: 6102673
    Abstract: A positive-displacement pump includes multiple pumping elements, each pumping element having a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber and a separating member disposed between the first and second chambers. The first chambers and the second chambers are hydraulically connected to receive and discharge fluid, wherein the separating members move within the pressure vessels in response to pressure differential between the first and second chambers. A valve assembly having suction and discharge valves communicates with the first chambers. The suction and discharge valves are operable to permit fluid to alternately flow into and out of the first chambers. A hydraulic drive alternately supplies hydraulic fluid to and withdraws hydraulic fluid from the second chambers such that the fluid discharged from the first chambers is free of pulsation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Keith C. Mott, deceased, Kenneth L. Pelata, Kenneth W. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6017200
    Abstract: An energy-recovery pump or pumping system includes, in a double action embodiment, first and second cylinders wherein respective first and second pistons, mounted to a common reciprocating piston shaft, are mounted for reciprocating motion. A hydraulic pump drives the common piston shaft back and forth in accordance with a prescribed velocity profile that includes acceleration, constant velocity, and deceleration periods, as well as a short dwell time at the conclusion of each stroke during which the shaft and pistons remain stopped. Each piston divides each cylinder into first and second working volumes. Input and output valves connect a source of fluid with an output header through half of the working volumes in such a way that the fluid is received within whichever working volume is expanding and is pumped from whichever working volume is contracting, as the pistons move back and forth within their respective cylinders during a pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Willard D. Childs, Ali Dabiri
  • Patent number: 6017198
    Abstract: The invention generally concerns a submersible well pumping system comprising an axially elongated housing having a diameter less than the bore hole of the well, a multi-chamber hydraulically driven diaphragm pump, suspended in the well using coiled tubing, in which the coiled tubing contains one or more electrical cables to provide power to the pump from the surface. The pump is driven by a self-contained, closed loop hydraulic system, activated by an electric or hydraulic motor. The flow of working fluid into and out of the pumping chambers is controlled by a two state snap-acting valve, in turn controlled by a sensor which senses the proximity of the working diaphragm and generates an electrical signal to change the state of the valve, typically when either diaphragm reaches the bottom of the pumping stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: Leland B Traylor, John R Nelson
  • Patent number: 5732684
    Abstract: An automotive fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine has a saddle type fuel tank with two lobes, a primary lobe and a secondary lobe, straddling vehicle components therebetween. A primary fuel pump is mounted in the primary lobe with a fuel delivery line extending therefrom for carrying pressurized fuel from the primary fuel pump to the engine, and a pressure actuated auxiliary fuel pump is mounted in the secondary lobe for pumping fuel therefrom to the primary lobe. The auxiliary fuel pump has a drive chamber for receiving pressurized fuel from the input line to urge a drive diaphragm to an extended position, and high hysteresis relief valve means for controllably releasing pressurized fuel from the drive chamber to the secondary lobe to allow the drive diaphragm to contract to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5558502
    Abstract: In a turbo, pump according to the present invention, blades 3e and a shroud 3f are continuously formed with a boss 3c of a turbine wheel 3, a meridian plane configuration of the shroud 3f is formed as an concave arcing rotatable surface. A boss shroud 3f.sub.1 is formed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation O. A portion 3e.sub.2 of a blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1 is smoothly continuous to the boss shroud 3f.sub.1 and largely projects downstream. A portion 3e.sub.3 of the blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1 is formed substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation O. The blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1 is formed with a smooth arc-like curve projecting convexly downstream between the portion 3e.sub.3 and the portion 3e.sub.2. An angle of the blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1 is set to an angle of substantially 0.degree. at the portion 3e.sub.2 of the blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1 and to substantially the conventional degree of angle at the portion 3e.sub.3 of the blade outlet edge 3e.sub.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Pacific Machinery & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Fukazawa, Chugen Chin
  • Patent number: 5536150
    Abstract: This pumping unit stroke reversal invention can be employed in various embodiments, and uses one or more resilient hydraulic-pneumatic accumulators which slow and stop each stoke, storing the kinetic energy, and returning this energy to begin and accelerate the next succeeding stroke. This storing and re-application of energy greatly increases the efficiency of any pumping unit which incorporates the stroke reversal system of this invention. Counterbalance force is mechanical, hydraulic-pneumatic, or a combination of the two, and is applied in linear or rotary fashion. Drive power is applied during the larger central portion of each stroke, either mechanically or hydraulicly, and in either linear or rotary fashion, and the drive mechanism is then passive during the remaining, reversal portions of the stroke cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Joe W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5533868
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention contains at least one pressure vessel having a separator defining two chambers within each pressure vessel. The separator slideably seals the two chambers. Feedstock is placed within a second chamber adjoining the first chamber via a feedstock pump operating in a high volume low head mode. A pressurizer operates in a low volume high pressure mode to pressurize the working fluid and the feedstock in the pressure vessels to a process operating pressure. A circulating pump operates in a high volume, low head mode to circulate feedstock through the process. A fourth pump is used for moving feedstock and product at a pressure below the process operating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Alexander G. Fassbender
  • Patent number: 5498141
    Abstract: A hygienic tank truck pump for pumping liquid articles of food, such as milk, from either a stationary tank to the tank of a tank truck or between the tank truck and a tailer trunk coupled to the tank truck. The hygienic pump includes a side channel pump, a hydraulic motor for driving the side channel pump, and a hydraulic system of the tank truck for supplying hydraulic fluid to the motor. As a result, the tank truck pump is self-priming and presents a high capacity relative to weight and the capability of simple cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: APV Rosista A/S
    Inventor: Frode Agger
  • Patent number: 5468127
    Abstract: A pilot control relay valve to change the directional flow of fluid to a piston (such as, for example, the piston of a chemical injection pump for injecting chemicals at a slow or rapid rate over a long period of time), but also allow the recovery of exhaust fluids under significant back pressure. The pilot control relay valve comprises an elongated valve member shiftable within a valve body between a first and second position. The first position allows communication of control fluid to a first pressure receiving surface while allowing exhausting of fluid from a third or opposing pressure receiving surface, thereby to initiate movement of the valve member against the back pressure of the exhaust fluid from its first position to a position equalizing the pressure acting on a second pressure receiving surface with the pressure of the control fluid, thereby causing the valve member to move to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: CheckPoint Fluidic Systems International Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Elliott, Ray A. Guccione
  • Patent number: 5447026
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil well pump drive system for driving an oil well sucker rod includes a master piston positioned within a master cylinder for axial displacement between first and second ends of the master cylinder. The master piston has a piston drive rod which extends through one end of the master cylinder. The drive rod is connected to a crank pin of an eccentric crank. A center seal assembly divides the master cylinder into a working chamber and a pressure chamber in opposite ends of the master cylinder. Each respective chamber defines a fluid volume which varies with the displacement of the master piston. The master piston displacement creates a bi-directional flow of working fluid from the working chamber. A wellhead hydraulic assembly is operably connected to the oil well sucker rod and is in fluid communication with the master cylinder working chamber to receive the working fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Lloyd Stanley