Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting the presence of a gas in a pump chamber of a pumping system. The methods, and systems employing the methods, involve isolating a pump chamber from its surroundings, for example by closing an inlet and outlet valve on lines to and from the chamber, and determining the volume of the pump chamber with a force applied to a moveable or flexible surface of the pump chamber. The volume of the pump chamber is then redetermined in a similar fashion but with a second, different level of force applied to the surface of the pump chamber. The volumes thus determined can then be compared to detect the presence of a gas in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A double-acting pump having two cavities, each of which is divided into an operating chamber and a working chamber by means of a respective movable partition wall. Each of the operating and working chambers is provided with a valve-controlled inlet and outlet for a gaseous driving medium and a pump-transported liquid working medium. A movement transmission device extends between the movable partition walls and transmits movement of one partition wall to the other and vice versa. This movement transmission device includes a spring element for compression and expansion in the movement transmission direction such that a distance between the partition walls is variable as one partition wall can move independently of the other wall responsive to relative gas pressure in the operating chambers.

Abstract: The compact, easily useable metering pump results from a structure including a housing (20) with a pumping chamber (34) within the housing (20). A diaphragm (36) is located in the pumping chamber (34). An inlet includes a check valve (50) for allowing fluid to flow to one side of the diaphragm (36) but not the reverse and an outlet including a check valve (56) allows fluid to flow from the pumping chamber (34) but not into it. A pneumatically operated hydraulic pump (16) is located in the housing (20) and cycles the diaphragm (36).

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having an active feedback system is provided. The diaphragm pump includes a diaphragm pump having a housing including a pumping cavity. The pump cavity having at least one diaphragm dividing the pumping cavity into a first pumping chamber and a first pump actuating chamber. A rod is attached to and reciprocally movable along an axis with the at least one diaphragm with the rod including a ferromagnetic material. An induction coil disposed around the rod wherein relative axial movement between the inductance coil and the ferromagnetic material of the rod varies the inductance of the induction coil. Also provided is a diaphragm pump having an active feedback system in which the rod has an electrically conductive, diametrically tapered portion. A linear displacement sensor is disposed next to the tapered portion which induces a current in the tapered portion and generates an output voltage proportional to a relative position between the linear displacement sensor and the tapered portion.

Abstract: A reversing valve for a compressed air membrane pump in which an equilibrium state of the main piston in the neutral position, leading to stoppage of the pump, is prevented by disposing the main system piston and the pilot system piston immediately adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for pumping a fluid, such as paint, includes a diaphragm separating a first chamber for accommodating and dispensing the paint from a second chamber for accommodating a drive fluid, and a piston that reciprocates to drive the drive fluid within the second chamber in order to flex the diaphragm to provide the pumping action within the first chamber. The diaphragm pump also includes a backing ring mounted adjacent the diaphragm that is configured to distribute the drive fluid across the diaphragm to cause a flexible region of the diaphragm to flex toward the first chamber from the outer perimeter inward toward a central pumping surface in a rolling manner. This diaphragm movement results in substantially all of the paint adjacent the diaphragm within the first chamber to move out of the first chamber when the diaphragm reaches its travel limit, and thus improves the efficiency of the diaphragm pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid apparatus in which two or more kinds of chemical liquids can be rapidly stirred and mixed in a pump to a uniform concentration. A barrier membrane (7) such as a bellows or a diaphragm that is reciprocally moved in the axial direction is disposed in a pump body (1) so as to form a liquid chamber (9) between the barrier membrane and an inner wall (4a) of the pump body (1). A suction port (18) and a discharge port (19) are disposed in the inner wall (4a) of the pump body (1). Supply pipes (5A) and (5B) respectively for the two or more kinds of chemical liquids are pipe-connected to an inlet portion of the suction port (18) so as to join together.

Abstract: A fluid processing assembly is used in association with a cassette that conveys fluid and a holder to hold the cassette. A door is carried by the holder for movement between an opened position to expose the holder and a closed position enclosing the cassette in the holder. The door carries an expandable gasket. The expandable gasket normally rests, when the door is in the closed position, in a relaxed state out of sealing contact with the held cassette. An actuator applies pressure to the expandable gasket to achieve, when the door is in the closed position, an expanded state in sealing contact against the held cassette. The assembly also includes a latch assembly on the door and holder, which makes engagement when the door is in the closed position. The engagement is unlocked when the gasket rests in the relaxed state. The engagement becomes locked when the gasket achieves the expanded state.

Abstract: An air driven double diaphragm pump including two opposed pump chambers with an air motor having air chambers therebetween. The pump chambers and air chambers form pumping cavities divided by diaphragms. Each pump chamber includes an inlet ball valve and outlet ball valve. An inlet manifold is positioned below the pump chambers and an outlet manifold above. Tie-rods extend both across the pump from one pump chamber to the other with nuts to place the assembly in compression. Tie-rods also extend from the outlet manifold through the pump chambers, to the inlet manifold and to feet mounted therebelow. Two plates, one to either side of the air motor extend to grooves in the inlet and outlet manifold and also extend to grooves in the pump chambers so as to close of the side of the pump structure. With the plates, an outlet manifold is provided from which air may be exhausted remotely. The ball valves include small diametrical clearance and a limitation on lift for added performance.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A fluid powered diaphragm pump is provided which includes three means for supplementing the pilot valve signal to the main fluid valve spool. The means include a cross porting of the main fluid valve spool, or engineered orifices that communicate pressurized air being delivered to one of the inner diaphragm chambers of the pump to the main fluid valve spool by way of either the intermediate bracket or the pilot valve housing. Design features also include the location of the pilot valve assembly immediately below the pressurized fluid inlet cap and between the inlet cap and the main fluid valve assembly. Further, an integrated exhaust muffler is mounted directly to the main fluid valve housing and the main fluid valve housing includes a segmented sleeve assembly which makes it easier to service the main fluid valve assembly and, specifically, the main fluid valve spool.

Abstract: An external regeneration mechanism including a housing having two chambers and a displaceable member disposed between said two chambers and at least two passages are defined on said housing. The first passage is communicating with the first chamber and the filter outlet and the second passage is communicating with the second chamber and the filter inlet of same filter. A rod having an external handle is coupled to said displaceable member and is adapted to move by an external source of power said displaceable member linearly back and forth in order to dislodge particles and filter aid material from the external surface of the filter element.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure sensing apparatus for use in a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. The diaphragm failure sensing apparatus includes a fluid conduit for connection with each of the motive gas chambers of the diaphragm pump, a sensor chamber connected to the fluid conduit, and a check valve located in the fluid conduit for alternately connecting the sensor chamber to the motive gas chambers. Also provided is a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. A fluid conduit is disposed between and connected individually to each of the motive gas chambers and a sensor chamber is connected to the fluid conduit which is alternately connected to the motive gas chambers by a check valve located in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A diaphragm piston pump with n (at least two) pump chambers each defined by a diaphragm, for mounting on a drive mechanism with n pistons, wherein the pump head with the diaphragms, the pump chambers and with covers is placed on the drive mechanism. The pump head is divided into n+l pump head elements which are arranged next to each other in a row in such a way that the respectively second pump head element forms the cover as well as the pump chamber for the previously arranged pump head element on which it is mounted, wherein the diaphragms are braced between the pump head elements and are aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pistons.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump driven by alternating charges of air includes air chambers and pump chambers to form pump cavities. Diaphragms extend across the pump cavities and are held by their periphery between the mating pump chambers and air chambers. Elbows are coupled with the pump chambers at the inlets and outlets thereof with each of the elbows being identical and including a valve cavity to receive a ball valve. Each ball valve includes a seat with a threaded portion accommodated in either the elbow when the elbow is used at the inlet or the pump chamber at the outlet. The ball valves further include a ball and a ball cage. The components are sized to insure that when the ball is fully unseated, the minimum cross-sectional flow area is at the pump outlet. Sealing surfaces are associated with the valve seat and the associated structure to receive a compressible seal. Annular bolting flanges allow components to be reoriented for particular applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pumping device for two-cycle engines with at least a one-piece housing, on which a pulse air connector (14), which is pneumatically connected with the crankcase of the two-cycle engine, a fuel aspiration connector and a fuel pressure connector are arranged, in which a diaphragm (41) on which pulse air acts, drives a pump piston (22) in connection with a diaphragm disk (42), in the course of which fuel being supplied from the tank (1) at the fuel aspiration connector during the pump aspiration stroke is aspirated via a flap valve (61) into the compression chamber (51) located upstream of the pump piston, and is pumped during the compression stroke via a further flap valve (71) into the fuel pressure connector and into a reservoir (73) and/or an injection valve (5). The pulse air connector (14) terminates in a housing chamber (13) located between the diaphragm (41) and the pump piston (22), and at least one spring element (15, 35, 94) acts on each side of the diaphragm (41).

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for pressure processing of pumpable substances are shown and described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a pressure vessel. The inlet valve has an inlet port, and is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and to the pressure vessel. The outlet valve has an outlet port and is coupled to the pressure vessel. When the inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve is closed, a volume of pumpable substance may flow into the pressure vessel. The inlet valve is then closed and the outlet valve remains closed, and the pumpable substance within the pressure vessel may be pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period of time. The outlet valve is then opened, allowing the pumpable substance to be discharged.

Abstract: A fluid actuated fuel pump assembly including a body 12 having saucer-like sections 54 defining separate concave inlet 14 and outlet 16 hollows and a cylindrical central section 52 defining a fuel intake passage 48 for admitting fuel and extending in the opposite direction to a fuel outlet passage 50. A first pulse cover 18 is disposed over the inlet hollow 14 and a first flexible diaphragm 20 is sandwiched between the first pulse cover 18 and one saucer-like section 54 to define a first pulse chamber 22 and a first pumping chamber 24. A second pulse cover 26 is disposed over the outlet hollow 16 and a second flexible diaphragm 28 is sandwiched between the second pulse cover 26 and the other saucer-like section 54 to define a second pumping chamber 30 and a second pulse chamber 32.

Abstract: An air driven double diaphragm pump has two opposed pumping cavities with diaphragms extending thereacross. A shaft extends between the diaphragms and through an actuator housing. The housing includes a control valve assembly having a control valve to direct pressurized air to one or the other of the dual pumping cavities and two relief valves which cooperate with the pump shaft position to release air from one end or the other of the control valve for the shifting thereof. Shuttle valve elements are positioned between the control valve and the pumping chambers. The shuttle valve elements are slidably positioned within the valve cavities to move between extreme positions under the pressures within the input and the pumping cavity. In one extreme position, the pumping cavity is in communication with an exhaust having a tapered passage. In the other, the exhaust is cut off and pressurized air is able to pass through a one-way valve in a passageway through the shuttle valve element to charge the pumping chamber.

Abstract: An air driven double diaphragm pump including two opposed pump chambers with an air motor having air chambers therebetween. The pump chambers and air chambers form pumping cavities divided by diaphragms. Each pump chamber includes an inlet ball valve and outlet ball valve. An inlet manifold is positioned below the pump chambers and an outlet manifold above. Tie-rods extend both across the pump from one pump chamber to the other with nuts to place the assembly in compression. Tie-rods also extend from the outlet manifold through the pump chambers, to the inlet manifold and to feet mounted therebelow. Two plates, one to either side of the air motor extend to grooves in the inlet and outlet manifold and also extend to grooves in the pump chambers so as to close of the side of the pump structure. With the plates, an outlet manifold is provided from which air may be exhausted remotely. The ball valves include small diametrical clearance and a limitation on lift for added performance.

Abstract: A liquid/gas pump includes a stainless steel strip of uniform width that is encased within a flexible and liquid/gas impermeable plastic tube whose inner diameter is only somewhat less than the width of the metal strip. The tube is thus deformed to a generally elliptical shape, and the longitudinal edges of the metal strip are sealed by physical contact with the inner diameter of the plastic tube. Two elongated passageways are thus formed, one passageway being above the metal strip, and the other passageway being below the metal strip. A linear series of bistable position and somewhat overlapping shallow domes are formed into the metal strip. As one end of the plastic tube and metal strip assembly is reciprocated relative to the other end, the metal domes pop from one side of the metal strip to the other side. As a result, the volume of a first passageway increases as the volume of the other passageway decreases.

Abstract: A governor for fluid powered diaphragm pumps is shown and described. At least one pump member or oscillatory member moves in response to the varying pressures in the inner chambers of the diaphragm pump. Thus, each pump member or oscillatory member moves at the frequency at which the pump operates. Each pump member pumps fluid through a hydraulic circuit. The fluid flowing through the hydraulic circuit moves a flow regulator disposed in the line that provides communication between the air or power fluid supply and the main air valve or main valve with a pump. In the event the pump operates too fast or at too high a frequency, the pump member or members will pump hydraulic fluid through the circuit at a sufficient flowrate so as to move the flow regulator to a position where it reduces the flow rate of power fluid to the main valve of the pump.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is provided with a diaphragm defining a pump chamber and a drive chamber in the pump housing, a driving fluid is supplied to the drive chamber and a pump fluid is expelled from the pump chamber. The diaphragm pump is provided with pressure control means which, when the pressure in the pump chamber surpasses the pressure in the drive chamber neighboring the pump chamber across the diaphragm, controls the pressure of the driving fluid based upon output signals from pressure sensors in such a manner that the pressure in the fluid chamber will become higher than the pressure in the neighboring drive chamber. This makes it possible to prevent a diaphragm reversal phenomenon, wherein a diaphragm that should expand toward the pump chamber contracts toward the drive chamber instead during reciprocation of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A delivery blood storing member-equipped blood reservoir tank has a blood reservoir tank portion, and a delivery blood storing member that communicates with a blood outlet formed in the blood reservoir tank portion. The delivery blood storing member allows blood to flow out of an interior thereof when pressed from outside. The delivery blood storing member reserves amounts of blood in accordance with the height of liquid surface in the blood reservoir tank portion if the amount of blood in the blood reservoir tank portion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The delivery blood storing member includes a body part that is formed from a hard material, and a flexible diaphragm whose peripheral end is fixed to the delivery blood storing member body part. The diaphragm produces substantially no self-restoring force against deformation.

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 pump for ultra-pure fluids, such as hot, de-ionized water, processing acids, and the like, such as those used in the semiconductor processing industries, is designed to operate at greater than 10 and often 30 or 50 million cycles without failure, and to be failclean. A diaphragm pump maintains a free diaphragm, supported in a contoured chamber for driving and being driven by a piston, able to move radially, rather than absorbing misalignment or distortions. A self-energizing, self-centering, trapezoidal seal captures a constant-thickness diaphragm between a head and body forming the chamber of the pump, separating a body portion and a head portion. An oriented, calendered, multi-layered chlorofluorocarbon diaphragm may be the same material chemically as the body, head, or both. Non-reactive pilots control an operating (motive) fluid, detecting the end-of-stroke whether near the head or near the body.

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.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type double-acting process pump has a reduced number of members to be assembled to a center plate and also a reduced number of hermetically sealed portions. A space defined by the center plate, together with a side cover and a side body, which are provided on both sides, respectively, of the center plate, is divided by two diaphragms into left and right driving chambers inside the diaphragms and left and right pump chambers outside the diaphragms. The left and right pump chambers are communicated with a suction opening through check valves and also communicated with a discharge opening through check valves. The center plate is fitted in a recess formed in the side body, and the side cover is brought into contact with both the side body and the center plate to clamp the center plate by the side cover and the side body.

Abstract: Known tank systems have an adsorption filter in order to accept degassing constituents of the fuel in a fuel tank. Such tank systems have to be tested for leaks and a pump appliance is provided for this purpose. The pump appliance is fitted to a ventilation conduit of the adsorption filter in order to supply a defined volume to the tank system so that an increase in pressure in the tank system is effected. In order to determine whether the tank system is pressure-tight, ample time is left after the pressure build-up in order that, if pressure decays, the conclusion can be drawn that there is a leak. The pump appliance according to the invention possesses an electromagnetic valve which has a vacuum connection connected to an induction pipe of an internal combustion engine in order to adjust, alternately, vacuum and ambient pressure in a pump space so that the pressure forces move a pump diaphragm in order to pump air into a ventilation conduit of an adsorption filter.

Abstract: An electric shifting mechanism for a fluid-powered diaphragm pump is provided. The shifting mechanism includes a controller programmed to switch the pump at timed intervals, a solenoid valve and an end of stroke valve. The end of stroke valve translates the pneumatic end of stroke signals generated by the pilot valve into electric signals. The electric signals are then transmitted to the controller. The controller sends timed switch signals to an operator of the solenoid valve. The operator shifts the solenoid valve which transmits a pilot signal generated from the compressed air supply to either the right or the left pilot signal port of the main air valve. The main air valve does not receive pilot signals directly from the pilot valve but, in turn, receives its pilot signals from the solenoid valve which receives signals from the controller. The controller receives end of stroke signals from the end of stroke valve which translates the pneumatic signals generated by the pilot valve into electric signals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid transfer system including two elongated fluid transfer chambers, fluid inlet and outlet arrangements at each end of each chamber, oppositely directed one-way inlet and outlet valves in the inlet and outlet arrangement at a first end of each chamber for controlling the flow of a driven fluid into and out of the chamber, oppositely direted inlet and outlet controlled valves in the inlet and outlet arrangement at the second end of each chamber for controlling the flow of a drive fluid into and out of the chamber, a pressure balancing arrangement including a port in each of the controlled valves, an actuator on each controlled valve which is adapted to open and to close the valve and the pressure balancing port in the valve, and a control system which is connected to the actuators of each of the controlled valves for proportionally opening and closing the controlled inlet valves of each chamber in exact opposite phase to each other and for opening and closing the controlled chamb

Abstract: A diaphragm type carburetor is disclosed wherein a cantilever portion is used to augment the resilience of a first diaphragm and return it to an undeformed position during the neutral signal produced by a 4-cycle engine. The cantilever portion cooperates with the intermittent vacuum signal from the crankcase piped to one side of the first diaphragm so as to oscillate the diaphragm and draw fuel from the fuel tank of the engine into the carburetor. The device is also suited for use with 2-cycle engines which produce both vacuum and pressure pulses wherein the cantilever portion is used to augment either pulse to improve the performance of the fuel diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid powered diaphragm pump with an adjustable stroke is provided. The stroke of the pump is adjusted by providing an inner diaphragm plate assembly that includes a retractable piston. The piston is biased towards the inner plate by one or more standoffs that attach the piston to the plate. The bias of the piston is overcome by pressurized fluid that is communicated to a chamber defined by the piston and the inner plate. The fluid may be communicated to the chamber through the diaphragm rod. The inner diaphragm plate assemblies of both diaphragm chambers may be connected to different pressurized fluid supplies there enabling the stroke or capacity of the two diaphragm chambers to be controlled independently. As a result, the stroke or capacity of the two diaphragm chambers may differ.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a pair of diaphragms, tube connectors, pump chambers, channel paths, and valves. A disposable dialysate delivery set for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a cassette, multiple liquid flow paths, multiple valves, tube connectors, and disposable flexible plastic tubes to convey dialysate to and from the patient and other locations within the system. A system for performing peritoneal dialysis includes disposable supply containers of fresh dialysate, a cassette including a pump, a disposable heater container, and conduits for carrying fresh dialysate and carrying heated dialysate.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and easy to operate plural component dispensing apparatus is made up of one or more double sided pumps, such as an air-operated double diaphragm pump. The manifolding on the pumps is divided so that each side of the pump pumps one of the components of the plural component material with an integrator (18) attached to the outputs of the two sides to bring the out-of-phase output of the pump into phase. Diaphragm type isolation valves (116) are optionally provided on the output of each side of the pump in order to prevent back flow of mixed material. In the event that ratios other than 1:1 are required, more than one such pump may be used together in order to result in a variety of ratios.

Abstract: A pump having a center section including an actuator housing and an air valve is arranged with air chambers to either side of the actuator housing. Diaphragms are associated with the air chambers to create enclosed cavities for alternately pressurizing and venting the air chambers. Pumping chambers are positioned outwardly of the diaphragms and assembled with intake and exhaust manifolds and one-way valves to pump materials with operation of the diaphragms. The actuator uses a pilot shifting shaft which is shuttled by movement of the diaphragms. An air valve is controlled by the pilot shifting shaft to control flow to and from the air chambers. Diffusers include outwardly tapered oblong holes with ports from the air valves. An expansion chamber surrounds the diffusers and a exit to a standard muffler provides a smaller cross-sectional area than the diffuser outlet cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is powered by fluctuating pressure in a pressurized conduit. A three way valve is cycled to alternately pressurize and vent the pump. A power diaphragm drives a piston having a skirt with a reduced end wall to displace a quantity of hydraulic fluid from a pump chamber to drive a pumping diaphragm. An inlet of the pump admits a quantity of fluid to be discharged via a pump outlet. A spring component biases the piston to return same upon venting of the pressurized conduit. The diaphragm pump is shown in a pumping system wherein a primary pump and an intermittently cycled three way valve operate the diaphragm pump to inject fluid into the output conduit from the primary pump.

Abstract: A reagent pump assembly for metering precise volumes of fluids, such as reagent, for an analytical instrument, such as a clinical hematology or flow cytometer instrument. The assembly includes a multilayer block having a plurality of diaphragm pumps interposed between two of the layers, controlled by application of one of vacuum or pressure, in sequence, to fill the reservoirs and expel the contents of the pump. One-way check valves are used to control the fluid flow from the reservoirs of fluids to the fluid outlet ports. The fluid outlet ports may be directly coupled to fluid inlet ports of a compatible unified flow circuit, which contains reaction chambers and a plurality of sample aliquots. Thus, the reagent pump assembly can be used to combine and mix a sample aliquots with a precise amount of reagent in a reaction chamber, preparatory for analyzing the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A blood reservoir includes a blood tank, a blood accumulator connected in fluid communication with an outlet of the tank for receiving blood from the tank, and a pumping device for driving the accumulator to displace blood out of the accumulator. The accumulator typically in the form of a flexible bag is adapted to store blood in an amount proportional to the volume of blood in the tank when the volume of blood in the tank is reduced below a predetermined value. The pumping device is operated for intermittent blood delivery and can regulate the amount of blood displaced out of the accumulator.

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump having two, opposed pumping cavities. A center section assembly between the pumping cavities includes a cylinder and a power amplifier piston. The power amplifier piston as well as the diaphragms are coupled with a common control shaft. A valve assembly is arranged with a manifold to receive pressurized air and distribute that air in alternating fashion to the sides of the power amplifier piston as well as to each of the diaphragms. By directing pressure to a side of the power amplifier piston facing the same direction as the diaphragm receiving pressure, an amplified pressure on a pump chamber is experienced. With the power amplifier piston being approximately twice as large as the diaphragm assembly, an amplification of three times the is pressure on the pump chamber is experienced. Both pump chambers are able to operate to pump material.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump the output of which is infinitely variable between a slow pulsatile flow and increased up to a sharply pulsed flow rate until the pulses run together and a smooth flow results, and which may be varied between wide output pressure and frequency limits. The pump is comprised of a pneumatic control circuit, at least two pneumatically isolated compression chambers, and a novel inlet/outlet pump cartridge and condition-responsive locking means. Operation of the pump is controlled by the use of novel tactile pneumatic response switches. Each compression chamber is communicated with a supply of working fluid through the cartridge. Means are provided for varying the operation of the pneumatic circuit and hence the pump. A flow of pressurized fluid, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the operating media of the pneumatic circuit, although other fluids may be used. Means for monitoring and adjusting pump system parameters are also provided.

Abstract: An integral valve diaphragm pump has a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer and a flexible membrane therebetween. Concave surfaces in the two rigid layers form a pump. The pump includes an actuating chamber which is alternately connected to a source of pressure and a source of vacuum. A pump chamber is connected to a fluid source and a fluid receiver through a filling check valve and a dispensing check valve, respectively. Duckbill and spring loaded ball check valves are disclosed.

Abstract: A backup washer for clamping a diaphragm having a flexible washer disposed next to a rigid washer, the flexible washer including a material less stiff than a material of the rigid washer. The flexible washer may include an elastomer material such as rubber. A flexible washer having a varied stiffness profile may also be provided to the face by incorporating materials having different stiffnesses, contouring, or both. The rigid washer may include a metal, plastic, composite materials, or combinations of these and may also be bowed or ribbed. The flexible washer and rigid washer of the backup washer may mechanically fastened, bonded, or molded together. A diaphragm pump having a diaphragm which is clamped by at least one backup washer having a flexible washer which includes a material less stiff than the material of the diaphragm and a rigid washer next to the flexible washer which includes a material more stiff than the diaphragm material.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: An air operated double diaphragm pump is provided with an air valve assembly which allows the valve cup to move in a rectangular pattern.

Abstract: A three-piece combination spacer and shim assembly is provided for an air operated diaphragm pump. The spacer/shim assembly is disposed between adjacent parts of the manifold assemblies of the pumps to alleviate dimensional stack up and misalignment problems associated with the manifold assemblies of air operated diaphragm pumps. The assemblies provide a seal between the spacer component and the adjoining flanges of the manifold components.

Abstract: A gas transfer system is provided for establishing or maintaining a predetermined gas pressure within a plenum, such as a tire. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas transfer system includes a power source, a pressure sensor, a control unit, and a gas transfer mechanism. Preferably, a gas transfer mechanism includes a micromechanical device, comprising one or more pumping units that transfer gas from one pressure zone to another. In one embodiment, pumping is accomplished, in part, by heating the gas within a sealable chamber of a pumping unit to cause the pressure of the gas to increase. In another embodiment, the change in pressure of the gas caused by compression of a tire provides a pumping force. Valves are provided for regulating movement of the gas through the gas transfer mechanism and can include electromechanical valves responsive to signals from the control unit, or passively biased valves responsive to applied gas pressure.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the stroke length of an axially reciprocating shaft in a double-diaphragm pump between a leftmost shaft position and a rightmost shaft position. In one embodiment, the control system includes a marker on the shaft of the pump. A sensor is positioned adjacent to the shaft and located along the longitudinal axis of the shaft with respect to the marker to sense a change in the position of the marker when the shaft is at the leftmost and rightmost positions. The sensor sends signals to a controller that in turn sends a response signal to a driver. The drive alternates directing pressurized air to a first air cell and a second air cell to selectively reciprocate the shaft in a desired direction between the leftmost and rightmost shaft positions.

Abstract: A capsule-type dosing pump wherein the minimum volume of the pump capsule is reduced substantially to zero through use of a stationary capsule wall which is shaped so as to complement, i.e., to conform to, the bulged-out shape of the capsule diaphragm when in its most forward position, and wherein means are provided for ensuring that the capsule diaphragm, when in its most forward position thereof, will lie flush against the complementary surface of the stationary capsule wall so as to prevent pockets of liquids from forming therebetween.