Abstract: The invention provides a pump comprising at least one piston (26, 28) movable in a reciprocating manner within a chamber (12), sealing means (32a, 32b) located between the piston (26, 28) and the interior wall of the chamber (12), and venting means (36) for venting a portion of the chamber (12) bounded by the interior wall, the piston (26, 28) and the sealing means (32a, 32b), wherein the venting means (36) incorporates pressure regulating means (40) such that the pressure to which the said portion of the chamber (12) is vented can be regulated. This reduces the pressure differences across the or each sealing means and thus reduces deterioration and damage.

Abstract: A fluid-driven reciprocating pump includes a housing and a reciprocating assembly defining first and second working fluid chambers. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet for introduction and exhaustion of the working fluid. A valve member slidably moves against a valve surface between a first position, in which communication is established between the first working fluid chamber and either the power fluid inlet or outlet, and a second position in which communication is established between the second working fluid chamber and the same inlet or outlet. The reciprocating assembly includes a rod which moves in response to the introduction and exhaustion of the power fluid into and out of the first and second working chambers. A control valve actuator shifts the valve member between the first and second positions in response to the movement of the reciprocating rod and also urges the valve member toward the valve surface to form a fluid-tight union therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel pump for a two-stroke internal combustion engines, having a pump chamber with an inlet valve for connecting to a fuel delivery pump. An outlet valve for connecting to an injection nozzle of the engine, and an axially driven pump piston which defines the pump chamber. For the purposes of a simple structural embodiment for reasonably priced manufacture and flexible fuel metering, a stop is provided, which defines the intake stroke of the pump piston and whose relative position to the bottom dead center of the pump piston can be controlled as a function of operating parameters of the engine.

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.

Abstract: In a micro diaphragm pump which has a pump body consisting of two parts, one part including two valve chambers with a pump chamber disposed therebetween and in communication with the valve chambers by passages, a diaphragm extends across and closes the chambers and forms, in the areas of the valve chambers, valve membranes for inlet and outlet valves which are integrally formed, both on one side of the diaphragm, both pump body parts being sealingly connected to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump including a pump housing having a first housing side and a second housing side; a first unitary manifold flow connected to the first housing side; a second unitary manifold flow connected to the second housing side. The first and second unitary manifolds are adapted to be flow connected to either the first or second housing sides. The diaphragm pump also includes a pump inlet manifold and a pump discharge manifold. The pump inlet and discharge manifolds each have a first end, a second end, a first flow port at one of the ends and a second flow port located along the manifold between the two manifold ends. Both of said manifolds are adapted to be flow connected to the first and second unitary manifolds.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved pressure transfer module having, in one embodiment, two double-diaphragm pumps each having its diaphragms connected to one another by a respective drive shaft for reciprocating motion. Spool valve assemblies are mounted directly on the connecting shafts of each pump and arranged to maintain the operation of the two diaphragms of the pumps 90.degree. out of phase in that each such assembly constitutes pressurized water control valves for the other pump. The two pumps are mounted with the drive shafts at 90.degree. to one another, and arranged to pump in sequence so that a complete pumping cycle comprises four pumping strokes, one every 90.degree.. To insure reversal of motion of the shafts in proper phase, the invention includes either two, meshed square cams and cam surfaces formed on respective shafts connecting the pumping surfaces, or a floating crankshaft with each end pivoted in one of the connecting shafts.

Abstract: A liquid material dispenser, for use, for example, in dispensing liquid medicine over an extended period of time, which includes a housing (10) enclosing a reservoir (12) for storing the liquid to be dispensed and having an outlet (14) through which the liquid is dispensed, and a connecting passageway (16) between the reservoir and the outlet. Located in the passageway is a diaphragm (18), one side of which defines a pumping chamber (20) and the other side of which defines a pressure control chamber (22). The diaphragm (18) is cyclically displaceable through a pumping stroke for pumping liquid through the outlet (14) and a drawing stroke for drawing liquid from the reservoir (12). Also located in the passageway (16) are a pair of valves (30, 33) which serve, during the drawing stroke, to cause the diaphragm (18) to draw liquid from the reservoir (12) into the pumping chamber (20), and during the pumping stroke, to cause the diaphragm (18) to pump liquid from the pumping chamber (20) through the outlet (14).

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: Insulation is provided in the form of wall insulation, piston or diaphragm insulation and/or piston rod and/or diaphragm washer insulation to increase the temperature in the working air chamber of an air motor of the piston or diaphragm type to reduce the formation of ice on exhaust.

Abstract: This invention involves a balanced single stage linear compressor with an oil-filled cavity to equalize pressure on the diaphragm. The oil-filled cavity further includes a volume compensating gas chamber and a passive balancer. A balance mass is attached to the bellows and is supported by a fluid film bearing. The balance mass is arranged so that the oil displaced by the piston acts on the mass and displaces the mass in a direction opposite to that of the piston thereby balancing the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for peritoneal dialysis establish flow communication between a patient's peritoneal cavity and a drain through a pump chamber having generally vertically spaced upper and lower regions andt a diaphragm. The systems and methods operate the pump chamber, with the upper and lower regions oriented generally vertically, by applying fluid pressure to the diaphragm. The systems and methods direct liquid to the patient's peritoneal cavity only from the lower region of the pump chamber. In this way, the improved systems and methods collect air in the upper region of the vertically oriented pump chamber, while isolating the patient's peritoneal cavity from air in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir to a patient. The device includes an inlet channel in communication with a fluid reservoir and a dosing chamber, and an outlet channel disposed in communication with the dosing chamber. A reciprocating dosing actuator is moveable in a reciprocating motion between first and second positions for alternately (i) transporting a dose of fluid conveyed by the inlet channel into the intermediate dosing chamber, and (ii) ejecting the dose from the dosing chamber through the outlet channel to the patient, respectively.

Abstract: An engine for driving a piston arrangement for pumping water from an inlet to an outlet at a higher level is disclosed. The engine includes a hollow housing having an inlet and an outlet between which liquid passes, the housing at least partly enclosing a chamber through which the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet. A movable wall is mounted in the housing and partly defines the chamber. A valve is provided to open and close the outlet so that when it closes, liquid in the chamber is suddenly decelerated producing an increase in pressure in the chamber to force the wall to move to a direction so as to increase the volume of the chamber. After an initial increase in the pressure, the water relaxes and the pressure decreases to such an extent that a spring will open the valve and the spring returns the wall to the position of decreased volume in the chamber. Thus, the wall is caused to reciprocate under the influence of pressure of the liquid increasing and decreasing as the valve is opened and shut.

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 diaphragms. The actuator uses a pilot shifting shaft which is shuttled by movement of the diaphragms. An air valve is controlled by the shuttle shifting shaft to control flow to and from the air chambers. The passageways from the air chambers to exhaust find the passage to the outlet being at least as restrictive to air flow as the remainder of the passageways so as to prevent major pressure decreases within the actuator body. A diffuser includes a thin space between two surfaces into which the exhaust is directed. One of the surfaces is associated with a porous block of material. Exhausting air is distributed within the space and then passed through the porous block of material.

Abstract: Provision is made for an air control valve to bypass the ice forming exhaust of a reciprocating pressure activation chamber in a reciprocating double diaphragm pump utilizing the supply pressure to close a check valve in line between the valve and the chamber which is then opened to exhaust by exhaust fluid flow from the chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump housing is designed for molding out of plastic and utilizes a ribbing design which allows a high degree of strength while using a minimal amount of material and/or material having lesser strength. The rib design has an outer circumferencial rib about the periphery of the pump housing and a plurality of radial extending ribs extend outwardly from the center of the housing to the outer circumferencial rib. Fastener apertures are used to tie together the parts of the pump and the fastener apertures are located between the radial extending ribs in the outer circumferencial rib. An intermediate circumferencial rib is provided adjacent the outer circumferencial rib. The height of the ribs increases from the center of the housing outwardly to the outer circumference. The radial and the circumferencial ribs are the same height at locations where they intersect. This high strength design also allows use of one piece inlet and outlet manifolds without undue flexing or leakage.

Abstract: A double acting, fluid actuated pump is disclosed. The pump includes a pair of diaphragms interconnected by a piston. Each diaphragm is formed of resilient material and comprises a central portion for attachment to the piston, a peripheral portion for attachment to a surrounding housing and an intermediate conical portion extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. A first hinge merges the intermediate portion with the central portion. A second hinge merges the intermediate portion with the peripheral portion. Each hinge comprises an annular protuberance extending out of an extension of the cone of the intermediate portion such that a portion of the first hinge and a corresponding portion of the second hinge project from opposite sides of the cone to provide a reliable, fatigue resistant, diaphragm. Valving for the pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: A windshield washer control system for a vehicle having an air pressure source includes an electrically actuated control valve for controlling communication between the air pressure source and a bladder pump which squirts windshield washer fluid up to the windshield of the vehicle. A fluid restricting orifice is opened and closed by a solenoid actuator such that the pressure communicated to the bladder pump is limited to be below that of the air pressure reservoir. A second orifice controls communication from the pump to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump which provides a low internal volume and minimizes volume contributions for applications which require the transfer of fluid volumes on the order of one to several microliters. The pump includes a plunger which reciprocates within a bore and applies fluid pressure to a diaphragm of a head cavity that is connected to the cylinder bore. Hydraulic feed and vent passages connect to the cylinder bore at a point where the end of the plunger passes during reciprocal movement to ensure that the amount of hydraulic fluid within the cylinder bore is consistent during each stroke of the plunger. The pump is particularly useful for supplying receptor media to a Franz cell.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis device (10) with a balancing chamber (28), which is divided into two balancing chamber halves (32 and 34) by a membrane (30), with an introduction line arrangement (16, 20, 22, 24), a discharge arrangement (22, 24, 20, 62), a catheter line arrangement (36, 38, 42), a valve arrangement (46-52), a pump arrangement (60, 108, 110) and a control unit (82), which switches the balancing chamber halves (32 and 34) in the filling or emptying operation with the aid of the valve arrangement (46-52).The peritoneal dialysis device (10, 106) operates under pressure monitoring volumetrically in the filling phase and pressure-controlled in the emptying phase, and determines the volume of dialysis fluid introduced or discharged from the number of balancing chamber strokes and the ultrafiltration volume from the difference of these.

Abstract: The head, rolling diaphragm, intake and discharge ports form a single module, separate and easily removable from the principle cylinder of a rolling diaphragm filling unit. The rolling diaphragm may be fixed or removably attached to the head. Intake and discharge valves of various types may be mounted directly in the head, or may be mounted remote to the head module and fluidly connected directly to the head by tubing. Flanges of the rolling diaphragm provide an air and liquid tight seal between the head and base and removably attached to the head so as to facilitate visual inspection of the product contact surfaces of the head cavity prior to clamping the head module to the base.

Abstract: A pneumatic assist valve receives constant air pressure from supply air to provide the pneumatic assist to shift the pilot, eliminating false signals acting on the trip rod and the design also assures the pilot has completely shifted before diaphragm reversal occurs.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type pump includes a disk-like diaphragm made of an elastic material which is held between an upper housing and a lower housing. In this diaphragm-type pump, the diaphragm, which has a flat shape before it is mounted in the pump, is bent along a diaphragm stopper and mounted in the pump. Consequently, an urging force is constantly applied to the diaphragm in such a direction as to press it on the diaphragm stopper. The diaphragm is deformed in response to reciprocation of a plunger, and when the plunger reaches the bottom dead center and a cylinder chamber is decreased in pressure, the diaphragm is pressed on the diaphragm stopper by the urging force toward the diaphragm stopper and a feed pressure of a feed pump.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and accumulator/second diaphragm pump means 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 technique for detecting and containing liquid leaks in a liquid pumping, gas-operated diaphragm pump, and for stopping the pump operation when such leaks occur. If there is a leak in such a pump, the exhaust air gets contaminated with the liquid. With this technique the pump exhaust gas is captured in a container where any liquid within the gas is separated and is allowed to accumulate at the container bottom. The level of liquid accumulated at the container bottom is sensed, and when it reaches a predetermined level, a signal is send to a pneumatically operated shutoff valve to stop the pump operation by stopping the inflow of gas into the pump, or the outflow of liquid from the pump, or to stop the inflow of liquid into the pump. In addition, when the accumulated liquid reaches a predetermined level, a signal may be sent to a pneumatically operated warning device, turning it on.

Abstract: A micro-pump is disclosed for pneumatically causing a bulging/retracting motion of a plurality of micro-diaphragms disposed in an array along a channel through which a fluid is being driven. The pump includes channel means (10) including a first port (11), a second port (12) and a flow-through space (13) providing a communication therebetween; a plurality of diaphragms (21a-21e) disposed in an array along the flow-through space (13); diaphragm support means (20) including a plurality of actuating gas spaces (22a-22e) which opposes the rear surfaces of the respective diaphragms; a plurality of reciprocatory motion means for individually imparting an oscillation of pneumatic pressure to the respective actuating gas spaces (22a-22e), and drive means for driving the reciprocatory motion means for driving motion with phase differences therebetween so that the upper dead center shifts in the direction of the array.

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: A fluid pumping assembly for particular use in delivery of sterile fluid used in surgical procedures, includes a pump control structure to which a replaceable fluid pumping cartridge is connected and disconnected to provide convenient replacement and disposability of the cartridge. The pump cartridge is self-contained in that it includes a fluid pump which is adapted for automatic connection to a pump drive structure when the cartridge is inserted into the assembly, so that the sterile fluid is pumped only through the pumping cartridge and fluid flow is entirely isolated from the pump control structure to ensure that the fluid is maintained sterile during pumping. The cartridge can include a selectively activated pulsation control to enable discharging the fluid from the cartridge in either a continuous flow or pulsating flow of the fluid. The cartridge can also include fluid flow dampening and safety vent features.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system comprises a reciprocable pump having a reciprocable member. A valving system controls the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of the member. In order to provide a much more compact unit, the valving system is arranged to be offset radially from the reciprocable member, yet is drivingly connected to the reciprocable member through a unique mechanism so that the valving system may switch states responsive to the stroke travel of the reciprocable member.

Abstract: A pump (10) has a housing (11), a base (12) and a flexible diaphragm (13) between the housing and the base. The diaphragm (13) and the base (12) define a driving chamber and the diaphragm (13) and the housing (11) define a pump chamber. The driving chamber is coupled to a pump driver adapted to direct fluid to and from the driving chamber to drive the diaphragm. The pump chamber is of generally conical form with its outlet (21) being located at the apex of the conical pump chamber and the inlet (22) being disposed at an angle inclined to the plane of the base of the conical pump chamber and being generally tangential to the outer portion of the base of pump chamber such that flow through the pump chamber is in the form of a continuous spiral vortex.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a desired flow rate. The system comprises a pump which is fluidly connected to a condiment source and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly which is connected to a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of the valve assembly causes a measured quantity of the condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: An electronic condiment dispenser may dispense a plurality of condiments. The condiment dispenser may include a bag support module for holding a plurality of condiment supply bags. A pump regulator module may be connected to each condiment bag and may pump a condiment from the bag to a manifold diffuser module. The pump regulator module may include a multi-chambered pump having separate chambers for isolating the pump working fluid from the condiment, so the pump working fluid does not contaminate or react with the condiment. A main case may house at least one manifold diffuser module and may be configured to support a tray carrying a large number of food targets, i.e., 6 or 12 food targets, such as hamburger buns or taco shells. A programmable control module may be connected to the pump regulator module for controlling and selectively dispensing a predetermined amount of condiment and/or number of condiments to a predetermined number of food targets.

Abstract: A non-invasive technique and system is provided for measuring flow of liquid driven by a flexible diaphragm of a membrane pump (18). Flow, pressure and/or temperature of a gas, such as air, used to drive the pump (18) is continuously monitored. Instantaneous volume of liquid being pulled into or out of a chamber of the pump (18) can be calculated from measured values of the gas used to drive the pump (18). Sensors (10, 12 and/or 14) are used to measure values relating to the gas. The sensed parameters are concurrently monitored and continuously determine the amount of gas flowing to and from the diaphragm of the membrane pump (18) utilized to move liquid within a liquid pathway. The measurements may then be used to calculate the instantaneous flow rate of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine such as a two-stroke engine in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw or the like. A pump chamber is connected via a suction valve to a fuel feed and via a pressure valve to a pressure line. A pump membrane delimits the pump chamber and is driven by the fluctuating crankcase pressure of the engine which is present in the work chamber. Pump operation free of disturbances over a wide rpm range is attained with the suction valve to the pump chamber being configured essentially as a valve having the shape of a part circle, The pressure valve is disposed approximately at the center of the suction valve and delimits the pump chamber in the stroke direction of the pump membrane.

Abstract: A pump comprises a flexible diaphragm (10) separating a pumping chamber (12) for the fluid to be pumped from a driving chamber (14) for a pressure fluid operating the pump. An outlet (24) for the pressure fluid from the driving chamber is controlled by a valve element (28) that is molded integrally with the diaphragm and with a tension element (36) that draws the valve element to its closing position. Deflection of the diaphragm by the pressure fluid pumps fluid from the pumping chamber and as the deflection increases the valved outlet of the driving chamber is opened against the force of the tension element. Release of the pressure in the driving chamber allows the valve to close again and the tension element ensures that it returns to a position sealing the driving chamber outlet.

Abstract: A closed loop fuel supply system for operating engines in all possible attitudes in which fuel is delivered by a vacuum pump responsive to the vacuum level in the crankcase of the engine and in which the vacuum driving the pump is modulated in response to the pressure of fuel being delivered to the fuel supply system so that the amount of fuel delivered for combustion purposes is equal to the requirements of the engine without any excess. In another embodiment, the delivery of pulsating fuel is dampened to obtain a uniform fuel delivery and distribution to the combustion chamber is under the control of three shutoff valves operating throughout the speed range of the engine. In each embodiment fuel is conserved and a fuel return line is not required.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump having an air chamber housing centrally located between two pump chamber housings. The air chamber housing includes a center section and two outwardly facing concave discs. Each pump chamber housing includes a pump chamber shell mating with one of the discs with a flexible diaphragm therebetween. Check valve chambers and inlet and outlet passages associated with each pump chamber and with inlet and exhaust manifolds control flow through the pump. A solenoid actuated valve alternately directs air pressure to each of the two diaphragms for reciprocal pumping action. Inner pistons associated with the diaphragms include stops which limit pump stroke in each direction. The solenoid may be driven by conventional electronics on a timed stroke or responsive to flow considerations.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve, designed to control/pressurize a membrane pump, compresses a valve body (1) having gates (8-12) for compressed-air-flow/operation/pressurization of said pump. The valve body is closed by ends (2), between which a plunger (5) is to move between two end positions. The ends of the plunger and the ends of the valve body co-operate physically magnetically in order to generate just and only a retaining force, which constitutes a threshold for a certain minimum control pressure from a control-air-gate (13 or 14) and guarantees a rapid initial movement as well as a rapid transfer of the plunger to its opposite end position. Permanent magnets (15) are inserted in said plunger ends and/or in said valve body ends and designed to co-operate with projections and/or processes (17,18,20) in the opposite member in order to obtain a so-called air-cushion-damping.

Abstract: Chemical pumps are disclosed in which all parts wetted by the fluid being pumped are made of fluoroplastic material, with the pumps having check valves that include floating ball members and O-rings positioned adjacent to the floating ball members. The retainer area in which the O-ring is received has a diameter that is at least about 0.01 inch larger that the diameter of the O-ring so as to allow the O-ring to move slightly. The intake and discharge ports of the pumps comprise a bore extending into the body of the pump, with a threaded counterbore formed concentric with the bore to form a flat, annular surface between the bore and the counterbore at the inner end of the counterbore. A threaded fitting is received in the counterbore, and a seal is formed by compressing an O-ring against the annular surface at the inner end of the counterbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid at a substantially constant flow rate, is disclosed. The apparatus contains three transducers which couple one hydraulic fluid to another fluid while preventing contact with said other fluid. The apparatus also contains a timing device for continuously and sequentially withdrawing hydraulic fluid from the first fluid transducer while simultaneously pumping hydraulic fluid to the second fluid transducer, thereafter withdrawing hydraulic fluid from the second fluid transducer while simultaneously pumping hydraulic fluid to the third fluid transducer means, and thereafter withdrawing hydraulic fluid from the third fluid transducer. The timing means preferably includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and pistons, and a cam assembly.

Abstract: A double diaphragm pump operated by selectively switching pressurized air into either of two diaphragm chambers; the air actuator valve is a cup valve which is slidable over orifices in a valve plate, and actuable by air pistons; the air pistons are coupled via passageways to a pilot valve which is a second cup valve slidable over orifices in a valve plate, the cup valve being actuable by pins extending into the diaphragm chambers and into contact with diaphragm members at predetermined positions.

Abstract: The invention proposes a fluid handling device, which may be a pump, in which arrangements are provided to make the device able to handle high pressure of more than one thousand atmospheres and able to seal at such high pressure for a considerably long life time of the device. For the obtainment of such a performance, a piston shoe arrangement has a part-ball formed portion with an outer face which is guided on a cylindrical inner face, while the piston shoe at the same time pivots around a center which is located in the pistons-head. Sealing means are provided to faces of plates, membranes or pistons to reduce leakage or to reduce the negative effects of deformations under high pressures. In this relation a thrust body may be axially moveably provided in a thrust chamber and obtain thereby a novel and effective sealing of membranes and faces.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a desired flow rate. The system comprises a pump which is fluidly connected to a condiment source and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly which is connected to a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of the valve assembly causes a measured quantity of the condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump having two diaphragms joined by a common control shaft to reciprocate in opposed chambers for pumping material through check valve ported cavities. An actuator valve is associated with the central housing of the pump and includes a valve cylinder within which a valve piston reciprocates. The valve piston is caused to reciprocate by alternate venting of the ends of the cylinder. Enlarged air chamber passages are controlled by the control shaft to vent the ends of the valve cylinder. A cylindrical portion of the control shaft includes axial slots for venting alternate ends of the valve piston. Annular channels manifold air to and from the axial slots.

Abstract: An improved condiment dispensing system for delivering a measured quantity of condiment at a desired flow rate. The system comprises a pump which is fluidly connected to a condiment source and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a valve assembly which is connected to a pressurized fluid source and to the pump whereby actuation of the valve assembly causes a measured quantity of the condiment to be dispensed from an outlet nozzle contained thereon.

Abstract: A closed loop fuel supply system for operating engines in all possible attitudes in which fuel is delivered by a vacuum pump responsive to the vacuum level in the crank case of the engine and in which the vacuum driving the pump is modulated in response to the pressure of fuel being delivered to the fuel supply system so that the amount of fuel delivered for combustion purposes is equal to the requirements of the engine without any excess so that a fuel return line is not required.

Abstract: A micropump comprises a pump body member for defining a tank chamber holding liquid, a liquid inlet portion, a liquid outlet portion for discharging the liquid medium in the tank chamber, a liquid outlet portion for discharging the liquid medium in the tank chamber, and an actuator for reducing a volume of the tank chamber. The actuator is formed of a liquid-absorptive polymer gel.

Abstract: The fluid-operated, double diaphragm pump of the invention includes a central housing block having opposed side faces, and a pair of diaphragm housing end sections secured to opposite sides of the central housing block. The diaphragm housings define a pair of enclosures having a common central axis. Mounted in each of the diaphragm housings is a diaphragm that serves to divide each enclosure into an inner pumping chamber, defined by a side face of the housing block and the diaphragm, and a drive chamber defined by the opposite side of the diaphragm and, at least in part, by the inner surface of the respective end section. The central housing block defines inlet and discharge passages for the inner pumping chambers, the flow of material through the passages being controlled by one-way check valves associated therewith. In one embodiment of the invention, the pump also includes a connecting arrangement disposed externally of the pumping chambers.

Abstract: A fluid driven pump includes an inlet, at least one expansion chamber for expanding upon introduction of fluid thereinto and contracting upon removal of fluid therefrom, a pumping chamber adjacent the expansion chamber for pumping in response to the expansion chamber's expansion and contraction, and an outlet for outletting pressurized fluid from the expansion chamber. A control system controls a flow of fluid from the inlet to the expansion chamber and a flow of pressurized fluid from the expansion chamber to the outlet. The outlet includes structure for gradually reducing the pressure of the fluid within a portion of the outlet to reduce blockage of the outlet due to freezing.