With Signal, Indicator, Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 417/63)
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Patent number: 5836747Abstract: A constant-speed, variable-volume, piston-type air pump. The piston head always is closely adjacent to the cylinder head at the completion of the compression stroke. The length or extent of the piston down-stroke or intake stroke is selectively adjustable between a maximum and a minimum position to thus vary the volume of air pumped.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventor: John T. Gondek
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Patent number: 5816778Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Frederick T. Elsey, Jr., Bryce R. Peppard
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Patent number: 5816779Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet to the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Michael W. Lawless, Peter A. Soberon, Ashok Kaul, Steven E. Minick, Gregory G. Hoerner, Robert A. Hermann, Stephen J. Kreinick
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Patent number: 5813842Abstract: The specification describes several uses for pressure sensitive valves during extracorporeal pumping in one embodiment, an improved pumping loop for a roller pump is used in an extracorporeal circuit with a pressure relief valve and pump tubing. The inlet and outlet of the tubing are connected respectively to the outlet and inlet of said valve via two 3 way connections, across the outlet of the pump. The pumping loop allows recirculation of pumped liquid between the inlet and outlet of the pump when the outlet pressure generated by said pump exceeds a set value thereby limiting the pump outlet pressure to the set pressure. The pressure relief valve can also be placed at the inlet if the pump to protect the circuit from excess negative pressure that the pump can generate. The pressure relief valve in combination with the pump loop provides an accurate means to dynamically set the occlusion of the tubing within the roller pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Yehuda Tamari
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Patent number: 5807075Abstract: An ambulatory volumetric pump apparatus includes a housing defining a channel therethrough having an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for discharging a fluid, a pump operable to pump fluid through the channel, a motor for operating the pump in response to control signals, and a programmable microprocessor for selectively supplying control signals to the motor to cause the motor to operate. The programmable microprocessor is "programmed" by manually setting rotatable knobs having faces which extend through but are generally flush with the housing exterior surface. The knobs include indicia to provide a visual display of the setting of the knobs and thus of the parameters of operation of the pump. An under-pressure sensor is disposed after the inlet of the channel to detect a suction or vacuum in the channel and to signal the microprocessor if such condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Clark C. Davis, Scott D. Miles
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Patent number: 5791881Abstract: A curvilinear peristaltic pump for pumping liquids through a resilient tube. The pump includes a curved concave platen against which a resilient tube is placed. A multi-lobed cam is positioned adjacent to the platen and tube. A plurality of pump fingers, each carrying a pinch finger, are mounted between tube and cam in a manner permitting radially outward movement of the pump fingers toward the platen. As the cam rotates, the fingers are pressed against the tube sequentially so as to pump liquid through the tube. A strain gauge beam is secured to the pump just beyond each end of the pump finger set. A sensing member secured to the free end of the beam is pre-loaded against the tube next to each endmost pump finger. When an input occlusion occurs, the tubing will collapse causing the beam to deflect toward the tube, changing its pre-load state. This motion will cause a negative voltage change indicative of the input occlusion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventors: Ahmad-Maher Moubayed, Rogelio Blanco Jester
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Patent number: 5791880Abstract: An infusion apparatus includes a pump powered by a source of battery power and capable of operating in a plurality of infusion modes and operating in a power savings mode. The infusion apparatus further includes sensors which sense various conditions of the pump. A controller is programmed to periodically operate in a power-savings mode of operation and also selectively causes each sensor to be connected to the battery power only when the sensor is to detect a condition, thus further conserving battery power.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Sabratek CorporationInventor: Larry Wilson
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Patent number: 5791884Abstract: A scroll compressor has a stationary scroll and a swivel scroll engaged with each other in a hermetic housing. A sealed terminal is provided to send signals outside of the housing from a sensor that is provided within the housing. The sealed terminal is inserted into a fitting hole that passes through the outer wall of the housing. A push nut having a plurality of nails is pressed into the fitting hole to hold the sealed terminal within the fitting hole. The push nut has a plurality of nails having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the fitting hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Iio, Mikihiko Ishii, Shigeki Miura, Ryuhei Tanigaki
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Patent number: 5788463Abstract: A vacuum system comprising a vacuum pump and a vacuum indicator. The vacuum pump comprises a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, a piston rod fixed to the piston and extending through an end of the cylinder, the rod being movable reciprocally, a sealing ring disposed on and around the piston and in engagement with an inside wall of the cylinder, and stops extending radially outwardly from the piston, the stops including a proximal stop and a distal stop, the sealing ring being axially movable between the proximal and distal stops, the piston having an axially-extending groove therein, the groove extending from proximal of the distal stop to proximal of the proximal stop, whereby upon movement of the piston in a first direction, the sealing ring engages the distal stop and seals an annular space between the piston and the inside wall of the cylinder, and upon movement of the piston in a second direction, the sealing ring engages the proximal stop and leaves unobstructed the axially-extending groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
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Patent number: 5772711Abstract: Apparatus for indicating when the air intake filter of portable turbines useful with spray paint guns is blocked and a method and apparatus for close coupled mounting of a pair of series connected turbines by axially aligning and abutting the axial outlet of one turbine against the axial inlet of the other turbine with a seal surrounding the turbine junction and with tie rods extending between radially projecting apertured ears of the turbines securing the turbines together and supporting the turbines on a generally U-shaped mounting bracket having spaced apart flanges engaging the tie rods. An air baffle partitions the space containing the two turbines into two air plenums to prevent hot air exhausted by the larger turbine from entering the air inlet to the turbine impellers. A visual or audible indicator provides a perceptible indication that the filter is becoming blocked.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech CorporationInventor: Joseph W. Kieffer
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Patent number: 5765995Abstract: An automated control system for an engine-powered pump system. The pump system includes an engine with a battery and a pump. A control unit includes: a display, engine sensors, pump sensors, fluid level sensors, engine controllers, pump controllers, strobe light status display, and a battery recharge system.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Diesel Power Supply Co.Inventor: Mike C. Springer
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Patent number: 5752807Abstract: A remotely installable piping support attachment employs a T-bolt type of blind fastener for clamping a relatively smaller instrumentation pipe, e.g., the jet pump sensing line, to the wall of an adjacent structure, e.g., the inlet mixer diffuser. The attachment assembly includes a T-bolt, a split pipe clamp support, a ratchet nut with peripheral ratchet teeth, and a ratchet lock washer. The head of the T-bolt is inserted through an elongated hole machined in the diffuser wall and then rotated so that the T-bolt head cannot pass back through the elongated hole. When the nut is tightened on the threaded shank of the T-bolt, a top plate and an anchor of the split pipe clamp support are pressed together to clamp the jet pump sensing line therebetween. The ratchet lock washer is counterbored for receiving the nut and slotted to provide an integral spring arm encircling the nut.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John Geddes Erbes
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Patent number: 5752427Abstract: A hydrostatic radial piston machine 10 is proposed, whose adjustable reciprocating ring 18 has integrated means for detecting the eccentricity 20 between the reciprocating ring 18 and the rotor 14. In combination with the rotating rotor 14 and the binding of the sliding blocks 17 to this reciprocating ring 18, the eccentric location of the reciprocating ring 18 leads to a reciprocating motion of the work pistons 16 in a radial direction. Together with the kinematic conditions in the radial piston machine 10, this leads to a change in the spacing between two successive sliding blocks 17. This change in spacing varies in proportion to the eccentricity 20 of the reciprocating ring 18 and is therefore detected by a measuring instrument. To that end, this measuring instrument has a measured value pickup 27, which is integrated in the reciprocating ring 18 and outputs an increased voltage signal as long as sliding blocks 17, which act as measured value transducers, move past it.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Volkmar Leutner
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Patent number: 5749710Abstract: A refrigerant compressor having a drive shaft for driving a compressing mechanism and driven by a drive power transmitted from an external drive power source, and a rotation detecting unit for detecting the rotating speed of the compressor by detecting a change in the magnetic flux leaking from the solenoid clutch and circulating through a predetermined magnetic circuit. The change in the magnetic flux is caused by rotation of a magnetic plate-like element having at least one cutout which moves past the magnetic detecting unit, and a permanent magnet fixedly held by the housing assembly of the compressor is arranged so as to increase the density of the magnetic flux circulating through the predetermined magnetic circuit whereby the change in the magnetic flux caused by the rotation of the magnetic plate-like element becomes rapid.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Yoshihiro Makino
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Patent number: 5727933Abstract: A pump for use in additive systems such as foam chemical additive systems for fire fighting water, the pump including impeller elements and flow meter elements in a common casing. The pump casing provides a gear pump arrangement using two enmeshed gears on an inlet side, and a closely adjacent gear flow meter arrangement downstream of the gear pump arrangement within the same pump casing. The gear flow meter elements are driven only by the force of liquid pumped by the enmeshed gears of the gear pump and cause very low pressure drop across the flow meter elements. Therefore, inaccurate measurements of flow rates due to slippage and viscosity variation are reduced compared to measuring the rotary speed of gear pump gears directly. The system is optimally used to meter and add foam chemical into a pressurized water line for fighting fires.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1995Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Hale Fire Pump CompanyInventors: Michael A. Laskaris, Glenn D. Quinty
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Patent number: 5720598Abstract: A method and a system for the early detection of defects in at least one multiplex pump, which includes a plurality of cylinders or chambers, by determination and analysis of pump harmonics based upon pressure fluctuations in a line in fluid communication with the multiplex pump and multiplex pump frequency. The presence of a defect, the type defect, and specific pump unit having the defect, is determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventor: Yan Kuhn de Chizzelle
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Patent number: 5718565Abstract: A process for operating a dry-compression vacuum pump with at least one pump chamber and at least one rotor driven by an electric motor, and to a vacuum pump suitable for this operating process. To reduce operational shutdowns for maintenance purposes without any risk to the pump, it is proposed that application-specific phenomena leading to deviations from the normal operating status or their effects be monitored and, after a predetermined deviation quantity has been attained at which operation of the vacuum pump could be adversely affected in future, steps be taken to remove the causes thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Leybold AktiengesellschaftInventors: Monika Kuhn, Hartmut Kriehn, Rudolf Bahnen
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Patent number: 5713723Abstract: A volumetric hand pump having a transparent pump chamber and a fixed full stroke volume. The transparent pump chamber allows visual observation of the amount of fluid being pumped when less than the fixed full stroke volume is used. The transparent pump chamber is surrounded by a housing or shroud which includes one or more windows that allow visual access to the transparent pump chamber. An optional stroke counter can be provided to track the number of full pump strokes, thus allowing accurate dispensing of both large and small quantities of fluids, while providing visual observation of the amount of fluid being pumped and dispensed. The pump is particularly useful for dispensing agricultural chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Tuthill CorporationInventor: John E. Hathaway
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Patent number: 5711654Abstract: The position of a rotating pump element is sensed by a reflective object sensor 406 in association with a view disk 412 coupled to the operative element for rotation in synchrony with the operative element. The view disk 412 has first 422 and second 420 surface portions that present themselves in succession to the reflective object sensor during rotation of the operative element. The first surface portion 422 is spaced at or near the optical focus of the reflective object sensor, whereas the second surface portion 422 is not. The reflective object sensor 406 thus generates different outputs, depending upon whether the first surface or second surface portions are in optical alignment with the reflective object sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Afflerbaugh
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Patent number: 5704767Abstract: A pump housing is provided with a conduit extending through the housing between a pump inlet and pump outlet. A pump device is disposed within the housing and in communication with the conduit to pump fluid therethrough. A fluid flow meter also is disposed within the housing and in communication with the conduit to monitor fluid flow rate through the conduit. The fluid flow meter generates signals related to the fluid flow rate which are fed back to a control device operable to control the flow rate through the pump device. The flow meter may include a pair of meshed modified elliptical gears. The modified elliptical gears are based on a true elliptical shape, with bulged portions added between the major and minor axes of the elliptical shape. The modified elliptical gears have involute teeth that are relatively thick adjacent the minor axis and relatively thin adjacent the major axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Micropump CorporationInventor: Paul A. Johnson
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Patent number: 5697222Abstract: An ice making tray in a refrigerator is connected by a pump to a water reservoir located in the refrigerator. Once ice has been ejected from the tray and into a bin, the pump is activated for a preset period to re-fill the ice tray with water from the reservoir. Each time that the pump is activated, its time period of operation is automatically counted, and a running total of the counted time periods is automatically kept. That total is compared to a predetermined (reference) value representing a period of pump operation which causes the water in the tank to be reduced to a predetermined low level. When the running total reaches the reference value, an alarm is energized to warn a user that the reservoir should be re-filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kun Bin Lee
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Patent number: 5678982Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile hydraulic system with a hydraulic pump, which is powered by a battery powered motor and fed from a hydraulic reservoir, whereby the pump, the battery, the motor and the hydraulic reservoir are a compact, portable hydraulic unit, to which a working tool, which is separated from the portable hydraulic unit and is exchangeable, can be connected via a hydraulic connecting line of the hydraulic pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Weber-Hydraulik GmbHInventor: Heinz Schwaiger
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Patent number: 5680329Abstract: A verification system which will help ensure compliance with water-based fire protection system testing and maintenance standards and codes set forth by recognized fire protection authorities. The system comprises at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter of one or more water-based fire protection system components pertinent to code compliance verification, a recorder for recording and date/time stamping data from at least one sensor, a method for verifying code compliance, and a method for generating a code compliance verification report based upon the sensor data. The system provides documentation of "everyday" system conditions and requisite periodic testing will enhance preparedness and performance of the water-based fire protection systems. The report can be electronically forwarded to the owner, insurer, or management company at any time, or automatically forwarded on a scheduled basis for "normal" reporting.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventors: Steven J. Lloyd, John P. Couch
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Patent number: 5672050Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling a motor driven sump pump. The apparatus and method includes a power supply which powers the apparatus, a sensing portion which detects the level of the liquid within the sump, a control portion which turns the motor either off or on in response to the level of the liquid, and an alarm portion cooperating with the sensor which activates an alarm when a preselected level has been reached. The apparatus and method also includes power failure detection portion cooperating with the alarm portion which activates an alarm when a power failure occurs, a fault detection portion cooperating with the alarm portion which activates an alarm when the fault condition occurs, and a disabling portion which disables the pump when the fault detection portion detects a fault condition in the pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Lynx Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Webber, Wesley Ratulowski
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Patent number: 5662612Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type as a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. The injector tracks the plunger position during an injection, and compensates for plunger extenders found in partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position, to produce a corrected plunger position reflecting the actual position of the plunger and compensating for the presence of the extender. The offset value can be determined by querying the operator as to the capacity of the syringe and determining therefrom the appropriate offset value, or may be automatically computed by detecting physical indicia on the syringe or extender which indicate the length of the extender.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Liebel Flarsheim CompanyInventor: Kenneth J. Niehoff
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Patent number: 5658133Abstract: A medical infusion pump (10) for delivering liquids to a patient includes an elastomeric pump chamber (140) contractable between a refill position and a discharge position. An inlet valve (122) is operatively associated with an elastomeric inlet (142) supplying liquid to the pump chamber (140). The inlet valve (122) is selectively positionable in an open position permitting and a closed position preventing flow of liquid between the inlet (142) and the pump chamber (142). An outlet valve (124) is operatively associated with an elastomeric outlet (144) which conveys liquid from the pump chamber (140). The outlet valve (124) is selectively positionable in an open position permitting and a closed position preventing flow of liquid between the outlet (144) and pump chamber (140). A pump motor (256) and associated plunger (120) contracts and expands the pump chamber (140) between the refill position and the discharge position.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Anderson, Daniel C. Colesworthy, III, Warren P. Heim, Larry Blankenship
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Patent number: 5657000Abstract: An method and apparatus for determining a degree of occlusion in the tubing loop disposed in the raceway of a peristaltic pump. An electrical circuit is formed in tubing loop by filling the loop with an electrically conductive fluid, such as blood, and electrically connecting the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the tubing loop. An excitation coil, which encircles a portion of the tubing loop, induces an alternating current in the tubing fluid. A sensing coil, also encircling a portion of the tubing loop, senses the induced current. The degree if occlusion in the tubing loop is correlated to the magnitude of the sensed current. The degree of occlusion may be adjusted, in response to the determined occlusion, while the pump is in operation using an occlusion adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Bruce S. Ellingboe
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Patent number: 5655887Abstract: An air compressor including a cylinder, a motor, a reciprocating mechanism coupled to the motor, a compression mechanism reciprocated in the cylinder by the reciprocating mechanism to compress air, the compression mechanism including a base having a coupling bolt, a compressible conical piston holder and a compressible conical piston mounted around the coupling bolt of the base, wherein the coupling bolt of the base is inserted through the center holes of the compressible conical piston holder and compressible conical piston, having a head stopped above the compressible conical piston holder and the compressible conical piston, and a retainer rod raised from the head; a valve flap is slidably mounted around the retainer rod which opens the air passage through the compression mechanism during its down stroke, and close the air passage during its upstroke; a cap is mounted on the retainer rod to limit upward movement of the valve flap relative to the retainer rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Wen-San Chou
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Patent number: 5649809Abstract: The invention relates to a double diaphragm pump having flexible diaphragms disposed in displacement spaces and connected and mechanically coupled to piston rods, the displacement spaces being communicated via check valves to a suction manifold on the one hand and to a pressure manifold on the other hand, wherein each diaphragm is connected to a piston rod, which piston rods extend coaxially and are mounted on opposite sides to a guide frame having at least one lineal guide for a guide block which rotatably mounts a crank pin of a crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Abel GmbH & Co. Handels-und VerwaltungsgesllschaftInventor: Volker Stapelfeldt
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Patent number: 5649808Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing accidental manual rotor reversal in a peristaltic pump is provided. A peristaltic pump may be provided with a hand crank or the like to drive a rotor assembly of the pump manually in the event of failure of the electric motor drive of the pump. An indicator may provide information to the pump operator to inform the operator of the direction in which the pump was rotating when last driven by the electric motor. Further an alarm device may alert the operator when the operator is attempting to rotate the pump in the direction opposite the direction in which the pump was rotating when last driven by the electric motor or the direction last selected by the operator before loss of power.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Gruszecki, Jon Steven Ingebrigtsen, Bruce S. Ellingboe
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Patent number: 5649810Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The fluid delivery set includes a stop cock valve, and the pump includes a valve actuation unit into which the stop cock valve is positioned for operation of the system. The valve actuation unit includes a valve receiving mechanism which requires the valve to be closed in order to be inserted into or removed from the valve actuation unit, thereby preventing accidental free flow of fluid at all times. The fluid delivery set may also include an auxiliary fluid source to allow periodic flushing of the fluid delivery line, and the valve actuation unit can be programmed by the pump to automatically initiate periodic flushing cycles if desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Sherwood Medical CompanyInventors: Frederick F. Schweitzer, Jr., Clarence L. Walker, Randall J. Krohn
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Patent number: 5624237Abstract: A pump overload control assembly is for use with an electric motor driven pump in a water pumping system. The assembly includes a pump overload control device coupled to a fluid responsive switch, thereby forming a pump overload control circuit that interrupts the current flow to the motor in response to an overload of current flow to the motor. The pump overload control device includes a resettable overload protector and indicator mechanism that visually indicates when an overload has occurred and breaks the current flow through the circuit, for example, in response to heat generated from the overload current flow. The fluid responsive switch opens and closes the circuit in response to the fluid being pumped to an external source, for example, when the fluid pressure level falls below or rises above a predetermined pressure level.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventors: Russell E. Prescott, Perrin T. Prescott
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Patent number: 5618163Abstract: A bottoming detector for detecting the movement of a pump shaft beyond a pre-determined distance within a cylinder is disclosed. The pump has a housing defining an elongate cavity filled with fluid, a resilient sheet with an aperture in alignment with the cavity which divides the cavity into first and second compartments, and an elongate shaft disposed within the first compartment of the cavity such that it may be moved into and out of the aperture in the sheet to cause pressure fluctuations in the second compartment. There is also a chamber in fluid communication with the second compartment. In the chamber there is actuating means responsive to excessive pressure in the chamber, that actuates a switch to indicate that the shaft has reached a certain distance into the second compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Sarcos GroupInventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Clark C. Davis
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Patent number: 5603609Abstract: An axial piston pump has multiple pistons and cylinders with a spill port in each piston. A sleeve controls venting from the spill port and an inlet is provided to each cylinder, by way of a check valve from a fluid supply.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Microhydraulics, Inc.Inventor: George Kadlicko
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Patent number: 5589633Abstract: An oil well pumping unit has a walking beam which raises and lowers a rod connected to a downhole pump. To perform well analysis, it is desirable to know the position of the rod during the stroke. An accelerometer is mounted on the pumping system unit to move in conjunction with the rod. An output signal from the accelerometer is digitized and provided to a portable computer. The computer processes the digitized accelerometer signal to integrate it to first produce a velocity data set and second produce a position data set. Operations are carried out to modify the signal and produce a position trace with stroke markers to indicate positions of the rod during its cyclical operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: James N. McCoyInventors: James N. McCoy, Jerry B. West, Augusto L. Podio
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Patent number: 5586868Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet of the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body. The medicinal fluid is drawn into a pumping chamber formed in the rigid body as a plunger of the associated pump driver is drawn up from the elastomeric membrane at a recess formed in the rigid body.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Michael W. Lawless, Peter A. Soberon, Ashok Kaul, Steven E. Minick, Gregory G. Hoerner, Robert A. Hermann, Stephen J. Kreinick
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Patent number: 5575632Abstract: An engineered pumping segment for facilitating efficient and accurate peristaltic pumping of fluids, providing regulation of fluid flow and providing an effective interface for sensing fluid line pressure in a peristaltic pump system. The engineered pumping segment includes an elastomeric membrane sandwiched between a rigid base and a rigid cover and a slider adapted to slidably mount about the base and cover. The membrane and base define a channel for fluid flow and the membrane, base and cover cooperate to facilitate peristaltic pumping of fluids through the engineered pumping segment and to provide a pressure sensing interface, and in combination with the slider, cooperate to regulate fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: IVAC Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthew G. Morris, Charles E. Clemens, Stephen A. Martin, Don S. Minami, William R. George, Paul L. Howard, Lee H. Laiterman
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Patent number: 5569021Abstract: A hydraulically operated pump for in-ground filtering and monitoring of ws or other fluid sources, including a hollow cylindrical pump housing with an inlet and an outlet, filtering devices positioned in the inlet and the outlet, a piston that fits slidably within the pump housing, and an optical cell in fluid communication with the pump housing. A conduit within the piston allows fluid communication between the exterior and one end of the piston. A pair of o-rings form a seal between the inside of the pump housing and the exterior of the piston. A flow valve positioned within the piston inside the conduit allows fluid to flow in a single direction. In operation, fluid enters the pump housing through the inlet, flows through the conduit and towards an end of the pump housing. The piston then makes a downward stroke closing the valve, thus forcing the fluid out from the pump housing into the optical cell, which then takes spectrophotometric measurements of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventors: Charles D. Hopkins, Ronald R. Livingston, William R. Toole, Jr.
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Patent number: 5567120Abstract: A holder for an IV tube roller clamp is removably secured in the housing of an electronic infusion device, and has in opposite ends thereof a pair of photo-electric devices, one of which detects when the roller of the clamp is in its tube opening position, and the other detects when the roller is in tube closing position. A lever is pivotal on the housing between a closed position in which it operatively connects the IV tube to a pump unit in the housing, and an open position in which it permits removal of the IV tube from the unit. The spring-loaded armature of a solenoid prevents the lever from being opened until the solenoid coil is energized, and the photo-electric devices prevent the solenoid coil from being energized until the roller is in its tube closing position. When closed, the lever overlies part of the tube channel in which the IV tube is seated and also shifts a pressure plate in the pump unit to a position in which a lip thereon overlies another portion of said channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Sigma InternationalInventors: Roger L. Hungerford, Christopher D. Cimerman, Paul J. Hufnagel, Robert J. Pieroni
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Patent number: 5567121Abstract: A compressor cylinder discharge valve is adapted for monitoring of internal pressure and performance by tapping through the center bolt thereof to obtain pressure values.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventor: William C. Peterson
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Patent number: 5562406Abstract: The seal assembly comprises a housing, a shaft, seals, and a reservoir. The housing has a hollow section bounded by a cylindrical surface and a first curved protrusion. The housing has a first channel and a second channel extending from the hollow section. The shaft extends through the hollow section. Seals seal the hollow section with respect to the shaft to form a chamber. The combination of the first curved protrusion and the sleeve cooperatively form a hydraulic pump for conveying a lubricating fluid from the chamber via the first channel to reservoir. The lubricating fluid is circulated from the reservoir to the chamber via a second channel. The seal assembly has a fluid level gauge or an optoelectronic leak detector for detecting leaks in the seals of the seal assembly or leaks in a fluid pump (i.e. a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump) coupled to the seal assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Ansimag Inc.Inventors: Kazuo Ooka, Manfred P. Klein, Vijay Sivanesan, Jeff S. Brown
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Patent number: 5560279Abstract: A combined sensing and barrier element is provided. This sensing element is most useful as a flexible diaphragm which is also described herein. The flexible diaphragm has a resilient elastomeric body and a sensing element having at least one conductive component and at least two nonconductive components such that the conductive component is positioned between the nonconductive components. A change in electrical resistance is recorded by an electrical monitoring device that is electrically connected to the conductive component. By observing changes in the resistance that deviate from a predetermined norm, significant wear of a diaphragm can be determined prior to its failure.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: William T. Connors, William E. Delaney, III, Kevin J. Kirk
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Patent number: 5556258Abstract: A flexible, highly portable pump is designed for volleyball players but has wider applications. Motive force is delivered from a squeezebulb having a check valve at each end and communicating downstream to a fitting which will accept a ball inflation needle. A deflation valve is located in the air passageway downstream from the squeezebulb outlet check valve. The pump is designed so that it can be stuffed into a back pocket or thrown in a sports bag, and is flexible enough to be bent in two or wadded up and stuffed anywhere. The squeezebulb and relief valve are adapted for one-handed operation, and an optional one-piece solid state pressure gauge can be integrated into the body of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventors: Robert F. Lange, Charles W. Davey
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Patent number: 5547345Abstract: A pneumatic pump of the type having a pair of pump chambers each divided by a diaphragm assembly coupled by a main shaft includes a housing having a central valve chamber. An integral counter, mounted in the pump housing, is also coupled to the diaphragm shaft, and provides a count of the number of shaft reciprocations performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignees: Standard Keil Industries, Inc., The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Thomas G. North, III, Thomas Graham, Yushan Wang
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Patent number: 5540560Abstract: A compressor including a rotation detecting device for detecting the rotation of the compressor to stop the compressor in an emergency. The rotation detecting device comprises a fastening bolt fastening the casing sections together, a rotatable member supported by a drive shaft, and a magnetic sensor arranged outside the casing around the head of the fastening bolt. A magnetic flux is guided from a magnetic clutch to the rotatable member or provided by permanent magnets on the rotatable member. The rotatable member has a notch or a projection for producing periodically changing a magnetic flux which passes through the fastening bolt and is detected by the magnetic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Hiroaki Kayukawa, Kenji Takenaka, Yoshihiro Fujisawa
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Patent number: 5525041Abstract: A pump comprising a chamber and a transducer. The chamber receives a medium to be pumped. The chamber has first and second ends and an inlet and an outlet. The transducer is disposed at the first end of the chamber and provides an energy wave within the medium which imparts momentum to it whereby it passes through the outlet by the momentum.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventor: David Deak
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Patent number: 5520519Abstract: A base attachment for use with an air compressor having a motor enclosed within a housing, a compressor unit operatively connected to the motor and emitting compressed air from an air outlet, the base attachment including a tubular segment having a first end portion for receiving the compressed air emitted by the air outlet, and a second end portion for emitting the air to a pneumatically powered tool, wherein the tubular segment is constructed and arranged to provide a temperature and pressure regulating sink for emitting compressed air which is cooler and at more uniform pressure than air emitted directly from the air outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Thomas A. Birkeland
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Patent number: 5520520Abstract: A double acting pneumatically operated pumping assembly for pumping viscous fluids, especially food stuffs, is provided. The piston has an enlarged central portion integral with reduced diameter end portions. Inspection means, for example vent ports, are provided between seals of each end portion so that any leakage of either pneumatic fluid or of viscous fluid is detectable. The pump is preferably of modular form, each module having flanged ends and hand-tightenable band clamps holding the flanges together for easy assembly and disassembly. A feature of the invention is an operating valve having pilot chambers at each end for control of the spool position. Movement of pilot pistons within the pilot chambers affects the pressure balance between ends of the spool. Changes in pressure may be derived from the piston chamber of the pump from ports located to change the pressure balance of the valve when the pump piston has completed its stroke.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventors: Tomijiko Nakamoto, Alberto Nielsen
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Patent number: 5518372Abstract: A DC-powered controller for a linear pump or motor is provided. The linear pump or motor is of the type that is includes a magnetic permeable member which is attracted to one end of a housing when a power coil is energized, and attracted to the other end of the housing when a reset coil is energized. The controller is connected to and powered by a DC-power source, such as a battery, and includes a voltage regulator, a control signal generator, and a dual coil driver circuit. The voltage regulator converts the battery voltage of the DC-power source to an operating voltage. The control signal generator is powered at the operating voltage and generates a square wave signal. The dual coil driver circuit receives the square wave signal and energizes the power coil during one phase of the square wave, and energizes the reset coil during the other phase of the square wave.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1993Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Linear Pump CorporationInventor: Michael A. Chin
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Patent number: RE35473Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage by using a material flow signal, measured time intervals, hydraulic fluid pressure, or hydraulic fluid flow rate during each pumping cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Oakley, Harry K. Crow, Thomas M. Anderson, Richard T. Atherton, Berthold A. Fehn