Abstract: A vacuum prioritization system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, use and availability of vacuum provided via vacuum sources is allocated to higher priority vacuum operated actuators when a pressure in the vacuum system exceeds a threshold pressure. The lower priority vacuum operated actuators have access to vacuum supplied via the vacuum sources when pressure in the vacuum system is less than a threshold pressure. The approach may allow higher priority actuators to operate for an extended amount of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system are disclosed. A first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system is determined. A second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system is determined. The first suction pressure loss profile is compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. One or more operational parameters are specified based, at least in part, on the comparison.

Abstract: A vacuum accumulator system includes a booster, a vacuum accumulator disposed in fluid communication with the booster and an engine disposed in fluid communication with the vacuum accumulator.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic booster having an ejector, which achieves space-saving and enables easy piping. An ejector 4 is provided within a constant-pressure chamber 3 formed in an outer shell 2. A connecting pipe 19 communicated with an outlet of a diffuser and a connecting pipe communicated with an inlet of a nozzle extend outward of the shell, and a suction port is open to the inside of the constant-pressure chamber 3 through a check valve. The connecting pipe 19 is communicated with the constant-pressure chamber 3 through a check valve 10, and is connected to a suction pipe of an engine (a source of a negative pressure). The connecting pipe on the inlet side of the nozzle is connected to an air cleaner (the atmosphere). A negative pressure is directly supplied from the connecting pipe 19 to the constant-pressure chamber 3 through the check valve 10. The ejector 4 is operated to supply a high degree of vacuum to the constant-pressure chamber 3 through the suction port.

Abstract: Described are a method, a computer program, and a control unit for operating a vacuum reservoir provided in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle for a servo booster or power-assist unit of the internal combustion engine, which is coupled to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine and to an electrical suction pump. The pressure prevailing in the vacuum reservoir is determined by a computational model in which quantity flows are fed to the vacuum reservoir when at least one servo unit is actuated, quantity flows are removed from the vacuum reservoir when the pressure prevailing in the intake manifold is lower than the pressure prevailing in the vacuum reservoir, i.e., when the electrical suction pump is switched on. The total pressure prevailing in the vacuum reservoir is calculated from the balance of these flow quantities.

Abstract: A brake booster provides additional boost capacity without unduly increasing booster size and weight by providing a vacuum pump connected so as to add its additional vacuum capacity to that of the normal vacuum source when activated in response to sensed approaching run-out. The additional vacuum is provided by connecting the vacuum pump in a second conduit between the vacuum source and the booster vacuum chamber in parallel with a first conduit connecting the vacuum source directly with the booster vacuum chamber, with check valve means in the first and second conduits preventing substantial vacuum loss from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electrically driven vacuum pump (16) for a motor vehicle provides that below a predetermined level of vacuum (approaching atmospheric pressure) the pump (16) runs at a first speed, and above that level of vacuum the pump (16) runs at a lower speed or is stopped. Pump control is by switching of a single pressure switch (21) between two states, switching from the first state to the second state being accompanied by a time delay to ensure a minimum running period at the first speed.

Abstract: An airfoil deicer and method for deicing an airfoil wherein the deicer has an outer skin having an elevated modulus of elasticity and a means for introducing a small deflection into the outer skin thereby creating substantial chord-wise tension in the outer skin, the deflection being induced in less than 0.250 seconds. In the method of deicing, the deflection is induced periodically and being completed within a time span of about 0.250 seconds to remove accumulations of ice as thin as 0.06 centimeters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump assembly which is used to control the amount of extension and flexion of an inflatable pouch which is used to exercise the fingers, hand, or other limb of a patient. A diaphragm pump is provided together with a rotatable cycling valve and a metering control valve to supply air to the diaphragm pump and to cyclically inflate and deflate the pouch upon which a patient's hand is positioned. Manual overrides are provided to inflate and deflate the pouch to a desired degree, dependent upon the position of the hand of the patient as well as the amount of flexion and extension desired and which the patient is capable of. A method of cyclically inflating and deflating the pouch is also provided.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and making available a vacuum for an auxiliary power system of a vehicle, such as a brake booster, comprises a throttle disposed in the intake system of an internal combustion engine between the carburetor and the engine, a vacuum conduit having one end connected to the auxiliary power system and the other end connected to the intake system between the throttle and the engine, a first sensor coupled to the conduit produces a first response when the vacuum has achieved at least a predetermined value, at least one second sensor responding to at least one other operating state of either the engine or the vehicle to produce a second response dependent on the operating state, and a control arrangement coupled to the first and second sensors and the throttle to control the throttle in response to the first and second responses.

Abstract: A vacuum motor operatively connected to a slave cylinder operates same via pressure differential variations across a reciprocatable vacuum motor piston to pump working fluid from a reservoir to an accumulator through two one way valves. The pressure differential variation can be derived from gear changing of the vehicle, induced through a three way electromagnetic valve controlled by a circuit characterized by either an unstable multivibrator, a dual stable multivibrator, a thyristor or a self maintaining relay, or induced through a purely mechanically operated valve characterized by lost motion and snap action position maintain devices. A pressure relief valve may be provided which dumps excessive pressurized fluid in the accumulator and returns same to the reservoir.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated impact drilling tool for earth drilling, includes a reciprocating hammer, an anvil positioned under the hammer and a feeder tube extending through the hammer and at least partially through the anvil. The drilling tool is connected to a string of drilling pipe and high pressure compressed air or other pneumatic fluid is introduced to operate the tool. The feeder directs the flow of fluid through ports in the hammer to alternate pressure on opposite sides of the hammer to move the same upward and downward relative to the anvil. A venturi arrangement in the feeder tube functions to produce a vacuum which is applied to the opposite end of the hammer from the end at which pressure is being applied for moving the same.

Abstract: A negative pressure generating system for an internal combustion engine powered vehicle, comprising a brake booster incorporated in the vehicle and adapted for an increase in braking power, an air cleaner for cleaning air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine, an air pump which receives air from said air cleaner and delivers the air to said internal combustion engine, and a valve disposed among said brake booster, said air cleaner and said air pump and operative in response to the booster pressure in said brake booster on receiving said pressure as an input signal, thereby interrupting air communication between said air pump and said air cleaner, with the result that the negative pressure arising on the suction side of said air pump is used as a negative pressure source for operating said brake booster.

Abstract: An intensifier for use with pressurized fluids requiring additional pressure boosting to assume higher presures includes an elongated housing with differential diameter internal bore of which large end is closed by a cap with fluid port therein and the opposite small end provided with an end wall having fluid passage therethrough, a differential diameter elongated piston of close sliding fit inside the bore having small plugging piston end at one end and a large actuating piston end at the other end with an intermediate diameter intensification piston therebetween and capable of being shuttled inside housing bore from first small piston end engaged position preventing pressurized fluid supply to the intensification chamber to the second small piston disengaged position allowing fluid supply thereto while simultaneously developing an evacuated annulus inside intensifier with a vacuum force tending to maintain piston in the first position and aiding in the operation of intensifier through an airless void when a