Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RECIPROCATING PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR DOSING, MIXING AND
METERING
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to the field of pump assemblies. More
particularly, and according to a possible intended use, the present invention
relates
to a pump assembly capable of dosing, mixing and/or metering, and also relates
to a
kit with corresponding components for assembling the same, to a corresponding
hydraulic circuit and/or system provided with such a pump assembly, and to
corresponding methods of manufacturing, assembling and/or operating associated
thereto.
Background:
Pumping devices, assemblies and the like, are well known in the art.
For example, known to the Applicant are the following US patent and
published patent applications: US 5,065,903; US 5,462,352; US 5,626,420;
US 7,951,112 B2, US 7,967,022 B2, US 8,282,265 B2, US
8,974,111 B2,
US 9,057,363 B2, US 9,316,216 Bl, US 10,413,924 B2, and US 2014/0074062 Al.
Also known to the Applicant are the following German documents:
DE 10 2010 023 380 A1, and DE 20 2015 002 469 Ul.
Also known to the Applicant are the following web links:
https://www.pcm.eu/en/food/pcm-solutions/dosing-pum ps/pcm-dosys-food-piston-
pum p; and https://www. dopag. us/products/2k-m etering-system s/piston-
metering-
system s/econom ix/.
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Dosing, mixing and metering pumps are known to be designed and used to
meter and dose and mix various types of liquids, such as water and/or other
chemical product(s), but not limited thereto. It is also well known that for
mixing,
metering and dosing two medias, such as water and other chemical(s), for
example,
two pumps are required for almost all situations, one for the water and one
for the
chemical product, here having to use two pumps being considered a considerable
drawback. Another considerable drawback associated to common metering and
dosing pumps comes with the fact that today's metering pumps are not capable
of
constantly meter and dose liquids through time, but rather "pulsate" dosage(s)
through time, thus, causing uneven concentration of liquid and product mixes.
A third
considerable drawback associated to common metering and dosing pumps comes
from the fact they all need to be assisted by means of electrical motor or
actuator
devices, such as electric solenoids, to pump fluid, etc. A fourth considerable
drawback associated with common metering pumps comes from the fact that having
to use two pumps makes metering and mixing fluid accurately almost impossible,
for
the two pumps are bound to become "unsynchronized" in time, thus, producing
inaccurate dosing and mixing, which is very undesirable, for obvious reasons.
Thus, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide an improved system
which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at
least
minimize some of these known drawbacks associated with conventional systems.
Summary of the invention:
An object of the present invention is to provide a pump assembly which, by
virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned
need(s),
and which would thus be an improvement over other related pump assemblies
and/or methods known in the prior art.
3
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as
will
be easily understood from the present description, with a pump assembly (also
referred to herein as "pump system" or simply "pump") such as the one briefly
described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an object
is to provide a pump assembly for use with at least one fluid, the pump
assembly
comprising:
a main casing;
at least one primary pump, the at least one primary pump having a main
piston component sealingly mountable onto the main casing so as to define at
least
one primary cavity inside said main casing, the main piston component being
displaceable along said main casing so as to vary a corresponding volume of
said at
least one primary cavity; and
at least one secondary pump, the at least one secondary pump including a
hollow insert having one end being mountable onto a correspond supporting
component and another end being insertable and relatively displaceable along
an
interior portion of a corresponding cylinder of the pump assembly so as to
define a
define at least one secondary cavity inside said portion of the cylinder, one
end of
the cylinder being rigidly connectable to the main piston component of the at
least
one primary pump, and another end of the cylinder being sealing mountable
about
an exterior portion of the hollow insert;
wherein the main casing of the pump assembly is fixed with respect to a base
component of the pump assembly, and wherein the cylinder is movable with
respect
to said base component;
wherein the main piston component of the at least one primary pump is
movable with respect to the base component of the pump assembly in a
reciprocating manner, and wherein the cylinder of the at least one secondary
pump
is also movable with respect to the base component in a reciprocating manner;
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3a
wherein the at least one primary pump is provided with a port for allowing
entry of primary fluid from a source of primary fluid into the at least one
primary
pump and corresponding at least one primary cavity, and for allowing egress of
said primary fluid from said corresponding at least one primary cavity and at
least
one primary pump via the port thereof;
wherein the at least one secondary pump is provided with a port for allowing
entry of secondary fluid from a source of secondary fluid into the at least
one
secondary pump and corresponding at least one secondary cavity, and for
allowing
egress of said secondary fluid from said corresponding at least one secondary
cavity
and at least one secondary pump via the port thereof; and
wherein a movement of the main piston component in turn results into a
corresponding simultaneous movement of the cylinder, and vice versa, thereby
varying a corresponding volume of the at least one secondary cavity of the at
least
one secondary pump accordingly, so as to pump fluid from at least one cavity
of the
pump assembly via the ports of the at least one primary pump and of the at
least one
secondary pump respectively.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
hydraulic circuit and/or system provided with the above-mentioned pump
assembly.
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According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method
of assembling and/or mounting the above-mentioned pump assembly onto a
corresponding a hydraulic circuit and/or system.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
method of using the above-mentioned pump assembly, hydraulic circuit and/or
system.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit
with components for assembling the above-mentioned pump assembly, hydraulic
circuit and/or system.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-
mentioned kit.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or
set.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned pump assembly,
corresponding hydraulic circuit and/or system, component(s) thereof, kit, set
and/or
method(s).
The objects, advantages, and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of
preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only,
with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
5
Brief description of the drawinqs:
Figure 1 is a perspective top view of a cabinet assembly provided with a pump
system (and/or pump assembly) according to a possible embodiment of the
present
invention, the cabinet assembly being shown with its cover in an opened
configuration to better illustrate inner components and features thereof.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a pump assembly according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a right-side portion of what is shown in
Figure
4.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pump assembly according
to another possible embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a right-side portion of what is shown in
Figure
6.
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a pump assembly according to yet
another possible embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a transversal cross-sectional view of what is shown in Figure 8.
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5a
Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a pump system being provided with
a pump assembly and associated hydraulic/electrical components according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention, the pump system being shown in a
first given operating mode.
Figure 11 is another schematic representation of what is shown in Figure 10,
the pump system being shown in another given operating mode.
Figure 12 is another schematic representation of what is shown in Figure 10,
the pump system being shown in yet another given operating mode.
Figure 13 is another schematic representation of what is shown in Figure 10,
the pump system being shown in yet another given operating mode.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not
unduly
burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been
provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present
invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The
embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions
shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use as a
pump assembly of a hydraulic circuit and/or system for dosing, mixing and/or
metering purposes, with at least one fluid and/or a combination of several
fluids (ex.
water, chemical additive, etc.), it may be used with other objects and/or in
other
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5b
types of applications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this
reason,
expressions such as "pump", "assembly", "fluid", "circuit", "dosing",
"mixing",
"metering", "water", "chemical additive", "chemical", "additive", etc., used
herein
should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention and
include all
other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present invention
could be
used and may be useful. For example, the present pump assembly could also be
used as and/or with "a self-powered single pump unit", "a dual self-powered
pump"
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and/or "four independent pulsating pumps", for instance, given that the same
principle or system could be easily adapted to these types of applications, as
well.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "pump",
"assembly", "arrangement", "system", "circuit", "device", "apparatus",
"product",
"unit", "equipment", "tool", "method" and "kit", as well as any other
equivalent
expression(s) and/or compound(s) word thereof known in the art will be used
interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also
for any
other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "pumping";
"dispensing", "dosing", "mixing", "metering", etc.; b) "fluid", "liquid",
"water",
"chemical", "additive", "substance", product", etc.; c) "stroke", "travel",
"range",
"motion", etc.; d) "distance", "position", "location", etc.; e) "passage",
"channel",
"conduit", "path", "orifice", "hole", "flow", etc.; f) "hydraulic", "fluid",
water, etc.; g)
"first/second", "right/left", "left/right", etc.; h) "fastening", "securing",
"restraining",
"affixing", "holding", "adjusting", etc.; as well as for any other mutually
equivalent
expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other
structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also
apparent to a
person skilled in the art. Also, in the context of the present description,
expressions
such as "can", "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", etc., may
also be
used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person
skilled in
the art.
Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered
that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or
"centerline", such
as the longitudinal axis of a shaft (or of a bore), for example, or the
centerline of a
coiled spring, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and
"connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that
the
present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for
assembling
a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational pump assembly and/or system
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(and/or a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational hydraulic circuit
and/or
system provided with the same, etc.).
Moreover, components of the present system(s) and/or steps of the method(s)
described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or
interchanged,
without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the
particular applications which the present invention is intended for, and the
desired
end results, as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person
skilled in
the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and
although the preferred embodiments of the present pump assembly and
corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) as shown consist of certain
geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of
these
components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not
be
taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the
scope of the
present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person
skilled in the
art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as
other
suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present position-
relative
damper assist system and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s)
according
to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be
easily
inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the
scope of
the present invention.
Broadly described, and as better exemplified in the accompanying drawings,
the present invention relates to a pump assembly (and/or system) capable of
providing, due to its various innovative components and features, dosing,
mixing
and/or metering capabilities to a user of the pump assembly, in a simpler,
easier,
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faster, more accurate, more effective, more functional, more reliable, more
economical, more environmental-friendly (due to little or no waste of fluid
components, etc.) and/or more versatile manner, than what is possible with
other
conventional systems.
List of numerical references for some of the corresponding possible components
illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
1. pump assembly (or "pump system")
3. hydraulic circuit
11. longitudinal axis
11a. primary axis
11b. secondary axis
13. locking device
15. recess
17. controller
19. interface
21. check valve
101. cabinet (ex. cabinet assembly and cover)
103. fluid inlet (ex. fluid inlet port ¨ water inlet port)
105. shut-off valve (ex main shut-off valve)
107. fluid tube (ex. fluid inlet tube ¨ water inlet tube)
109. proportional valve (ex. proportional control valve 0-10 vdc)
111. solenoid valve (ex. solenoid valve ¨ water control)
113. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube to pump ¨ water)
115. solenoid valve (ex. solenoid valve ¨ water ejection)
117. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube from pump ¨ water)
119. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube from solenoid 115¨ water)
121. fluid (ex. fluid tube ¨ chemical product)
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123. solenoid valve (ex. solenoid valve ¨ chemical product control)
125. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube to pump ¨ chemical product control)
127. solenoid valve (ex. solenoid valve ¨ chemical product ejection)
129. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube ¨ chemical product ejection)
131. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube ¨ chemical product ejection)
133. static mixer (ex. "T" static mixer ¨ mixing fluids)
135. mixed fluid tube (ex. mixed fluid tube - outlet tube)
137. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube to pump ¨ water)
139. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube from pump ¨ water)
141. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube to pump ¨ chemical product control)
142. tube
143. fluid tube (ex. fluid tube ¨ chemical product ejection)
145. flowmeter (ex. flowmeter ¨ fluid volume monitoring)
146. right proximity sensor (ex. proximity sensor ¨ detects the pumps
piston right side full travel limit)
147. left proximity sensor (ex. proximity sensor ¨ detects the pumps piston
left side full travel limit)
200. pump (ex. primary and/or secondary pump)
200a. first primary pump
200b. second primary pump
200c. first secondary pump
200d. second secondary pump
201. base (ex. base plate of the pump assembly(ies))
203. cylinder (ex. large pump cylinder)
205. right rod/cylinder (ex. rod that also acts as a cylinder - right side)
206. left rod/cylinder (ex. rod that also acts as a cylinder - left side)
207. cylinder head (ex. water cylinder head cap containing the seal(s))
209. right rod/cylinder sleeve (ex. sleeve insert into the rod/cylinder (205) -
right side)
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210. left rod/cylinder sleeve (ex. sleeve insert into the rod/cylinder (206) -
left side)
211. right secondary piston (ex. piston rod insert into right cylinder sleeve
(209))
5 212. left secondary piston (ex. piston rod insert into left cylinder
sleeve
(210))
213. right manifold block (ex. block holding the right secondary piston
(211))
214. left manifold block (ex. block holding the left secondary piston (212))
10 215. pump support (ex. support plate supporting the pump assembly)
217. cylinder rod (ex. holding rod for cylinder support)
219. threaded hole (ex. manifold block threaded hole for holding the
secondary piston)
221. primary pump right cavity port (ex. port leading to the primary pump
right cavity)
223. primary pump left cavity port (ex. port leading to the primary pump left
cavity)
225. secondary pump right cavity port (ex. port leading to the secondary
pump right cavity)
227. secondary pump left cavity port (ex. port leading to the secondary
pump left cavity)
229. primary pump piston (ex. main piston inside water pump)
231. primary pump right cavity (ex. primary pump right cavity)
233. primary pump left cavity (ex. primary pump left cavity)
235. secondary pump right cavity (ex. secondary pump cylinder right cavity)
237. secondary pump left cavity (ex. secondary pump cylinder left cavity)
239. secondary pump right cavity channel (ex. secondary pump cylinder
right channel)
241. secondary pump left cavity channel (ex. secondary pump cylinder left
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channel)
243. right secondary pump piston (ex. secondary pump piston - right side -
large ratio)
244. left secondary pump piston (ex. secondary pump piston - left side -
larger ratio)
245. secondary pump piston 0-ring (ex. 0-ring(s), secondary piston,
intended to prevent leaks)
247. wiper seal (ex. wiper seal to keep shaft clean)
249. pressure seal (ex. seal to maintain pressure inside cavity (231))
251. primary pump cylinder 0-ring (ex. main pump cylinder 0-ring(s) for
sealing)
253. primary pump cylinder shaft 0-ring (ex. main pump cylinder shaft 0-
ring(s) for sealing shaft (205) with piston (229))
255. pumps link plate (ex. plate linking both pumps together for combined
identical motion)
257. rinsing valve (ex. solenoid valve to allow system rinsing after use)
259. primary pump cylinder (ex. primary pump rod (replace 205 and 206))
261. secondary pump cylinder rod (ex. secondary pump rod (replace 205
and 206))
263. secondary pump cylinder (ex. secondary pump cylinder (replace 209
and 210))
265. secondary pump piston (ex. secondary pump piston (replace 211, 212,
243 and 244))
Broadly described, the present system, as exemplified in the embodiments of
the accompanying drawings, relates to the field of dosing, mixing and metering
pumps, and more particularly, according to a given variant, relates to a pump
assembly (1) being capable of self-actuation with an embodiment that
incorporates
dual positive displacement reciprocating pumps mounted on the same axis of
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displacement, this embodiment providing extremely high level of accuracy
mixing
and dosing liquids, even at very low pumping volume, while providing constant
pumping, dosing and mixing through time.
Indeed, as will be better appreciated when reviewing the present specification
and accompanying drawings, the present system is advantageous in that it
relates to
a new dosing, metering and mixing pump assembly (1) that, due to its various
components and features, and corresponding innovative design, is capable of
dosing, metering and/or mixing of various types of liquid(s) with a high level
of
accuracy under constant flow through time, delivering a steady and constant
dosage
and mix flow, even under the smallest flow requirement while not having to
rely on
any mechanical devices, such as electric motors, actuators or solenoids, for
example, to execute pumping, the present system (1) being further capable of
using
media pressure, such as tap water pressure, for example, to actuate and
accomplish
pumping of both fluids.
The present system may come in the form of a pump assembly (1), and/or
any other possible embodiment(s) and/or expression(s), including one and/or
several
of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible
combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof):
1. A pump assembly (1) for use with at least one fluid, the pump
assembly
(1) comprising:
a main casing (203);
at least one primary pump (200), the at least one primary pump (200) having
a main piston component (229) sealingly mountable onto the main casing (203)
so
as to define at least one primary cavity (231,233) inside said main casing
(203), the
main piston component (229) being displaceable along said main casing (203) so
as
to vary a corresponding volume of said at least one primary cavity; and
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at least one secondary pump (200), the at least one secondary pump (200)
including a hollow insert (211,212) having one end being mountable onto a
correspond supporting component (213,214) and another end being insertable and
relatively displaceable along an interior portion of a corresponding cylinder
(205,206)
of the pump assembly (1) so as to define a define at least one secondary
cavity
(235,237) inside said portion of the cylinder (205,206), one end of the
cylinder
(205,206) being rigidly connectable to the main piston component (229) of the
at
least one primary pump (200), and another end of the cylinder (205,206) being
sealing mountable about an exterior portion of the hollow insert (211,212), so
that a
movement of the main piston component (229) in turn results into a
corresponding
simultaneous movement of the cylinder (205,206), and vice versa, thereby
varying a
corresponding volume of the at least one secondary cavity (233,237) of the at
least
one secondary pump (200) accordingly, so as to pump fluid from at least one
cavity
(231,233,235,237) of the pump assembly (1).
2. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the main casing (203) of the pump assembly (1) is
fixed with
respect to a base component (201) of the pump assembly (1), and wherein the
cylinder (205,206) is movable with respect to said base component (201).
3. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the cylinder (205,206) is movable with respect to the
base
component (201) in a reciprocating manner.
4. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the interior portion of the cylinder (205,206)
intended to
receive the hollow insert (211,212) is provided by a corresponding sleeve
(209,210)
being removably insertable into a corresponding inner part of the cylinder
(205,206)
so as to selectively establish a volumetric ratio between the primary cavity
(231,233)
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of the at least one primary pump (200) and the secondary cavity (235,237) of
the at
least one secondary pump (200).
5. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein a dispensing ratio of fluids of the pump assembly (1)
is
adjustably selected by configuring a volumetric ratio of the primary and
secondary
cavities (231,233,235,237) accordingly, so that a displacement of the main
piston
component (229) of the least one primary pump (200) of the pump assembly (1)
in
turn provides a direct and exact proportional displacement of the least one
secondary piston pump (200) of the pump assembly (1).
6. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the at least one primary pump (200) is provided with a
port
(221,223) for allowing entry of primary fluid from a source of primary fluid
into the at
least one primary pump (200) and corresponding at least one primary cavity
(231,233), and for allowing egress of said primary fluid from said
corresponding at
least one primary cavity (231,233) and at least one primary pump (200) via the
port
(221,223) thereof.
7. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (221,223) of the at least one primary pump
(200) is
provided about a cylinder head (207) being sealingly mountable about one end
of
the main casing (203).
8. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the cylinder head (207) is provided adjacent to a
corresponding pump support (215) of the pump assembly (1).
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9. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the pump assembly (1) comprises first and second pump
supports (215) being connectable to one another via at least one cylinder-rod
(217).
5 10. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second pump supports (215) of the pump
assembly (1) are connectable one another via four cylinder-rods (217).
11. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
10 combination(s), wherein the at least one secondary pump (200) is
provided with a
port (225,227) for allowing entry of secondary fluid from a source of
secondary fluid
into the at least one secondary pump (200) and corresponding at least one
secondary cavity (235,237), and for allowing egress of said secondary fluid
from said
corresponding at least one secondary cavity (235,237) and at least one
secondary
15 pump (200) via the port (225,227) thereof
12. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (225,227) of the at least one secondary pump
(200)
is provided about the one end of the hollow insert (211,212) being mounted
onto the
correspond supporting component (213,214).
13. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the correspond supporting component (213,214) includes
a
manifold (213,214).
14. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the hollow insert (211,212) is
rotatable about
the manifold (213,214).
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15. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the hollow insert (211,212) is provided
with a
recess for receiving a corresponding locking device (13) intended to prevent
longitudinal displacement of the hollow insert (211,212).
16. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the at least one primary pump (200) comprises first
and
second primary pumps (200a,200b) each having a respective primary cavity
(231,233), so as to provide the pump assembly (1) with first and second
primary
cavities (231,233), the first and second primary pumps (200a,200b) sharing the
same main piston component (229), so that corresponding volumes of said first
and
second primary cavities (231,233) are variable via a corresponding
displacement of
the main piston component (229) along the main casing (203).
17. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the main piston component (229) is movable with
respect to
a base component (201) of the pump assembly (1) in a reciprocating manner.
18. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the at least one secondary pump (200) comprises first
and
second secondary pumps (200c,200d) each having a corresponding cylinder
(205,206), hollow insert (211,212) and associated secondary cavity (235,237),
so as
to provide the pump assembly (1) with first and second cylinders (205,206),
first and
second hollow inserts (211,212), and first and second secondary cavities
(235,237),
the first hollow insert (211) having one end being mounted onto a correspond
first
supporting component (213) and another end being insertable and relatively
displaceable along an interior portion of the first cylinder (205) of the pump
assembly
(1) so as to define the first secondary cavity (235) inside said portion of
the first
cylinder (205), the second hollow insert (212) having one end being mounted
onto a
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correspond second supporting component (214) and another end being insertable
and relatively displaceable along an interior portion of the second cylinder
(206) of
the pump assembly (1) so as to define the second secondary cavity (237) inside
said
portion of the second cylinder (206), one end of the first cylinder being
operatively
connectable to the main piston component (229) of the first primary pump
(200a),
and another end of the first cylinder (205) being sealing mountable about an
exterior
portion of the first hollow insert (211), one end of the second cylinder (206)
being
operatively connectable to the main piston component (229) of the second
primary
pump (200b), and another end of the second cylinder (206) being sealing
mountable
about an exterior portion of the second hollow insert (212), so that movement
of the
main piston component (229) in turn results into a corresponding simultaneous
movement of the first and second cylinders (205,206), and vice versa, thereby
varying corresponding volumes of the first and second secondary cavities
(235,237)
of the secondary pumps (200c,200d) accordingly.
19. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the main casing (203) of the pump assembly (1) is
fixed with
respect to a base component (201) of the pump assembly (1), and wherein the
first
and second cylinders (205,206) are movable with respect to said base component
(201).
20. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second cylinders (205,206) are movable
with
respect to the base component (201) in a reciprocating manner.
21. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the interior portion of the first cylinder (205)
intended to
receive the first hollow insert (211) is provided by a corresponding first
sleeve (209)
being removably insertable into a corresponding inner part of the first
cylinder (205)
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so as to selectively establish a volumetric ratio between the first primary
cavity (231)
of the first primary pump (200a) and the first secondary cavity (235) of the
first
secondary pump (200c), and wherein the interior portion of the second cylinder
(206)
intended to receive the second hollow insert (212) is provided by a
corresponding
second sleeve (210) being removably insertable into a corresponding inner part
of
the second cylinder (206) so as to selectively establish a volumetric ratio
between
the second primary cavity (233) of the second primary pump (200b) and the
second
secondary cavity (237) of the second secondary pump (200d).
22. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein dispending ratios of fluids of the pump assembly (1)
are
adjustably selected by configuring volumetric ratios of a corresponding pair
of
primary and secondary cavities (231,233; 235,237) accordingly, so that a
displacement of the main piston component (229) of given primary pump
(200a,200b) of the pump assembly (1) in turn provides a direct and exact
proportional displacement of a given associated secondary piston pump
(200c,200d)
of the pump assembly (1).
23. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second primary pumps (200a,200b) are
aligned
with respect to one another and displaceable along a common primary axis
(11a),
and wherein the main piston component (229) is displaceable along said common
primary axis (11a).
24. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second secondary pumps (200c,200d) are
aligned with respect to one another and displaceable along a common secondary
axis (11b), and wherein the main piston component (229) is displaceable along
said
common secondary axis (11b).
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25. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second primary pumps (200a,200b), as
well as
the first and second secondary pumps (200c,200d), are aligned with respect to
one
another and displaceable along a common longitudinal axis (11) of the pump
assembly (1).
26. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first primary pump (200a) is provided with a port
(221)
for allowing entry of first primary fluid from a source of first primary fluid
into the first
primary pump (200a) and corresponding first primary cavity (231), and for
allowing
egress of said first primary fluid from said corresponding first primary
cavity (231)
and first primary pump (200a) via the port (221) thereof.
27. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (221) of the first primary pump (200a) is
provided
about a first cylinder head (207) being sealingly mountable about a first end
of the
main casing (203).
28. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first cylinder head (207) is provided adjacent to
a
corresponding first pump support (215) of the pump assembly (1).
29. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the second primary pump (200b) is provided with a port
(223) for allowing entry of second primary fluid from a source of second
primary fluid
into the second primary pump and corresponding second primary cavity (233),
and
for allowing egress of said second primary fluid from said corresponding
second
primary cavity (233) and second primary pump (200b) via the port (223)
thereof.
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30. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (223) of the second primary pump (200b) is
provided about a second cylinder head (207) being sealingly mountable about a
second end of the main casing (203).
5
31. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the second cylinder head (207) is provided adjacent to
a
corresponding second pump support (215) of the pump assembly (1).
10 32. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first and second pump supports (215,215) are
connectable to one another via at least one cylinder-rod (217).
33. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
15 combination(s), wherein the first and second pump supports (215,215) of
the pump
assembly (1) are connectable one another via four cylinder-rods (217).
34. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the source of first primary fluid and the source of
second
20 primary fluid is the same source.
35. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein each primary fluid is water.
36. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the first secondary pump (200c) is provided with a
port
(225) for allowing entry of first secondary fluid from a source of first
secondary fluid
into the first secondary pump (200c) and corresponding first secondary cavity
(235),
and for allowing egress of said first secondary fluid from said first
secondary cavity
(235) and first secondary pump (200c) via the port (225) thereof
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37. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (225) of the first secondary pump (200c) is
provided
about the one end of the first hollow insert (211) being mounted onto the
correspond
first supporting component (213).
38. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the correspond first supporting component (213)
includes a
first manifold (213).
39. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the first hollow insert (211) is
rotatable about
the first manifold (213).
40. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the first hollow insert (211) is
provided with a
recess (15) for receiving a corresponding first locking device (13) intended
to prevent
longitudinal displacement of the first hollow insert (211).
41. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the second secondary pump (200d) is provided with a
port
(227) for allowing entry of second secondary fluid from a source of second
secondary fluid into the second secondary pump and corresponding second
secondary cavity (237), and for allowing egress of said second secondary fluid
from
said second secondary cavity (237) and second secondary pump (200d) via the
port
(227) thereof.
42. A pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the port (227) of the second secondary pump (200d) is
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provided about the one end of the second hollow insert (212) being mounted
onto
the correspond second supporting component (214).
43. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the correspond second supporting component (214)
includes a second manifold (214) of the pump assembly (1).
44. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the second hollow insert (212) is
rotatable
about the second manifold (214).
45. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the one end of the second hollow insert (212) is
provided
with a recess (15) for receiving a corresponding second locking device (13)
intended
to prevent longitudinal displacement of the second hollow insert (212).
46. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the source of first secondary fluid and the source of
second
secondary fluid is the same source.
47. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein each secondary fluid is a chemical additive to be
mixed with
water.
48. A pump assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the pump assembly (1) is symmetrical about a central
transversal plane.
49. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a pump assembly
(1) according to any one of the preceding combination(s)
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50. A hydraulic circuit (3) provided with a pump assembly (1) according to
any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the hydraulic circuit is
further
provided with a corresponding controller (17) for selectively controlling
opening and
closing of each port (221,223, 225,227) of the pump assembly (1).
51. A hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the hydraulic
circuit
(3) includes at least one proximity sensor (146,147) associated to each
cylinder
(205,206) of each secondary pump (200c,200d), the at least one proximity
sensor
(146,147) being operatively connected to the controller (17) for sending a
detection
signal to said controller (17).
52. A hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each port
(221,223,
225,227) is operatively provided with a corresponding valve (111,115,123,127)
being
operatively connected to the controller (17) for receiving a command signal
from said
controller (17).
53. A hydraulic
circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the
corresponding
valve (111,115,123,127) is a valve selected from the group consisting of
solenoid
valves, diaphragm valves, pneumatic valves and mechanical valves.
54. A hydraulic
circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the
corresponding
valve (111,115,123,127) is a 3-way and 2-position solenoid valve.
55. A hydraulic
circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the hydraulic
circuit is
provided with at least one component selected from the group consisting of
fluid inlet
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(103), shut-off valve (105), proportional valve (109), check valve, (21)
rinsing valve
(257), flowmeter (145), mixer (133) and discharge component (135).
56. A hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein at least one of
the
shut-off valve (105), proportional valve (109), rinsing valve (257) and
flowmeter (145)
are operatively connected to the controller (17).
57. A hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the controller
(17) is
provided with a user interface (19) for controlling different parameters of
the
hydraulic circuit (3).
58. A hydraulic circuit (3) being provided with a pump assembly (1)
according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the controller
(17) is
capable of operating the hydraulic circuit (3) and corresponding pump assembly
(1)
in various operating modes.
59. A hydraulic circuit (3) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the controller (17) is operated to use the pump
assembly (1)
as a self-powered single pump unit.
60. A hydraulic circuit (3) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the controller (17) is operated to use the pump
assembly (1)
as a dual self-powered pump.
61. A hydraulic circuit (3) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the controller (17) is operated to use the pump
assembly (1)
as four independent pulsating pumps.
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62. A
hydraulic circuit (3) according to any one of the preceding
combination(s), wherein the controller (17) is operated to use the pump
assembly (1)
in a rinsing mode.
5 Other
possible aspect(s), object(s), embodiment(s), variant(s) and/or
advantage(s) of the present invention, all being preferred and/or optional,
are briefly
summarized hereinbelow.
For example, an object of the present invention can be to provide a dosing,
10
metering and mixing pump in the form and embodiment of two positive
displacement
reciprocating pumps, these two pumps including two cavities each and
mechanically
working together and pumping fluid by reciprocate positive displacement.
Another object of the present invention can be to provide a metering and
15 dosing
pump, having one of the pumps being of smaller volume compared to the
other pump, the difference in volume between each pump in respect to a desired
mixing volume ratio between the two pumps.
Another object of the present invention can be to provide a metering and
20 dosing
pump that can meter, dose and mix any type(s) of liquid(s) constantly through
time, this meaning that it will not pulsate its flow through a given time
frame, but
constantly and steadily deliver dosage and mixes, even under the smallest flow
requirement and through any given time.
25 Another
object of the present invention can be to provide a metering and
dosing pump not having to rely on any mechanical sources such as electric
motors,
actuators or solenoids to execute pumping, but can use one of the media's
pressure
to actuate and accomplish pumping of both fluids, and as it can use tap water
pressure, for example, to power and actuate itself and pump.
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The dosing pump assembly (1) according to the present system has two
known cavity chambers on each side of the larger diameter piston that all
together
form a reciprocating positive-displacement pump body. The reciprocating
positive-
displacement piston can be moved by means of a positive-displacement drive,
e.g.,
such as an actuator drive, but an important aspect of one object of the
present
system is that it does not necessarily need such motor or actuator to pump,
but
instead can use water pressure to provide motion force, given water is one of
the
media or fluid used, for example. As the water under pressure enters one of
the
large volume cavities, the positive displacement piston travels to the other
side of the
pump's assembly (200), and thus, collapsing the cavity on the other side of
the
piston to eject water from that opposite side, this ejected water then being
used in
the mixing and dosing process. Then, the water pressure is transferred to the
collapsing side of the pump once the proximity sensor detects a full travel,
this cavity
then expands to move the piston towards the other side that in turns reduces
and
collapses the opposite side cavity so water from this side is then ejected
from the
cavity.
This side-to-side positive displacement cycle is created by alternatively
transferring water pressure from one side of the pump to its other side,
creating an
oscillation motion that creates the pumping effect, this water pressure
transfer being
controlled by solenoid valve(s) and automation of the system further detailed
in the
schematic hereafter, and controlling the speed of the pump is achieved by
regulating
that media's pressure and flow volume, here being water pressure and by means
of
regulating its pressure using a proportional valve, for example, here to be
controlled
by the system's automation, but not limited to, as manual valves could also be
used
to create a manual pump for the same application and use, etc.
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According to a given possible embodiment of the present system, an object
can be to provide two pumps in one and positioned on the same central axis,
but not
limited to, since the two pumps can also be positioned side by side while
still be
powered by media or water pressure and fill a main possible objective of the
present
system. However, an objective of this possible embodiment with providing two
pumps within a single pump assembly on the same central axis, and that each
pump
can either be of identical displacement volume to create a dosing and mixing
pump
of equal ratio between the medias, or having the two pumps of different and
unequal
displacement volumes to create a dosing and mixing pump assembly of unequal
mixing ratio, this by means of designing and fabricating the two pumps each
having
a different volume or different piston and cylinder's physical diameters.
According to a given possible embodiment of the present system, one can
have both pumps to be mechanically joined together so as the driver pump
travels to
one side the second pump follows with the same motion and same speed or
velocity
in order to perform accurate fluid mixing, the second and driven pump
operating
under the same and exact principal of the driver pump, with the only exception
that
the driven pump operates under no positive pressure and pumps the fluid simply
by
means of suction and ejection of the media, a principle of operation that will
become
more apparent in the detailed description hereunder, and as identical to the
driver
pump, the fluid direction in which it travels either to fill the expanding
cavity of the
driven pump or to be ejected from the driven pump is controlled by means of
solenoid valves opening or closing depending of the travel direction of the
pumps
that here to alternate according the automation system alternative sequence,
as long
as the sequence is identical for each the driver and the driven pump and all
too
apparent and further detailed in the schematic hereunder.
According to a given possible embodiment of the present system, an object
can also be to provide a pump assembly in a single embodiment that provide the
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highest level of accuracy both in terms dosing precision and mixing precision,
the
dosing precision accomplished by this system's feature that it does not
pulsate its
flow, but ejects a constant flow through time, and with the example that if
one ("1")
milliliter of mix fluid is required for one ("1") minute of time, this pump
assembly will
eject and dispense that one ("1") milliliter of mix fluid in 1/60 milliliter
per second or
even more accurately if the expert in the art wishes to divide the time
further such as
1/1000 of a milliliter per .0001 second if one wishes to, and as the present
system
will provide constant flow through any time frame desired, and it does so from
its
feature that it is the accuracy of the media pressure and volume the present
system
uses to power the driver pumps that establishes the driver pump's motion and
which
in turns establishes the driven pump's displacement, and in such measure,
establishes the accuracy of the flow coming out the pumps. In a most simple
way of
saying, one can say that this pump assembly will reproduce the accuracy used
to
drive the pump using fluid power. If the fluid used to power the pumps is
provided
under high accuracy, this pump assembly will provide the same identical
accuracy
and so on for lower accuracy and/or much higher accuracy.
As for the mixing process accuracy objective of the present system, it is
simply achieved by means of having two pumps in a single embodiment assembly
.. that are physically different or equal in terms of physical displacement
volumes, thus,
a physical aspect that cannot change through normal operation. Expressed with
this
following example, if the driver pumps is three ("3") times bigger in
displacement
volume then its driven pump, the fluid vs media or product mixing ratio of
this pump
unit will be 3 to 1 or 3:1 and will never change until the displacement volume
of one
of the two pumps is altered by mechanically changing the volume, thus, one can
understand that this invention cannot only provide a highly accurate mixing
ratio
such as three ("3") to one ("1") or 3:1 using the above example, but it can
also
provide an extremely highly accurate mixing ratio such as 3.0 to 1.0 or
3.0:1.0 mixing
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ratio and much better considering the stability of any mechanical structure
and
assembly.
The present disclosure further relates to a method for controlling a positive-
displacement pump using a driver pump physically and mechanically attached to
a
driven pump, and optionally, involving solenoid valves, a pressure regulator
valve, a
flow meter and two proximity detectors, all these sub-components well known in
the
field being linked to an artificial intelligence such as a Programable Logic
Controller
or PLC, that acts so it monitors the proximity detectors to establish the
driver pump's
piston position so to control the solenoid valves in a way that once the
driver pump's
piston has reached an end travel, the PLC detects that position from the
proximity
detector sending the signal so the PLC can now divert media pressure to the
other
side of the driver pumps so it now travels toward the opposite direction until
it
reaches the other proximity detector, and so on alternatively from one side to
another, etc.
The present disclosure further relates to a method for controlling a positive-
displacement pump and where the PLC also establishes the pump's speed or flow
output volume using a proportional regulating valve to regulate the media
pressure
driving the driver pump in a way that more pressure is provided to the driver
pumps,
the faster it will travels from one side to another and higher the output flow
will be,
and where the least pressure the PLC will apply to the driver pumps through
the
proportional regulator valve, the lower will be the speed the pump will
travel, and
therefore, the output flow will be lower.
This disclosure also describes a method in which the PLC also establishes
the speed or the output flow of the pumps using a flowmeter monitoring the
pump's
output flow so it can regulate the pumps speed or output flow compared to the
output
flow requirement provided to the present system by the user through an
interface
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control panel, these methods easily understood by a person skilled in the art
and
being commonly used.
The present system will be further described by way of examples described
5 below based on the accompanying figures. The various features of
innovative nature
which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the
claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.
Furthermore, before further description of the present system continues, it is
10 desired to clarify the following points: here, and for the purpose of
understanding and
clarity for the present specification, the fluid providing power to the system
(1) will be
"water" (given as a first possible fluid), the fluid that needs to be diluted
and mixed
will be "chlorine" (given as a second possible fluid, chemical additive, for
example),
and the mixing ratio will be one ("1") part of chlorine for thirty-five ("35")
part of water,
15 or a mixing ratio of 35:1 as usually expressed in certain fields, and
therefore, one will
understand that the present pump assembly(ies) (1) and corresponding
specification
and examples, will provide that 35:1 mixing ratio.
It is also important to establish that for the purpose of the present
specification
20 and for the present system, one of the fluids is provided to the pump
assembly(ies)
(200) under positive pressure, this fluid for the present specification to be
water, and
the chlorine circuit here is under no pressure but simply at ambient
atmospheric
pressure, for example.
25 Further, it is also important to highlight the present specification
will not detail
the programable logic control or PLC for they are well known in the art.
Another point to highlight is that for the purpose of the present
specification
and the present assembly (1), the solenoid valves (111, 115, 123, 127) are
three-
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ways two-positions solenoid valves that are electrically connected so they are
all
"open" at the same time and will all "close" on an electrical signal from the
PLC,
thus, each valve has a normally open circuit, and a normally closed circuit
internally.
Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to Fig. 1, this figure
shows the present pump assembly (1) into a cabinet (101) which can be of any
sort
of cabinet as long as it serves the purpose of holding, enclosing and to
protect the
components and the pump assembly(ies) (1).
Still referring to Fig. 1 and further detailed in Fig. 2, the present pump
assembly (1) is shown along with components mechanically attached to the
cabinet
(101). These components constitute a specific hydraulic system that serves the
purpose of actuating the pump assembly(ies) (1). The hydraulic circuitry
begins with
a solenoid valve (105) having a fluid port (103) to which regular water supply
under
pressure is connected to. Once the system (1) is put to operation, the
solenoid valve
(105) opens to allow water to flow to the proportional valve (109) through the
water
inlet tube (107).
The proportional valve (109), for this example, is a 0 to 10 volts DC
regulator
valve that will modulate water pressure and flow according the strength of the
voltage signal it receives from the control logic (not shown), 0 volts
indicating no flow
and pressure are required and 10 volts signal indicating the pump
assembly(ies) (1)
must provide full flow capacity.
Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, as the proportional valve (109) receives a
voltage signal to "open", the proportional valve (109) will let water flow and
pressure
travel through fluid tube (107) to the normally open solenoid valve (111)
taking care
of directing water under pressure to one side of the pump assembly(ies) (200)
or the
other side depending of the signal it receives from the PLC. Water then
reaches
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solenoid valve (111) which is normally "open", thus, allowing water to flow
towards
the pump assembly(ies) (1) through fluid tube (113) and enters the pump
assembly(ies) (1) to put the pump assembly(ies) (1) in motion toward the
opposite
side to the water pressure entrance. The water already present in the opposite
cavity
of the pump assembly(ies) (1) is then ejected from the pump assembly(ies)
(200)
through fluid tube (117) and flowing through the normally open solenoid valve
(115)
and out solenoid valve (115) through fluid tube (119) which is connected to a
flowmeter (145) shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 only, then water flows out
the
flowmeter (145) toward a static mixer (133), and this is the point the present
specification will now discuss the chlorine circuit before going any further
through the
static mixer (133). For the purpose of understanding, the flowmeter (145) can
be of
any type, as long as it serves the purpose of the present system and is used
to
monitor fluid volume coming out the pump assembly(ies) (1), etc.
Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the present specification now describes the
chlorine circuit which begins with a fluid tube (121) to which a chlorine
reservoir or
container (not shown) is connected. As the pump assembly(ies) (1) travel(s)
towards
one side of the system (1), the pump assembly(ies) (1) also create(s) a vacuum
inside fluid tube (121) that sucks the chlorine out it reservoir and through
fluid tube
(121) toward solenoid valve (123) which directs chlorine to one side of the
pump
assembly(ies) (1) by means of suction through tube (125) only visible in Fig.
2, or the
other side of the pump assembly(ies) (1) through tube (141), depending if the
solenoid valve (123) receives an electrical signal or not from the PLC.
Discussing the
pump assembly(ies) (1) operation principal will become more apparent when
further
described hereunder using later figures, but for now the present specification
will
limit itself to discuss and detail the chlorine circuit hydraulics.
As the pump assembly(ies) (1) moves toward one direction and charges one
side of the chlorine circuit and the chlorine pump cavity through tube (125),
the
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chlorine present in the opposite side of the pump assembly(ies) (1) is then
ejected
from the pump assembly(ies) (1) through fluid tube (129) towards and through
solenoid valve (127) and through fluid tube (131) toward the static mixer
(133). At
this point, both water and chlorine are now present in the static mixer (133)
which
like said, serves to mix water and chlorine together, then the water/chlorine
mixture
is then ejected through the fluid tube (135) toward the user's device or use.
This
hydraulic operation and fluids dynamic and direction can be understood further
easier referring to Fig. 10, and more specifically with Fig. 11 which provides
a
hydraulic flow path highlighted using arrows for clarity.
Still referring to Fig. 1, and as the pump assembly(ies) (1) piston (229) of
Fig.
4 and rod/cylinder (206) reaches its proximity sensor (147), the proximity
sensor
(147) sends an electrical signal to the PLC that then energize(s) solenoid
valves
(111, 115, 123, 127) that simultaneously close one port to open the other
port. At
this point, solenoid valve (111) redirects water pressure still present and
supplied by
tube (107), to tube (137) instead of (113), so now the pump assembly(ies) (1)
cycle(s) towards the opposite direction. As solenoid valve (115) has also
switch
ports, water from the opposite side of the pumps (200) can now exit the pumps
(200)
opposite cavity by flowing through tube (139) then through solenoid valve
(115) to
tube (119) towards the flowmeter (145), then through the static mixer (133)
and
outlet tube (135).
Identically as explained hereabove for the chlorine circuit, but for the
opposite
side, solenoid valve (123) hereto has changed position taking chlorine still
present
and supplied by tube (121), but now redirects the chlorine flow through tube
(141) to
charge the opposite side chlorine cavity with chlorine. Hereto solenoid valve
(127)
has changed position so chlorine coming out of the cavity previously filled by
tube
(125), is now being ejected through tube (142) only shown in Fig. 2, towards
solenoid valve (127) then through tube (131) toward the static mixer (133),
and
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hereto at this point, then the water/chlorine mixture is then ejected through
the fluid
tube (135) toward the user's device or use. This hydraulic operation and
fluids
dynamic and direction can be understood further easier referring to Fig. 10
and more
specifically with Fig. 12 which provides a hydraulic flow path highlighted
using
arrows for clarity.
And as the rod/cylinder (205) reaches the right-side proximity sensor (146),
the PLC then de-energizes solenoid valves (111, 115, 123, 127) which then
switch to
their original position and the cycle as described hereabove starts over and
so on.
Now referring to Fig. 3 of the present specification, to further detail
mechanical construction of the pump assembly (1) mechanical construction in
which
there may be four (4) independent and individual pumps or two ("2") pair of
pumps or
one ("1") single pump depending on how it best serves various applications
needs
and purposes, these pumps and/or combination(s) of pump(s) and concept further
detailed and becoming more apparent in Fig. 4 hereafter. Fig. 3 illustrates a
pump
assembly(ies) (1) consisting of a base plate (201) that serves to support and
hold the
pump assembly(ies) (1) various components in place by means of holding two
pump
supports (215) that holds the two primary pump cylinder (203) heads (207) in
place
and well centered and aligned. Inside the primary pump cylinder (203) is a
piston
(229) not visible here, but on which the rod/cylinders (205, 206) are attached
to form
a positive displacement reciprocating primary pump (200), and the four (4)
cylinder
rods (217) here shown as holding elements to keep the primary pump
assembly(ies)
(200) together, although other means of attachments to be suitable as long as
they
serve their purpose.
Also illustrated in Fig. 3 and part of the pump assembly(ies) (200), are
components that serve and form the two ("2") secondary pumps which are
partially
visible in Fig. 3 but perfectly detailed in Fig. 4, these components including
a
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rod/cylinder (205) sleeve (209), and here, it is worth mentioning that the
rod/cylinders (205, 206) bare this designation for the reason that they first
act as
normal hydraulic cylinder rods like into any regular hydraulic cylinder, but
also act as
cylinders, for the secondary pumps piston (211) and sleeve (209).
5
To pursue, the rod/cylinder sleeves (209) are positioned and locked into the
rod/cylinder (205) and serve as cylinder to the secondary pump piston (211,
212),
and which in turns are fixed to the structure, the right secondary pump's
piston (211)
held fix by the right manifold block (213) and the left secondary pump's
piston (212)
10 held fix by the left manifold block (214), both left and right secondary
pump's pistons
(211, 212) held fix by means of full dog or half dog setscrews (and/or any
other
suitable locking device) screwed and/or inserted in manifold block (213, 214)
holes
(219) and locking the pistons (211, 212) so they cannot exit their respective
manifold
block (213, 214) in a longitudinal motion but have sufficient freedom to
rotate, this
15 principle being more apparent with Fig. 4.
Also illustrated in Fig. 3 are ports for each pump that act in both as inlet
ports
and outlet ports depending of the pump assembly(ies) (1) operation cycle, and
here
to be described as the primary pump's inlets and outlets ports (221) and
(223), these
20 ports and purposes further detailed in the following Fig. 4, and also
the secondary
pump's inlets and outlets ports (225, 227), hereto to be further detailed in
Fig. 4
hereafter.
Before detailing Fig. 4, it is worth providing further details on certain
25 components interaction and their purpose establishing the pump assembly
(1)
mixing ratio, which here was preliminary established to be thirty-five ("35")
parts of
"water" (for example) for one ("1") part of chlorine (for example), and here
established by altering the volume of the secondary pump's cavities (235, 237)
in
relation of the primary pump's cavities (231, 233), and which is the sole
purpose of
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the secondary pump sleeves (209, 210) that can be altered to desired internal
diameters, internal diameters that will automatically alter the sleeves (209,
210)
cavities (235, 237) volume, and volumes that in relation to the primary pumps
(200)
fix cavities (231, 233) volumes, establishes the pump assembly(ies) (1) mixing
ratio.
It is then to be understood that cavity (235) volume is thus thirty-five
("35") times
smaller than cavity (231) volume, and equivalently for and between cavities
(237,
233).
Now to further detail what was described in Fig. 3 and more obvious now with
Fig. 4 as shown here, one can witness the pump assembly(ies) (1) including its
base
(201) on which is assembled the primary pump's cylinder (203) between the two
cylinder heads (207), the cylinder (203) and cylinder heads (207) held in
place by
two pumps supports (215) serving to attach and fix the pump's cylinder (203),
cylinder heads (207) to the base (201). To ensure the cylinder heads (207) are
well
seated on the cylinder (203), the pump supports (215) are held in place by
four
threaded cylinder rods (217). Passing through the cylinder heads (207) are a
right
rod/cylinder (205) and a left rod/cylinder (206) attached to each side of the
primary
pump piston (229), this piston (229) dividing the cylinder (203) into two
specific
cavities, the primary pump right cavity (231) and the left primary pump cavity
(233),
this arrangement at this point being nothing more than a standard hydraulic
cylinder
(200) or a reciprocating positive displacement pump (200), here easily
recognized by
any expert in the art.
Also attached and fixed to the base (201) are the right manifold block (213)
and the left manifold block (214), their intended purpose being to first fix
both right
secondary piston (211) and left secondary piston (212) in place well centered
with
their respective right rod/cylinder (205) and left rod/cylinder (206), these
right and left
manifolds (213, 214) also having the purpose of transferring the chlorine to
and from
their respective secondary pistons (211, 212) cavities (239, 241), to and from
the
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solenoid (123, 127) as described hereabove in detail in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The
right
secondary pump piston (211) and the left secondary pump piston (212) are
basically
small hollow rods each having their respective channels (239, 241) through
which
the fluid, here "chlorine" (used as a possible "example" only for the present
disclosure), travels through when their respective cavities (235, 237) are
either
contracted or expanded, the secondary pump right cavity (235) being formed by
the
internal hollow diameter of the right rod/cylinder sleeve (209) and the
secondary
pump left cavity (237) here being formed by the left rod/cylinder sleeve
(210), these
sleeves (209, 210) manufactured from any material types as long as they serve
the
purpose of this invention as being interchangeable sleeves (209, 210) that can
be
easily replaced with sleeves (209, 210) having a different internal diameter
and
volume, which compared to the primary pump cylinder (203) diameter and volume,
establishes the ratio between the primary pump and the secondary pump, as can
be
easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
Still referring to Fig. 4 and to further describe this figure more accurately,
one
will understand that some components in this pump assembly(ies) (1) are fixed
and
not moving, and some other components are moving, this aspect of the present
system being advantageous and different to the present system, and
understanding
that the only moving components in the present system are the primary pump
piston
(229) the right rod/cylinder (205) and its respective right rod/cylinder
sleeve (209),
the left rod/cylinder (206) and its respective left rod/cylinder sleeve (210).
All other
components of the pump assembly(ies) (200) are "fixed" and "stationary", and
it is
the interaction between the fix components and the moving components that are
advantageous and different to the present system.
Still referring to Fig. 4, the present specification will now describe the
operation process and interaction between certain components to further
enhance
understanding for this embodiment, and for which for best understanding of the
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following, is to establish that cavities (231, 233, 235, 237), along with
channels (239,
241) are already full of their respective fluids like if the pump
assembly(ies) (1) had
already cycled a few cycles.
Another reminder for the present description and like mentioned hereabove
detailing Figs. 1 and 2, is that all solenoid valves (111, 115, 123, 127) have
the same
status being normally "open" when deenergized, and "closed" to redirect flow
the
second way and as they operate simultaneously all together, except solenoid
valve
(105) of Fig. 1 who acts as a gate valve.
The process begins with water pressure coming from the solenoid valve (111)
of Fig. 2 and enters the primary pump right cavity port (221) leading into the
primary
pump right cavity (231), this water pressure increasing and pushing against
the
primary pump piston (229) and causes the primary pump right cavity (231) to
expand
as the primary piston (229) wants to move in such way that it also collapses
the
primary pump left cavity (233) and as the water in the primary pump left
cavity (233)
exits this cavity through the primary pump left cavity port (223) since its
associated
solenoid valve (115) of Fig. 2 is also "open", this water then directed toward
the
static mixer (133) of Fig. 3 through the tube (119) hereto of Fig. 2, here
with one
water cycle of the present system completed.
From that same motion and water cycle as described hereabove, this action
causes the right rod/cylinder (205) along with its right rod/cylinder sleeve
(209), and
the left rod/cylinder (206) and its left rod/cylinder sleeve (210) to move in
the same
direction of the primary pump piston (229), causing the secondary pump right
cavity
(235) to expand as the right secondary piston (211) is fixed and does not
move,
creating a suction or vacuum effect in the secondary pump right cavity (235),
this
vacuum transferred in the secondary pump right cavity channel (239) and in the
secondary pump right cavity port (225), sucking chlorine through that port and
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associated solenoid valve (123) of Fig. 2 since this solenoid valve (123) is
also
"open", the chlorine fluid then filling and charging the secondary pump right
cavity
(235).
From that same motion and water cycle as described hereabove, this action
also causes the left rod/cylinder (206) along with its left rod/cylinder
sleeve (210) to
move towards and against the left secondary piston (212) that hereto is fixed
and not
moving, causing the secondary pump left cavity (237) to collapse and create a
chlorine positive pressure in that cavity, this positive pressure also
creating a
positive displacement to eject that chlorine through the secondary pump right
cavity
channel (241) then trough the secondary pump right cavity port (227), ejecting
chlorine through that port by means of positive displacement through its
associated
solenoid valve (127) of Fig. 2 since this solenoid valve (127) is also "open",
this
chlorine then directed toward the static mixer (133) of Fig. 3 through the
tube (131)
hereto of Fig. 2, here with one chlorine cycle of the present invention (1)
completed
simultaneously with the water cycle.
As the left rod/cylinder (206) reaches the end of its travel, it energizes the
left
proximity sensor (147) of Fig. 1 that sends a signal to the PLC that then
energizes all
solenoid valves (111, 115, 123, 127) of Fig. 2, all these solenoid valves
(111, 115,
123, 127) closing so way one ("1") becomes close and way two ("2") opens to
redirect all flow for an opposite positive displacement circulation and flow,
and at this
point the cycle described hereabove will reverse, with water pressure coming
from
the now "closed" solenoid valve (111) of Fig. 2 that enters the primary pump
left
cavity port (223) leading into the primary pump left cavity (233), this water
pressure
increasing and pushing against the primary pump piston (229) and causes the
primary pump left cavity (233) to expand as the primary piston (229) wants to
move
in such way that it also collapses the primary pump right cavity (231) and as
the
water in the primary pump right cavity (231) exits this cavity through the
primary
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pump right cavity port (221) since its associated solenoid valve (115) of Fig.
2 is now
also "closed", this water then directed toward the static mixer (133) of Fig.
3 through
the tube (119) hereto of Fig. 2, here with the second water cycle of the
present
system completed.
5
From that same opposite motion and reverse water cycle as described
hereabove, this action causes the right rod/cylinder (205) along with its
right
rod/cylinder sleeve (209), and the left rod/cylinder (206) and its left
rod/cylinder
sleeve (210) to move in the same opposite direction of the primary pump piston
10 (229), causing the secondary pump left cavity (237) to expand as the
left secondary
piston (212) is also fixed and not moving, this now creating a suction or
vacuum
effect in the secondary pump left cavity (237), this vacuum transferred in the
secondary pump left cavity channel (241) and in the secondary pump left cavity
port
(227), sucking chlorine through that port and associated solenoid valve (123)
of Fig.
15 2, this solenoid valve (123) now "closed" to its way one ("1") and open
to its way two
("2"), the chlorine fluid then filling and charging the secondary pump left
cavity (237).
From that same opposite motion and reverse water cycle as described
hereabove, this action also hereto causes the right rod/cylinder (205) along
with its
20 left rod/cylinder sleeve (209) to move towards and against the right
secondary piston
(211), causing the secondary pump right cavity (235) to collapse and create a
chlorine positive pressure in that cavity, this positive pressure also
creating a
positive displacement to eject that chlorine through the secondary pump right
cavity
channel (239) then trough the secondary pump right cavity port (225), ejecting
25 chlorine through that port by means of positive displacement through its
associated
solenoid valve (127) of Fig. 2, this solenoid valve (127) way one ("1") now
"closed"
and way two ("2") open, this chlorine then directed toward the static mixer
(133) of
Fig. 3 through the tube (131) hereto of Fig. 2, here with the second chlorine
cycle of
the present system completed simultaneously with the water cycle.
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As the right rod/cylinder (205) reaches the end of its travel, it energizes
the
left proximity sensor (146), and which in turns sends a signal to the PLC that
then
deenergizes all solenoid valves (111, 115, 123, 127) of Fig. 2, all these
solenoid
valves (111, 115, 123, 127) now becoming normally "open" so way one ("1")
becomes "open" and way two ("2") "closes" to redirect all flow to its original
direction
as the process starts over again with water pressure coming from the now
"open"
solenoid valve (111) of Fig. 2 that enters the primary pump right cavity port
(221)
leading into the primary pump right cavity (231), this water pressure
increasing and
pushing against the primary pump piston (229) and causing the primary pump
right
cavity (231) to expand as the primary piston (229) wants to move in such way
that it
also collapses the primary pump left cavity (233) and as the water in the
primary
pump left cavity (233) exits this cavity through the primary pump left cavity
port (223)
and associated solenoid valve (115) of Fig. 2 now "open", this water then
directed
toward the static mixer (133) of Fig. 2 through the tube (119) hereto of Fig.
2 and so
on to cycle between one direction to the other in a reciprocating positive
displacement motion and pumping effect of the present pump assembly (1).
Still referring to Fig. 4, a person skilled in the art can appreciate the pump
assembly(ies) (1) being either one pump assembly in the form of four (4)
independent pumps working simultaneously as one pump assembly (1), or two
separate pumps in the form of cavities (231, 233) forming one reciprocating
positive
displacement pump, and cavities (235, 237) forming another reciprocating
positive
displacement pump, this combination and configuration permitted by the present
system, or in the form of four (4) independent positive displacement pulsating
pumps
if cavities (231, 233, 235, 241) are configured and used separately, another
possibility provided by the present system.
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Now referring to Fig. 5, which is an enlarged view of half the pump
assembly(ies) (1) of the present system, this figure's intended purpose is to
describe
a preferred sealing method of the present pump assembly(ies) (1), but not
limited to,
and that what is shown on Fig. 5 here reflects a mirror view of the opposite
side of
this pump assembly(ies) (1), for Fig. 5 can be considered a suggestion to any
expert
in the art of hydraulics, and in which Fig. 5 illustrates pressure seals (249)
in the
forms of "U" cup seals so water cannot leak between the primary pump piston
(229)
and the primary pump cylinder (203), these primary pump piston (229) seal
(249)
being position in a back-to-back position so water from the primary pump right
cavity
(231) cannot transit to the primary pump left cavity (233) and vice versa. "U"
cup
pressure seal (249) are also used to prevent leakage between the cylinder
heads
(207) and the right rod/cylinders (205). Another sealing method is shown in
Fig. 5
where a wiper seal (247) is used between the cylinder head (207) and the right
rod/cylinder (205) so dirt cannot enter the pump assembly(ies) (1) and wipe
the right
rod/cylinder (205) clean of contaminants and dirt, etc.
Still shown in Fig. 5 is also a method of sealing the present pump assembly
(1), and as a primary pump cylinder 0-ring (251) is used to seal and prevent
leaks
between the primary pump cylinder (203) and the cylinder heads (207), but not
limited to this method as experts in the art can accomplish differently, and
the same
method of using 0-rings is used when primary pump cylinder shaft 0-rings (253)
are
placed on each side and between the primary pumps piston (229) and each the
right
rod/cylinder (205) and left rod/cylinder (206) so water cannot transit from
the primary
pumps right cavity (231) to the primary pump left cavity (233) through the
primary
.. pump piston (229), but not limited to this method as long as any other
methods serve
the purpose of the present system in which the primary pumps right cavity
(231) and
the primary pump left cavity (233) must remain completely hermetic and/or
leakage
proof.
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Fig. 5 also illustrates a sealing method, but not limited to, a method in
which
0-rings or quad rings are used to form the secondary pump piston 0-rings
(245),
and of which three secondary pump piston 0-rings (245), for example, are
placed at
each ends of the secondary pump piston (211) at one end so as to prevent the
chlorine present in the secondary pump right cavity (235) to leak and exit
between
the right secondary piston (211) and the right rod/cylinder sleeve (209).
Three other
secondary pump piston 0-rings (245), for example, are located at the other end
of
the secondary pump piston (211) so as to prevent chlorine present in the
secondary
pump right cavity channel (239) and the secondary pump right cavity port
(225), to
.. leak and exit between the secondary pump piston (211) and the right
manifold block
(213), these methods described here above also applied to the opposite side of
the
present pump assembly(ies) (1), but not limited to these methods, as can be
easily
understood by a person skilled in the art.
Now referring to Fig. 6, this figure is almost identical of Fig. 4 with the
exception that both the right rod/cylinder sleeve (209) and the left
rod/cylinder sleeve
(210) have been removed from the pump assembly(ies) (200) and replaced by a
right secondary pump piston (243) and a left secondary pump piston (244), and
for
the reason that the pump assembly(ies) (1) of Fig. 6 as a different dosage
ratio
between the water and chlorine pumped and mixed together, an aspect of the
present system and specification that a person skilled in the art can observe
comparing the secondary pump right cavity (235) and secondary pump left cavity
(237) of Fig. 6 being much larger than the secondary pump right cavity (235)
and
secondary pump left cavity (237) of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 also illustrates the concept that when altering the volume difference
between the primary pump right cavity (231) and the secondary pump right
cavity
(235), one will also alter the dosing ratio of the present invention (1) pump
assembly(ies) (1), a principal that equivalently applies to the opposite side
of the
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pump assembly(ies) (1) between the primary pump left cavity (233) and the
secondary pump left cavity (237) and while other components of the pump
assembly(ies) (1) will remain unchanged.
A second advantageous aspect of the present pump assembly(ies) (1) but not
illustrated in any figure, is that it is also possible to have the left side
of the pump
assembly(ies) (1) having a specific but totally different dosage ratio then
the other
side of the pump assembly(ies) (1), and as an example of the present
specification,
one can quote a primary pump right cavity (231) being seven ("7") times larger
than
the secondary pump right cavity (235) to offer a seven-to-one ("7:1") dosage
ratio,
while the other side of the pump assembly(ies) (200) having a primary pump
left
cavity (233) thirty-five ("35") times larger the secondary pump left cavity
(237)
configured using a right rod/cylinder sleeve as shown in Fig. 4, to offer a
thirty-five to
one ("35:1") ratio, both different and independent ratios in the same pump
assembly(ies) (1).
Further to the above and to complete discussion of Fig. 4, one will understand
that altering the primary pump right and left cavity (231, 233) will not only
alter the
pump assembly(ies) (1) dosage ratio, but will also affect the pump
assembly(ies) (1)
pumping speed under identical water pressure, and for smaller primary pump
cavities (231, 233) being of smaller volumes will create the pump
assembly(ies) (1)
to travel faster from one side to the other, and that having larger primary
pump
cavities (231, 233) being of larger volume will create a slower traveling pump
assembly(ies) (1) under the same water pressure, and even further to this, a
pump
assembly(ies) (1) having its primary pump left cavity (233) of different
volume then
its primary pump right cavity (231), will create a pump assembly(ies) (1)
having two
(2) different travel speeds from one side to the other under the same water
pressure.
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Now referring to Fig. 7 which has the sole purpose to illustrate the pump
assembly(ies) (1) as described hereabove in Fig. 6 having a different dosage
ratio,
this figure being almost identical of Fig. 5 with the exception that the right
rod/cylinder sleeve (209) has been removed from the pump assembly(ies) (1) and
5 replaced by a right secondary pump piston (243), Fig. 7 is used to
illustrate a method
of sealing the right secondary pump piston (243) hereto using "U" cup pressure
seal
(249) positioned in a back-to-back configuration, this method also applied to
the
other side of the pump assembly(ies) (1), and when all other sealing methods
of the
present system remain unchanged.
Fig. 8 illustrates a given possible embodiment of the pump assembly(ies) (1)
in a side-by-side configuration and in which most of the parts remain the same
but
configured differently and not limited to this configuration, except for the
primary
pump cylinder rod (259) that replaces the right and left rod/cylinders (205,
206), the
secondary pump cylinder rod (261) that hereto replaces both the right and left
rod/cylinders (205, 206), the secondary pump cylinder (263) that replaces both
the
right and left rod/cylinder sleeves (209, 210), and the right and left
rod/cylinders
(205, 206) in the configuration where the right and left rod/cylinder sleeves
(209,
210) are not needed.
Although Fig. 8 illustrates what seems to be a more common reciprocating
positive displacement pump in the form of a dual side-by-side pump, this
particular
configuration of the present pump assembly (1) still provides another
advantageous
feature in a way that this configuration permits the use of an external motion
power
source in the event water pressure is not available or if two or more fluid
types need
to be pumped but not are under positive pressure, this external motion power
source
taking the form of an actuator, electrical and/or mechanical, or another
hydraulic
cylinder or any devices capable of inducing linear motion to the invention (1)
actual
configuration as shown in Fig. 8, this device being attached to any of the two
(2)
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pump link plates (255) designed for that particularity, but not limited to,
and one
should note that with this configuration it is still possible to have the pump
assembly(ies) (1) powered with water pressure or any other fluids under
pressure at
one side of the pump assembly(ies) (1), but not an ideal configuration for
such
application for inducing motion using one side of the pump assembly(ies) (1)
under
this configuration generates asymmetric trust to the opposite side or
secondary
pump and to potentially damage the pumps and reduce accuracy, for this Fig. 8
configuration should only be used when an external linear motion power is
required,
as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
Now referring to Fig. 9, this figure being a complement to Fig. 8 illustrating
the
differences between Fig. 8 configuration and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 configuration
and in
which one can observe the similarities between the two (2) configurations of
the
pump assembly(ies) (1), and note that almost all parts remain the same except
for
the primary pump cylinder rod (259) that replaces the right and left
rod/cylinders
(205, 206), the secondary pump cylinder rod (261) that hereto replaces both
the right
and left rod/cylinders (205, 206), the secondary pump cylinder (263) that
replaces
both the right and left rod/cylinder sleeves (209, 210), and the right and
left
rod/cylinders (205, 206) in the configuration where the right and left
rod/cylinder
sleeves (209, 210) are not needed, and the secondary pump piston (265) that
here
is considered replacing the right and left secondary pistons (211, 212), and
(243,
244) in the configuration hereto where the right and left rod/cylinder sleeves
(209,
210) are not needed, for all other components remain the same and have the
same
function in that specific configuration.
Although Fig. 9 illustrates what seems to be a more common reciprocating
positive displacement pump in the form of a dual side by side pump, this
particular
embodiment still provides a pump assembly(ies) (1) being either one pump
assembly in the form of four (4) independent pumps working simultaneously as
one
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pump assembly (200), or two separate pumps in the form of cavities (231, 233)
forming one reciprocating positive displacement pump, and cavities (235, 237)
forming another reciprocating positive displacement pump, this combination and
configuration permitted by the present system, or in the form of four (4)
independent
positive displacement pulsating pumps if cavities (231, 233, 235, 241) are
configured
and used separately, another possibility provided by the present pump system.
Referring to Fig. 10, this embodiment also provides electrical and hydraulic
schematics to ease comprehension of the present system that illustrate the
pump
assembly (1) in a static mode where the system does not operate, Fig. 10
serving
the purpose to position and major components is the system and described their
specific functions, and in what figure one can see the hydraulic circuitry
beginning
with a fluid inlet tube (103) connected to a first solenoid valve (105) that
acts as a
gate valve allowing or shutting off water supply depending of the PLC signal
received. This solenoid valve (105) is then connected to a proportional valve
(109),
this proportional valve (109), for this example, being a 0 to 10 volts DC
regulator
valve that will modulate water pressure and flow according the strength of the
voltage signal it receives from the programable logic control (PLC), 0 volts
indicating
no flow and pressure are required and 10 volts signal indicating the pump
assembly(ies) (1) must provide full flow capacity. The proportional valve
(109) is then
connected to a two-ways three-positions normally "open" solenoid valve (111)
directing fluid pressure and flow to either side of the pump assembly(ies) (1)
it is
connected to and depending of the signal it receives from the PLC. Connected
to the
pump assembly(ies) (1) an other two-ways three-positions normally "open"
solenoid
valve (115) that acts to relieve water pressure from the opposite side to the
water
pressure entrance. Connected to the solenoid valve (115) is a flowmeter (145)
and
which is then connected to the static mixer (133) which acts to mix any type
of fluid
passing through.
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Still referring to Fig. 10, and to describe the chlorine circuit, or secondary
circuit that begins with a fluid tube (121) connected to the chlorine
reservoir or
reservoir of any other chemical fluid, and another other two-ways three-
positions
normally "open" solenoid valve (123) which directs chlorine to one side of the
pump
assembly(ies) (1) or the other side depending in what cycle the pump
assembly(ies)
(1) is and depending of the electrical signal received from the PLC. Connected
to the
secondary pump of the pump assembly(ies) (1), is another two-ways three-
positions
normally open solenoid valve (127) that acts to relieve chlorine or any other
chemical
fluid used, from the opposite side to the chlorine inlet, then, connected to
the
solenoid valve (127) is the static mixer (133) acting to mix any types of
fluids passing
through.
Fig. 10 also illustrates the pump assembly(ies) (1) and right rod/cylinder
(205)
and the left rod/cylinder (206), along with the two ("2") right and left
proximity
sensors (146, 147), and more specifically that one can observe with Fig. 10,
the left
rod/cylinder (206) being located just under the left proximity sensor (147),
and which
illustrate the pump assembly(ies) (1) having travelled to the outmost left
position and
where the left proximity sensor (147) being a metal detector sensor, will
detect the
left rod/cylinder (206) to send a signal to the PLC so the PLC knows the
actual
position of pump assembly(ies) through these right and left proximity sensors
(146,
147) and generate signals accordingly, a process more apparent in the
following Fig.
11 and 12.
Now referring to Fig. 11, this figure illustrates the pumping process of the
pump assembly(ies) (1) traveling in a right-to-left direction and for which
one can
observe arrows indicating both the water and chlorine flow paths, beginning
with
water pressure coming from water inlet (103) up to solenoid valve (105). Once
the
pump assembly is put to operation, the solenoid valve (105) opens to allow
water to
flow to the proportional valve (109). The proportional valve (109) regulates
the water
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pressure depending of the signal the proportional valve (109) will receive
from the
PLC, which in turns reads the flowmeter (145) reading the actual flow and
regulate
the proportional valve (109) to obtain proper flow at the flowmeter (145) in
respect of
the flow setpoint established by the user. The more flow is required, the more
the
PLC will open the proportional valve (109), and the less flow is required, and
the
PLC will reduce water flow in closing the proportional valve (109), and as the
PLC
continuously compares the flowmeter reading with the user setpoint and adjust
the
proportional valve (109) accordingly. As the proportional valve (109) receives
a
voltage signal to "open", the proportional valve (109) lets water flow and
pressure
travel to the normally open solenoid valve (111), then water pressure and flow
enters
the right-hand side of the pump assembly(ies) (1), inducing the pump
assembly(ies)
(1) in motion toward the left-hand side of the pump assembly(ies) (1). The
water
already in the opposite cavity of the pump assembly(ies) (1) is then ejected
from the
pump assembly(ies) (1) and flowing through the normally "open" solenoid valve
(115) and out solenoid valve (115) connected to the flowmeter (145), then the
water
flows out the flowmeter (145) toward a static mixer (133), and this is the
point this
specification will now discuss the chlorine circuit before going any further
through the
static mixer (133).
Still referring to Fig. 11, this specification will now describe the chlorine
or
chemical product hydraulic circuit which begins with a fluid tube (121) to
which a
chlorine or any chemical products reservoir is connected. As the pump
assembly(ies) (1) travels towards the left hand side of the invention (1), the
pump
assembly(ies) (1) also creates a vacuum inside fluid tube (121) that sucks the
chlorine out its reservoir and through fluid tube (121) toward solenoid valve
(123)
which directs chlorine to the right-hand side of the pump assembly(ies) (1) by
means
of suction and charge the pump assembly(ies) (1) right-hand side with
chlorine. As
the pump assembly(ies) (1) move(s) toward the left-hand side and charge(s) the
right-hand side of the pump assembly(ies) (1) with chlorine, the chlorine in
the
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opposite left hand side of the pump assembly(ies) (1) is then ejected from the
pump
assembly(ies) (1) through the solenoid valve (127) and toward the static mixer
(133).
At this point, both water and chlorine are now present in the static mixer
(133) which
like mentioned earlier, serves to mix water and chlorine together, then the
5 water/chlorine mixture is then ejected through the fluid tube (135)
toward the user's
device or use, this first hydraulic operation process and fluids dynamic and
direction
now complete once the left rod/cylinder (206) reaches the left proximity
sensor (147)
so it sends a signal to the PLC to initiate the next sequence illustrated in
Fig. 12
hereafter.
Now referring to Fig. 12, and as the left rod/cylinder (206) of the pump
assembly(ies) (1) reaches the left proximity sensor (147), the proximity
sensor (147)
sends an electrical signal to the PLC that then energizes solenoid valves
(111, 115,
123, 127) that simultaneously "close" one port to "open" the other port. At
this point,
solenoid valve (111) redirects water pressure still present and supplied by
the
proportional valve (109), and pressurizes the left-hand side of the pump
assembly(ies) (1) so now the pump (1) cycles towards the right-hand side. As
solenoid valve (115) has also switch ports, water from the right-hand side of
the
pump assembly(ies) (1) can now exit the pump assembly(ies) (1) right-hand side
cavity by flowing through the solenoid valve (115) and then towards and
through the
flowmeter (145), then through the static mixer (133) and outlet tube (135).
Still referring to Fig. 12 and as identical as explained hereabove for the
chlorine circuit, but for the opposite side, solenoid valve (123) hereto has
changed
position taking chlorine still present and supplied by tube (121), but now
redirects the
chlorine flow through the solenoid valve (127) that hereto has changed
position so
chlorine coming out of the left-hand side cavity previously filled, is now
being ejected
through the solenoid valve (127) then through the static mixer (133), and
hereto at
this point, then the water/chlorine mixture is then ejected through the fluid
tube (135)
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toward the user's device or use, this second hydraulic operation process and
fluids
dynamic and direction now complete once the right rod/cylinder (205) reaches
the
right proximity sensor (146) so it sends a signal to the PLC it reverses once
more the
pump assembly(ies) (1) by simultaneously opening solenoid valves (111, 115,
123,
127) and so on into continuous right-to-left and left-to-right pumping, dosing
and/or
mixing cycles and until the pump assembly(ies) (1) is put to a full stop by
closing the
solenoid valve (105) so water pressure and flow is interrupted by user's
request
through the PLC.
Further to the above-detailed description and figures are aspects of the
present system that need to be understood for proper comprehension of the
present
system, such as, although the present specification details a system that is
controlled by an "automated" controller, it is to be understood that the same
invention purpose can be accomplished using analog controls, electrical relays
and
switches, although not advantageous.
Moreover, although the present invention details a system that operates using
a fluid pressure such as water pressure to provide linear motion power, it is
to be
understood that the same result can be accomplished using electromechanical
actuators, pneumatic actuators and/or other motion driver devices to provide
motion
power to the pump assembly(ies) (1).
Furthermore, although the present description discusses the use of "solenoid"
valves to control, direct and distribute fluids of the present pump
assembly(ies) (1),
one must understand that the same purpose and operation can be accomplished
using diaphragm, pneumatic and/or mechanical valves, etc.
It is also to be understood that although fabrication materials have not been
detailed in the above-mentioned description, materials such as steel,
composite
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materials and plastic materials can be used to fabricate the present system,
however, anti-corrosive such as stainless steel are preferred but not limited
thereto.
It is also to be understood that although the present specification details
the
present system as a possible "dosing" and "mixing" device, it is to be also
understood that the present system can be used as a reciprocating positive
displacement pump that can either be used as a pump, as a fluid dosing device
and/or as a fluid pumping device, independently or all together.
Furthermore, although the present description used fluids such as "water" and
"chlorine" to facilitate understanding of the present system, it is to be
understood that
the present invention can pump, dose and/or mix any other fluid(s), as long as
the
sealing system inside the present invention (1) pump assembly(ies) (1) or the
fabrication materials are compatible with such fluids, etc.
Moreover, and although expressed in the present description hereinabove,
one must understand that although the present specification details a pump
system
that act as a single pumping, dosing and/or mixing system, it should also
understand
that the present system can also be two (2) reciprocating positive
displacement
.. pumps in one embodiment or four (4) totally independent positive pulsating
pumps
capable of pumping different fluid types independently.
Additionally, and although the present description details a dosing pump
capable of various dosing ratios such as 35:1, 4:1 and 7:1 like described
hereabove
as way of examples only, one should understand that the present system can be
configured to dose fluid in as many ratios as wanted as long as it is
mechanically
fabricated and physically sized for such ratios.
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The present pump system and corresponding parts are preferably made of
substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials, hardened polymers,
composite materials, polymeric materials (ex. seals, etc.), and/or the like,
so as to
ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for
which
the pumping assembly (1) is intended and the different parameters (forces,
moments, etc.) in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial
improvement over other pump assemblies of the prior art used for dosing,
mixing
and/or metering, in that, by virtue of its design and components, as briefly
explained
herein, the present pump assembly (1) (and/or system), due to its innovative
design,
enables to overcome or at least minimize some of the known drawbacks
associated
with conventional systems, providing for a simpler, easier, faster, more
accurate,
more effective, more functional, more reliable, more economical, more
environmental-friendly (due to little or no waste of fluid components, etc.)
and/or
more versatile manner, than what is possible with other conventional systems.
Indeed, and for example, the present system is advantageous in that it is
capable of providing a dosing, metering and/or mixing pump in the form and
embodiment of two positive displacement reciprocating pumps, these two pumps
including two cavities each and mechanically working together and pumping
fluid by
reciprocate positive displacement.
The present system is also advantageous in that it is capable of providing a
metering and/or dosing pump, having one of the pumps being of smaller volume
compared to the other pump, the difference in volume between each pump in
respect to a desired mixing volume ratio between the two pumps.
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The present system is also advantageous in that it is capable of providing a
metering and/or dosing pump that can meter, dose and mix any type of liquid(s)
constantly through time, this meaning that it will not "pulsate" its flow
through a given
time frame, but constantly and steadily deliver dosage and mixes, even under
the
smallest flow requirement and through any given time.
The present system is also advantageous in that it is capable of providing a
metering and/or dosing pump not having to rely on any mechanical sources such
as
electric motors, actuators and/or solenoids to execute pumping, but can use
one of
the media's pressure to actuate and accomplish pumping of both fluids, and as
it can
use tap water pressure, for example, to power and actuate itself and pump.
Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the
scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set
forth in
the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with
the
description as a whole.
Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it
is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that
various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the
scope
and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and as
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
