US 2003/0111487 A1 · HYDRAULICALLY AND VOLUMETRICALLY DISPENSING AND FILLING FLUID

Abstract

Systems and methods for hydraulically and volumetrically filling and dispensing target fluid. A hydraulic system comprises an actuator, a hydraulic coupler that includes substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid, and a target fluid container. The actuator includes a motor or driver, such as a step motor, linear actuator, servomotor, pneumatic motor, or other similar device, to selectively drive a piston of the hydraulic coupler. The coupler includes a conduit, column, shaft or other leak proof assembly that acts as a conduit for the substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid and includes a cord and a piston, which is selectively pushed by the incompressible hydraulic liquid, thereby driving a plunger to selectively press against a slidable wall of the target fluid container, causing the target fluid to be dispensed therefrom, or retract the plunger from the container, pulling the slidable wall therewith through the use of a vacuum selectively created between the plunger and the wall. Furthermore, the system may include a controller that is configured to control the target fluid dispensed and to receive input from a user.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A target fluid system comprising:

a hydraulic coupler that includes a cord and a hydraulic liquid, wherein the hydraulic liquid extends between a first piston and a second piston of the coupler, and wherein the cord extends through the hydraulic liquid with a first cord end coupled to the first piston and a second cord end coupled to the second piston;
a driving mechanism configured to create a force to selectively actuate the first piston, wherein the driving mechanism is coupled to the hydraulic coupler;
and
a container configured to contain a target fluid separate from the hydraulic liquid, wherein the container includes a slidable wall, and wherein the container is coupled to the hydraulic coupler.

1 more element

In a target fluid system that includes a hydraulic coupler having a first piston, a second piston, hydraulic liquid, and a cord, and a dynamic plunger that is coupled to the second piston and is configured to selectively extend down a container having a slidable wall, a method for providing a dual vented-vacuum drawback, the method comprising the steps for:

initiating a force at the first piston, wherein the force selectively moves the dynamic plunger in one of (i) an extending direction;
and (ii) a retracting direction;
if the force moves the dynamic plunger in the extending direction, allowing air between the dynamic plunger and the slidable wall to be vented;
and
if the force moves the dynamic plunger in the retracting direction, creating a vacuum seal between the dynamic plunger and the slidable wall.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hydraulically and volumetrically dispensing and filling fluid

Life of this patent

Hydraulically and volumetrically dispensing and filling fluid

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20