Variable flow air flow controller
AssigneePFP Control Technologies, LLC
InventorMichael D. Elberson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for controlling the operation of pneumatic tools includes a controller for controlling the delivery of compressed air to the tool. The controller includes a first flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a first flow rate and a second flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a second flow rate. The controller is configured to automatically configure the system for operation of the pneumatic tool via a flow of air from one of the first flow path or the second flow path. In painting environments, such a system enhances control of the operation of the pump in accommodating a generally stable pump reciprocation rate as fluid viscosities change.
Claims20
A method for controlling the delivery of compressed air to a tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving compressed air from a source;
- (b) determining a compressed air flow rate;
- (c) allowing the compressed air to flow at a selected rate sufficient to maintain a selected operating pressure when the determined compressed air flow rate is equal to or less than a flow rate set with an air flow control valve;
- and
- (d) automatically reducing the compressed air flow rate to maintain a preset air flow rate at a pressure below the selected operating pressure when the determined compressed air flow rate exceeds the selected flow rate.
A system for controlling operation of a pneumatic tool that is powered by compressed air, the system comprising:
- an inlet for being connected to a source of compressed air;
- an outlet for communicating an air flow to the pneumatic tool;
- at least two flow paths between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- an air flow controller constructed to 1) allow flow along a first flow path when a flow rate at the outlet approximates a desired flow rate as determined by a pressure regulator and 2) allow flow along a second flow path when the flow rate at the outlet exceeds a threshold associated with the desired flow rate to maintain a desired operation of a pneumatic tool.
A pneumatic system comprising:
- a tool powered by a flow of compressed air;
- an air flow control valve for providing a desired flow rate;
- and
- a controller connected to the air flow control valve and configured to:
- 1) allow the flow to the tool at the desired flow rate when the flow is not more than the desired flow rate;
- and
- 2) allow the flow to the tool at another rate independent of pressure of the desired flow rate if the flow exceeds the desired flow rate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.