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US 2014/0058190 A1Published application
System and method for controlling pump
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsJeffrey R. Gohean, Thomas D. Pate, Raul G. Longoria, Richard Smalling
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods including a motor or electromagnets to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. Surfaces on a piston or pumping chamber may include hydrodynamic bearing surfaces.
Claims37
A system comprising:
- a pumping chamber forming a loop;
- a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a first piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- a second piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- an electric motor;
- and an electromagnet, wherein the system is configured such that during operation:
- the electromagnet is initially coupled to the first piston;
- the electric motor is initially coupled to the second piston;
- the electromagnet is subsequently coupled to the second piston;
- and the electric motor is subsequently coupled to the first piston.
8 more elements
A method of pumping a fluid, the method comprising:
- providing a pumping chamber, wherein the pumping chamber contains the fluid;
- providing a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- providing a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- providing a first piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- providing a second piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- providing an electric motor comprising a rotor;
- providing an electromagnet;
- coupling the electromagnet to the first piston;
- coupling the rotor to the second piston;
- holding the first piston in a first location with the electromagnet;
- rotating the rotor and moving the second piston closer to the first piston so that a portion of the fluid is forced out of the pump outlet;
- de-energizing the electromagnet and uncoupling the electromagnet from the first piston;
- energizing the electromagnet so that it couples to the second piston;
- and coupling the rotor to the first piston.
11 more elements
A system comprising:
- a pumping chamber comprising an inner surface forming a loop;
- a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- and a first electric motor magnetically coupled to the piston, wherein:
- the piston comprises a hydrodynamic bearing surface configured to repel the piston away from the inner surface as the piston moves within the pumping chamber.
3 more elements
A pump for circulating fluid comprising:
- a pumping chamber;
- a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a drive piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- and a hollow valve sleeve configured to recess into the pump outlet.
2 more elements
A system comprising:
- a pumping chamber forming a loop;
- a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- an electric motor comprising a rotor coupled to a shaft;
- a magnet coupled to an end of the shaft;
- a sensor proximal to the magnet;
- and a control system, wherein:
- the electric motor is magnetically coupled to the piston;
- the magnet produces a magnetic vector that rotates with the rotor;
- the sensor is configured sense the magnetic vector;
- and the control system is configured to determine the angular position of the rotor.
9 more elements
A system comprising:
- a pumping chamber comprising an inner surface forming a loop;
- a pump inlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber;
- a first piston disposed within the pumping chamber;
- and a series of electromagnets disposed around the pumping chamber, wherein:
- the series of electromagnets are configured to move the first piston around the pumping chamber;
- and the first piston comprises a hydrodynamic bearing surface configured to repel the first piston away from the inner surface as the first piston moves within the pumping chamber.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.