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US 5,918,573 AGranted
Energy efficient fluid pump
OwnerDavid L. Killioninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual pumping element fluid system for an engine or other system which reduces the driving power consumption by unloading one pumping element through the use of recirculation when a fluid pressure target value is achieved. A cross-over port fluid system prevents cavitation of the unloaded pump. A pressure-activated flow control valve mechanism is utilized to open and close the conduits from the secondary pump. The fluid system works in conjunction with an engine balance shaft system to control gear rattle at low speeds without adding undue gear loads at high speeds.
Claims16
A dual pumping element fluid pump system comprising:
- a primary pump element having an intake port that receives fluid from a fluid supply and a discharge port;
- a secondary pump element discreet from said primary pump element and having an intake port that receives fluid from a fluid supply and a discharge port;
- a fluid flow control valve that is in fluid communication with said primary pump element and said secondary pump element and movable between a normally open position and a closed position;
- a recirculation conduit that connects said secondary pump element discharge port with said secondary pump element intake port;
- wherein when said system is operating at low speeds, said fluid control valve is in said normally open position and said system is provided with fluid from said primary pump element discharge port and said secondary pump element discharge port;
- and
- wherein when said system is operating at high speeds, said fluid flow control valve is moved to said closed position directing said fluid from said secondary pump element discharge port through said recirculation conduit to said secondary pump element intake port, said valve also closing off said flow of fluid from said fluid supply to said secondary pump element intake port.
4 more elements
An engine balancer apparatus within an engine comprising:
- a first rotary balance shaft:
- a second rotary balance shaft;
- means for drivingly connecting the balance shafts to a crankshaft of an engine for rotation in a predetermined speed relationship with the crankshaft;
- a first fluid pump in communication with a driving shaft having a fluid inlet that communicates with a fluid reservoir and an outlet that communicates with a load;
- a second fluid pump driven by said second rotary balance shaft, said second fluid pump having a fluid inlet that communicates with a fluid reservoir and an outlet that communicates with a load;
- a flow control valve interconnecting said first and second pumps;
- whereby when the pressure in the engine is below a predetermined threshold, said flow control valve operates to enable both said first and second pumps to supply the load;
- whereby when the pressure in the engine reaches said predetermined threshold, said flow control valve starts to close said second pump inlet and outlet and starts to open a short circuit conduit so that fluid recirculates within said short circuit conduit and is prevented from supplying the load;
- and
- whereby when the pressure in the engine is above said predetermined threshold, said valve fully closes said inlet and outlet of said second pump and said short circuit conduit is fully opened.
7 more elements
A method of pumping fluid to an engine having a fluid supply, comprising:
- providing a primary pump element with an intake port and a discharge port;
- providing a secondary pump element with an intake port and a discharge port, said secondary pump element being discreet from said primary pump element;
- providing a flow control valve that is movable between a normally open position and a closed position;
- discharging fluid to the engine through said primary pump element discharge port and said secondary pump element discharge port when the pressure in the engine is below a predetermined threshold;
- moving said flow control valve to a partially closed position when the pressure in the engine reaches said predetermined threshold;
- moving said flow control valve to said closed position when the pressure in the engine exceeds said predetermined threshold;
- and connecting said secondary pump element intake port with said secondary pump element discharge port when said flow control valve is in said closed position, such that the engine is provided with fluid through only said primary pump element discharge port while also closing said flow of fluid to said secondary pump element from the fluid supply.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.