Constant pressure pump controller system

• US 20030017055A1
• Filed: 07/17/2001
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ITT Industries Flojet (Xylem, Inc.)
• Inventors: Fong, John J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,607,360 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/44.9
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 2205/05 Pressure after the pump outlet
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/022 by means of pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/06 Control using electricity regulating by means of floats actuating electric switches F04B49/04
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/065 and making use of computers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 16/2066 using controlling means acting on the pressure source

Abstract

A constant-pressure pump controller system for maintaining a substantially uniform discharge pressure of liquid output from a pump operated by an electric motor and where liquid is delivered to a plurality of simultaneously-operating downstream outlets. The system provides a pressure transducer for sensing discharge pressure from the pump, and includes a piston bearing a magnet for Hall effect interaction. To accomplish Hall effect sensing, an electric current carrier is situated to interact with the magnet for production of Hall voltage which is monitored by a voltage sensor in communication with a controller that regulates motor speed in accord with Hall-effect sensed need through pulse width modulation in response to the voltage value according to proportional integral derivative methodology. Finally, a pump input voltage sensor and regulator maintain a constant voltage output to the pump should voltage input be variable.

Claims

1. A constant-pressure pump controller system for maintaining a substantially uniform discharge pressure of liquid output from a pump operated by an electric motor and delivered to a plurality of simultaneously-operating downstream outlets, the system comprising:

a) a pressure transducer for sensing discharge pressure from the pump, the transducer comprising;

i) a housing with an interior chamber and an opening to the chamber;

ii) a flexible seal covering the opening to the chamber;

iii) a piston disposed in the chamber, said piston longitudinally movable toward and away from the flexible seal and bearing a magnet for Hall effect interaction; and

iv) a pressure member for pressuredly biasing the piston toward the flexible seal;

b) an electric current carrier situated for Hall effect interaction with the magnet and production of Hall voltage;

c) a Hall voltage sensor;

d) a controller in communication with the motor and with the Hall voltage sensor for regulating motor speed through pulse width modulation in response to said Hall voltage according to proportional integral derivative methodology; and

e) a pump input voltage sensor and voltage regulator for maintaining a constant voltage output to the pump from a variable voltage input source.

2. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a piston guide member disposed within the chamber of the housing and substantially surrounding the piston.

3. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pressure member is a coil spring positioned within the chamber of the housing and wherein one end of said spring is in contact with the piston.

4. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 3 additionally comprising an adjustor member for regulating pressure of the spring.

5. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the adjustor member is an exteriorly accessible screw for increasing or decreasing spring coil impact.

6. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising an adjustor member for regulating biasing pressure of the pressure member.

7. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a spring clip mount at an exterior site of the housing for releasably retaining the electric current carrier on said housing.

8. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pressure transducer is permanently integral with said system.

9. A constant-pressure pump controller system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pressure transducer is removably integral with said system.