Method and apparatus for reducing free flow risk
First Claim
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1. A method for reducing a risk of external pressure induced free flow through a pump having an inlet and an outlet comprising:
- sensing a pressure difference between an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure;
mechanically communicating the pressure difference to a flow restricting element associated with the pump outlet; and
increasing a resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet with the flow restricting element when the inlet pressure exceeds the outlet pressure.
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Abstract
A technique for reducing the risk of free flow through a pump is disclosed. The technique includes sensing a pressure difference between the pump inlet and outlet. The pressure difference is mechanically communicated to a flow restricting element. The flow restricting element increases resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet in a relation to the pressure difference present between the pump inlet and pump outlet.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for reducing a risk of external pressure induced free flow through a pump having an inlet and an outlet comprising:
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sensing a pressure difference between an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure;
mechanically communicating the pressure difference to a flow restricting element associated with the pump outlet; and
increasing a resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet with the flow restricting element when the inlet pressure exceeds the outlet pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for reducing free flow risk comprising:
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a pump having a pump inlet and pump outlet, configured to transfer fluid received from the pump inlet to the pump outlet;
a pressure responsive member coupled to the pump inlet and coupled to the pump outlet and configured to mechanically respond to a pressure difference between the pump inlet and the pump outlet; and
a flow restrictor fluidly coupled to the pump outlet and mechanically coupled to the pressure responsive member so as to limit fluid flow exiting the pump outlet in relation to the pressure difference. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus for reducing free flow risk through a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet comprising:
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means for sensing a pressure difference between the pump inlet and the pump outlet;
means for mechanically communicating the sensed pressure difference to a flow restricting element at the pump outlet; and
means for increasing a resistance to flow exiting the pump outlet through the flow restricting element responsive to the means for mechanically communicating the sensed pressure different so as to increase the resistance when the inlet pressure exceeds the outlet pressure.
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Specification