System and method for valve sequencing in a pump
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- introducing fluid into the pumping apparatus;
operating the a system of valves of the pumping apparatus according to a valve sequence to implement a dispense cycle;
wherein the valve sequence is configured to minimize the time a flow path through the pumping apparatus is closed; and
dispensing fluid from the pumping apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for minimizing pressure fluctuations within a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may serve to reduce pressure variations within a fluid path of a pumping apparatus by avoiding closing a valve to create a closed or entrapped space in the fluid path and similarly, avoiding opening a valve between two entrapped spaces. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention may serve to operate a system of valves of the pumping apparatus according to a valve sequence configured to substantially minimize the time the fluid flow path through the pumping apparatus is closed (e.g. to an area external to the pumping apparatus).
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Citations
60 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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introducing fluid into the pumping apparatus; operating the a system of valves of the pumping apparatus according to a valve sequence to implement a dispense cycle;
wherein the valve sequence is configured to minimize the time a flow path through the pumping apparatus is closed; anddispensing fluid from the pumping apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A system, comprising
a pumping apparatus comprising a feed chamber, a dispense chamber and a system of valves operable to regulate the flow of fluid through the pumping apparatus; - and
a controller configured to implement a dispense cycle for the pumping apparatus wherein implementing the dispense cycle comprises regulating the opening and closing of the system of valves according to a valve sequence to dispense fluid from the pumping apparatus, the valve sequence configured to minimize the time a fluid flow path through the pumping apparatus is closed. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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Specification