Automatic optimizing pump and sensor system

• US 20040047738A1
• Filed: 09/11/2003
• Published: 03/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James C. Humpheries
• Original Assignee: James C. Humpheries
• Inventors: Humpheries, James C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,168,925 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/44.1
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 17/04 using solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/0081 systems, control, safety measures
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/04 Pumps having electric drive

Abstract

A reciprocating electromagnetic pump comprising a coil wound about a bipolar or tripolar core, a diaphragm structure mechanically coupled to at least one arm with a magnet attached to one end of the arm and a controller electronically connected to the coil. The controller comprises a pulse generator, a solid state switch that interrupts current flow through the pump electromagnet and additional electronic circuitry for signal processing. The arm is vibrated under the influence of a periodic electromagnetic field to produce the flow of gas. The flow of current through the electromagnet is interrupted so that the magnets are impelled during either a vacuum or a pressure stroke, but are not impelled during the reciprocal stroke. A signal produced in the electromagnet coil during the reciprocal is processed to provide feedback to control the pump drive frequency and phase to match the pump mechanical self-resonant frequency and phase under varying pumping loads. The signal can also be processed to provide a display of the pumping load and/or to provide feedback for control of the flow of gas.

Claims

1. A method of using a pump system having a power source, a pump and an electromagnet assembly comprising:

driving the pump the electromagnet assembly; and

controlling the power source to drive the electromagnetic assembly with periodic electronic pulses, and monitoring each periodic electronic pulse to determine when a next electronic pulse should occur.