Rotary expansible chamber devices – Methods
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-17
2001-06-05
Vrablik, John J. (Department: 3748)
Rotary expansible chamber devices
Methods
C418S016000, C418S068000, C418S101000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241493
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates generally to fluid flow machines or devices such as motors, pumps or compressors and, more particularly, to the construction and control of such machines utilizing rotary mounted vanes.
BACKGROUND
Rotary motors, pumps and compressors have been known for many years. Generally these devices consist of a housing or casing within which one or more vanes rotate. This is in contrast to those devices which utilize a reciprocating, linearly moving piston. In the case of rotary pumps or compressors, the vanes are rotated by a shaft to pressurize or cause the fluid to flow through the device. In the case of a rotary motor, the opposite occurs. Fluid is introduced into the device under pressure to displace the vanes, which in turn rotates and powers a drive shaft to which the vanes are coupled.
For rotary fluid pumps, the flow of fluid is typically controlled by the rate at which the rotary vanes are rotated. By increasing the speed, more fluid is pumped through the device, while decreasing the speed decreases the amount of fluid pumped. Further, reversing the flow through the device, if possible at all, requires the vanes to be rotated in the opposite direction or requires that the inlet and outlet ports be reconfigured or reversed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,864 discloses a rotary fluid pump that employs vanes rotating within a spherical housing. These devices are highly efficient, and are capable of displacing large quantities of fluid. The flow capacity of these devices, however, is also usually controlled by varying the speed at which the vanes are rotated within the housing. Because this typically requires varying the speed of the motor that rotates the rotary shaft, the flow rate is often difficult to control with any degree of precision. Further, the direction of flow cannot be reversed without modifying the device or reversing the direction of rotation of the drive shaft that drives the vanes.
Other mechanical limitations apply to these prior art devices, such as inadequate removal of heat from the devices, the construction of the vanes to provide improved performance, and methods of securing together the components of the spherical race assembly about which the vanes rotate.
What is therefore needed is a fluid machine or device, such as a rotary motor, pump or compressor, in which the fluid flow through the device can be controlled in an effective, simple and precise manner, and which allows the rotary or drive shaft of the device to be rotated at a generally constant rate or direction of rotation while the direction or rate of fluid flow is varied, and which also addresses the mechanical limitations of the prior art devices.
SUMMARY
These and other needs are addressed by the present invention, which provides a method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid through a rotary pump, compressor, motor, and similar devices. In the present invention, at least one primary vane rotates within a housing, causing at least one secondary vane to pivotally oscillate between alternating open and closed positions, respectively further from and closer to the primary vane. Fluid is displaced through a port in the housing as the secondary vane approaches the closed position, while fluid enters the housing as the secondary vane approaches the open position. The quantity or direction of flow of fluid through the port is adjusted by varying the point during rotation of the primary vane or timing at which the closed and open positions are reached, relative to the port.
In another aspect of the invention a method and apparatus for controlling or regulating fluid flow through a fluid machine, such as a motor, fluid pump or compressor, is provided. The device is provided with a housing having at least two fluid ports in communication with the interior of the housing. At least one of the ports is in communication with a fluid source. A primary vane is disposed within the interior of the housing. A rotary shaft having a primary axis of rotation is coupled to and rotates the primary vane about the primary axis. A secondary vane is mounted for pivotal movement between open and closed positions with respect to the primary vane, about a pivotal axis passing through the primary vane, as the primary vane rotates. The primary and secondary vanes divide the interior of the housing into chambers, with the volume of the chambers varying as the secondary vane is moved between the open and closed positions. Pivoting of the secondary vane between open and closed positions is accomplished by a guide that directs diametrically opposed points on the secondary vane to rotate about a secondary vane rotational axis intersecting, but angularly offset from, the primary pivotal axis of the secondary vane. The secondary vane pivotal and rotational axes define a control plane.
By adjusting the secondary vane guide and therefore also adjusting the control plane, both the rate of flow and direction of flow of fluid through the ports of the housing can be altered to thereby regulate fluid flow through the machine.
In another aspect of the invention, the housing includes cooling fins for enhancing heat transfer with the surrounding environment.
In yet another aspect of the invention, at least a substantial portion of one or more of the vanes is hollow to reduce material cost, weight and enhance performance of the device.
In still another aspect of the invention, the actuator includes a timing plate or lever that is adjusted relative to the position of one or more ports to control the flow rate or direction of fluid.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
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Carr & Storm, L.L.P.
Spherical Machines, Inc.
Vrablik John J.
LandOfFree
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