Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2003-02-11
2004-10-26
Doerrler, William C. (Department: 3744)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
Processes
C239S146000, C418S191000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06808121
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fluid pumps, and in particular, a fluid pump with a closed loop pressure regulation system for maintaining a constant pressure.
Pumps are often integral parts of tools utilized by both professionals and laymen alike to accomplish a given task more efficiently and professionally. One such example is the pump used in a paint sprayer. However, while easing the burden of the task, these tools also suffer at times from a number of distinct disadvantages. Among them is the fact that a motor directly drives the pump responsible for the application of a fluidized material under pressure.
Typically, actuating the motor between the “on” and “off” positions alternately engages and disengages a pump. When the motor is turned on, it may require some time before it can realize its full power. Unfortunately, the time it takes the motor to come to full power also affects the pressure level of the pump. That is, the pump may not reach its desired pressure level until after the motor reaches full power. Further, once the desired pressure level is reached, the pressure continues to build, thereby causing the fluidized material to drip. Not only does this result in the uneven application of the fluidized material, it generally creates a mess that needs to be cleaned. Thus, there remains a need for a pump that can maintain a substantially constant pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-stage fluid pump having a closed-loop pressure regulation system interconnecting a motor and a material pump. The closed loop pressure regulation system comprises a pressure regulator, a hydraulic pump connected to and driven by the motor, and an impeller connected between the hydraulic pump and the material pump. The motor drives the hydraulic pump to circulate a fluid through the closed loop pressure regulation system at a substantially constant first pressure level. The closed loop system, in turn, drives the material pump to deliver a fluidized material at a substantially constant second pressure level from a material reservoir to a material dispenser. The first pressure level and the second pressure level are substantially equal.
The multi-stage fluid pump may be used to drive a paint sprayer, for example. The paint sprayer includes a pump that interconnects a paint reservoir and an outlet valve, a motor, a trigger mechanism operatively connected to the outlet valve, and a closed loop pressure regulation system interconnecting the motor and the pump. The motor drives the closed loop pressure regulation system to circulate a fluid through the closed loop system at a first pressure, which then drives the pump to deliver paint from the reservoir to the outlet valve at a second pressure level. As above, both the first and second pressures are generally constant and substantially equal.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1404200 (1922-01-01), Grush
patent: 2599680 (1952-06-01), Weeks
patent: 2933897 (1960-04-01), Toutant
patent: 3654792 (1972-04-01), Mead
patent: 3817665 (1974-06-01), Myers
patent: 3838952 (1974-10-01), Futamata et al.
patent: 4373669 (1983-02-01), Swanson
patent: 4400147 (1983-08-01), Springer et al.
patent: 4534717 (1985-08-01), McCabe et al.
patent: 4723892 (1988-02-01), Cowan
patent: 4767033 (1988-08-01), Gemperle
patent: 5004159 (1991-04-01), Kistner
patent: 5097595 (1992-03-01), Suggs
patent: 5388761 (1995-02-01), Langeman
patent: 5547128 (1996-08-01), Scheffler
patent: 5836482 (1998-11-01), Ophardt et al.
patent: 2003/0132310 (2003-07-01), Polk et al.
Coats & Bennett P.L.L.C.
Doerrler William C.
LandOfFree
Fluid pump does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fluid pump, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluid pump will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3308680