Resonant system to pump liquids, measure volume, and detect bubbles
US5769608A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B53/1075
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electromechanical transducer drives a resonator plate, which develops oscillating pressure in a contacting liquid. A high-speed check valve rectifies the pressure oscillations, causing pumping. On the driver side of the valve, the high inertial flow impedance in a narrow passageway confines oscillating pressure while admitting non-oscillating fluid flow. On the valve side opposite the driver, a volumetric compliance element decouples the inertia of the fluid passageway to permit fast acceleration and deceleration of fluid pulsing through the valve. A high-speed passive check valve consists of a thin-section o-ring covering a circular slot, with circumferential tension setting the forward bias pressure. Pump frequencies above one kilohertz and microliter stroke volumes are practical. Electrical impedance measurements on the pump indicate fluid volume in the pump. A coupling of two pumps in series and an alternation of pumping and volume measurement operations in the coupled pumps leads to volumetric metering of fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.