Translational displacement pump and bulk fluid re-supply system

Abstract

A novel method of designing a pump by utilizing a cylinder with pistons inserted from each end. The cylinder contains two ports along the top for connection of a prime fluid chamber, a bulk fluid supply chamber and a fluid reservoir. These ports and corresponding connection details are arranged in a fashion that is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder that comprises the pump chamber. Directly below at a different relative position also perpendicular to the axis of the pump chamber is an exit port for extrusion of fluid. The pump contains no valves or ancillary passages to direct flow between the different machine states of prime, refill, translate and dispense. The states are activated by relative position of the pistons with respect to each port. Fluid moves by translation within the pump by filling the chamber volume between the two pistons with a liquid and synchronizing the advance of the left piston with the retreat of the right piston. Both pistons can be directed toward one another or one piston can remain stationary while the other advances toward it to dispense a liquid. Exceptionally accurate volumes of fluid can be deposited because of the absence of compliant members in the wetted path.

1 ) A translational displacement pump assembly comprising:
 a) A hollow cylindrically shaped chamber open at each end with a plurality of ports perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;   b) A second slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body is inserted into each end of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber that is capable of movement in a translational fashion along the longitudinal axis;   c) A means for connection of a nozzle to said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber;   d) A means for rotation of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber 180 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the surface of the earth;   e) A means for connection to a source of fluid re-supply.   
   
   
       2 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber divided by the number of said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical bodies within is equal to one half. 
   
   
       3 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body is approximately 1 mm to 125 mm in diameter. 
   
   
       4 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber has an inside diameter about 1 mm to 125 mm and a length of about 7 mm to 500 mm. 
   
   
       5 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a volume of fluid is moved by translation resulting from simultaneous motion of both said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical bodies at the same velocity in the same direction. 
   
   
       6 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a volume of fluid is extruded from said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber, through said ports by a difference in velocity of said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical bodies. 
   
   
       7 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber is orientated parallel to the surface of the earth in service. 
   
   
       8 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the position of said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body blocks or exposes said ports perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber whereby enabling or disabling the flow of fluid. 
   
   
       9 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid path through said ports perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is equal to the thickness of the wall of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber. 
   
   
       10 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a fluid path of large diameter is provided through the wall thickness of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber whereby enabling refill of the onboard pump reservoir by connection to said source of fluid re-supply. 
   
   
       11 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber that said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical bodies are fit, utilizes o-rings or compliant material acting against a sealing surface for containment of fluid at or between said ports. 
   
   
       12 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein location and rate of advance and retreat of said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical bodies along the longitudinal axis of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber is monitored and controlled. 
   
   
       13 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said ports perpendicular to the longitudinal axis provide a means for connection of chambers for an onboard fluid supply and the means for connection to a containment vessel for collection of dispelled prime fluid for re-use. 
   
   
       14 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein angular position of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber rotation is monitored and controlled whereby enabling deposit of fluid at angles other than perpendicular to the surface of the earth. 
   
   
       15 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said hollow cylindrically shaped chambers can be constructed adjacent to one another whereby allowing uninterrupted flow of fluid by overlap of individual pump discharge cycles. 
   
   
       16 ) A translational displacement pump assembly comprising:
 a) A frame having a means to mount said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber;   b) A plurality of motors mounted on said frame for producing rotational energy;   c) A means for conversion of said rotational energy to translational energy;   d) A means for coupling translational energy to each said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body;   e) A thin ring of compliant material surrounds the end of each said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body;   f) An onboard panel mounted on said frame for connection of accessories that require power for operation and a diagnostic port for predetermined monitoring of pump parameters, output information and fluid conditions.   
   
   
       17 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said smaller diameter cylindrically shaped body uses said thin ring of compliant material energized by a concave cone formed into the center of said thin ring of compliant material made to an angle more obtuse than the angle of the cone and conjoined stem that pull against it in tension forcing the forward edge of said thin ring of compliant material symmetrically outward radially against the interior wall of said hollow cylindrically shaped chamber. 
   
   
       18 ) The translational displacement pump assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said slightly smaller diameter cylindrical body contains a hole through the longitudinal axis to allow tensile force application to said thin ring of compliant material through said cone and conjoined stem by use of a potential energy source. 
   
   
       19 ) A bulk fluid reservoir assembly comprising:
 a) An enclosed cavity capable of holding a large volume of fluid at positive or negative pressure that is enclosed;   b) A cavity capable of holding a large volume of fluid;   c) A means for control of temperature of liquid within said cavity;   d) A means for automated control of flow of liquid out of said cavity;   e) A means for automated connection of a fluid delivery device to said cavity;   f) A means for movement of fluid out of said cavity;   g) A means for connection to a cavity to contain fluid expelled from the prime state.   
   
   
       20 ) The bulk fluid reservoir assembly of  claim 19 , wherein said cavity is enclosed and capable of supporting positive or negative pressure.