Direct Volume-Controlling Device (DVCD) for Reciprocating Positive-Displacement Pumps

Abstract

A volume control device having a housing with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and an internal chamber communicating with the inlet and outlet passages. An accumulator is movably positioned within the internal chamber and substantially conforms with walls of the internal chamber, the accumulator including an internal passage allowing fluid flow therethrough. An one-way valve is positioned in the internal passage of the accumulator where the valve is biased in a closed position and an adjustable seat is positioned within the housing internal chamber between the accumulator and the housing outlet passage. A positioning mechanism engages the housing and adjustable seat whereby the position of the adjustable seat within the housing internal chamber may be adjustably fixed.

1 - 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A diaphragm pump system comprising:
 a. a diaphragm pump;   b. a volume control device comprising:
 i. a housing having an inlet passage, the housing being fluidly connect to the diaphragm pump; 
 ii. an accumulator positioned in an accumulator chamber wherein the accumulator chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet passage; and 
 ii. a positioning mechanism whereby the travel of the accumulator in the accumulator chamber may be adjusted. 
   
     
     
         58 . The volume control device of  claim 57 , wherein the positioning mechanism includes a stop surface configured to engage the accumulator. 
     
     
         59 . The volume control device of  claim 58 , wherein the positioning mechanism includes a threaded stem attached to the stop surface and allowing adjustment of the stop surface toward and away from the accumulator. 
     
     
         60 . The volume control device of  claim 58 , wherein a biasing mechanism is positioned between the accumulator and the stop surface. 
     
     
         61 . The volume control device of  claim 57 , wherein the inlet passage communicates with a fluid reservoir containing a drive fluid. 
     
     
         62 . The volume control device of  claim 61 , wherein a plunger communicates with the reservoir and pressurizes drive fluid in the inlet passage. 
     
     
         63 . The volume control device of  claim 62 , wherein the plunger includes an internal passage oriented in an lengthwise direction and a side outlet communicating with the internal passage. 
     
     
         64 . The volume control device of  claim 63 , wherein a discharge stroke of the plunger moves the side outlet from within the reservoir to within the inlet passage. 
     
     
         65 - 67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . The volume control device of  claim 62 , wherein the accumulator moves along a first axis and the plunger moves along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
         69 . The volume control device of  claim 61 , wherein the diaphragm pump forms a first separable section, the accumulator cavity is formed in a second separable section, and the fluid reservoir forms a third separable section. 
     
     
         70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . A method of adjusting the flow of fluid delivered by a pump comprising the steps of:
 a. connecting a drive fluid inlet of the pump to an outlet of a volume control device, where the volume control device includes;
 i. a housing having an inlet passage, the housing being fluidly connect to the inlet of the pump; 
 ii. an accumulator positioned in an accumulator chamber wherein the accumulator chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet passage; and 
 ii. a positioning mechanism whereby the travel of the accumulator in the accumulator chamber may be adjusted; 
   b. advancing a plunger within the inlet passage, thereby increasing fluid pressure at the accumulator and the drive fluid inlet of the pump.   
     
     
         72 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 71 , wherein the positioning mechanism includes a stop surface configured to engage the accumulator. 
     
     
         73 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 72 , wherein a biasing mechanism is positioned between the accumulator and the stop surface. 
     
     
         74 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 72 , wherein the inlet passage communicates with a fluid reservoir containing a drive fluid. 
     
     
         75 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 71 , wherein the plunger includes an internal passage oriented in an lengthwise direction and a side outlet communicating with the internal passage. 
     
     
         76 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 75 , wherein a discharge stroke of the plunger moves the side outlet from within the reservoir to within the inlet passage. 
     
     
         77 - 78 . (canceled) 
     
     
         79 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 71 , wherein the accumulator moves along a first axis and the plunger moves along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
         80 . The method of adjusting fluid of  claim 74 , wherein a one way valve communicates between the reservoir and a diaphragm of the pump, the check valve being oriented to allow flow from the reservoir, past the diaphragm, and toward the inlet passage of the volume control device. 
     
     
         81 . (canceled) 
     
     
         82 . A volume control device comprising:
 a. a housing having an inlet passage communicating with a fluid reservoir containing a drive fluid.   b. an accumulator positioned in an accumulator chamber wherein the accumulator chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet passage; and   c. a positioning mechanism whereby the travel of the accumulator in the accumulator chamber may be adjusted; and   d. a plunger communicating with the reservoir and pressuring drive fluid in the inlet passage.   
     
     
         83 . The volume control device of  claim 81 , wherein the plunger includes an internal passage oriented in an lengthwise direction and a side outlet communicating with the internal passage. 
     
     
         84 . The volume control device of  claim 82 , wherein a diaphragm pump communicates with the inlet passage and operation of the plunger increases pressure on the drive fluid acting against a diaphragm in the pump. 
     
     
         85 . The volume control device of  claim 82 , wherein the accumulator moves along a first axis and the plunger moves along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.