Pumping assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pumping assembly that has a first pump and a second pump connected to an end cap, which the connection is in a back-to-back configuration in some arrangements. The end cap, which can be centrally located, has a core that is in liquid communication with a first and second port on the end cap by way of a conduit. The conduit combines the flow of the first pump and the second pump at the core, which then exits the assembly by way of at least one of the ports.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pumping assembly, comprising:
 a first pump and a second pump connected to an end cap; and   a first port and a second port that extend through the end cap and are in communication with the first pump and the second pump;   wherein the pumping assembly has only the first port and the second port.   
     
     
         2 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pump and the second pump are assembled back-to-back. 
     
     
         3 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pump and the second pump are variable displacement pumps that are configured to operate separately and in combination. 
     
     
         4 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pump and the second pump are positioned on opposite sides of the end cap. 
     
     
         5 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first port and the second port share a common core. 
     
     
         6 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pump, the end cap, and the second pump are within a shared housing. 
     
     
         7 . The pumping assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pump and the second pump are configured to operate in tandem to provide a combined flow that passes from the first pump and the second pump and through at least one of the first port and the second port. 
     
     
         8 . A pumping assembly, comprising:
 a first pump and a second pump connected to an end cap; and   a first port and a second port that extend through the end cap and are in communication with the first pump and the second pump;   wherein the first pump and the second pump are configured to operate in tandem to provide a combined flow that passes from the first pump and the second pump and through at least one of the first port and the second port.   
     
     
         9 . The pumping assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first pump and the second pump are assembled back-to-back. 
     
     
         10 . The pumping assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first pump and the second pump are positioned on opposite sides of the end cap. 
     
     
         11 . The pumping assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first port and the second port share a common core. 
     
     
         12 . The pumping assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first pump, the end cap, and the second pump are within a shared housing.