Patent ID: 6164346
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: F01M,F16H

Abstract:
A fluid changing apparatus comprising:a frame;a first structure coupled to the frame with an at least partially flexible outer wall system defining a first vessel, the first vessel adapted to contain one or more fluids and be expandable and compressible to one or more states dependent on a volume of one or more fluids in the first vessel, a first end of the first structure being coupled to a portion of the frame;a second structure coupled to the frame with an at least partially flexible outer wall system defining a second vessel, the second vessel adapted to contain one or more fluids and be expandable and compressible to one or more states dependent on a volume of one or more fluids in the second vessel, a second end of the second structure being coupled to a different portion of the frame, wherein a distance between the first end of the first structure and the second end of the second structure is adapted to be adjustable;a first conduit assembly for communication of a first fluid to or from one of the first structure and the second structure;a second conduit assembly for communication of a second fluid to or from the other of the first structure and the second structure; anda powered device operatively coupled to either the first structure or the second structure, wherein during operation of the fluid changing apparatus, a change in a volume of fluid in one of the first structure and the second structure corresponds to an opposite change in a volume of fluid in the other of the first structure and the second structure, and said change in volume in one of the first structure and the second structure being augmented by the powered device applied in addition to a pressure provided by an incoming fluid into the first structure to thereby increase a rate of the fluid exchange.