Patent ID: 6036445
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
A diaphragm pump powered by a pressurized fluid supply, the pump comprising:a pilot valve comprising a pilot inlet port and an actuator pin, the actuator pin having a second end and a first end,an end of stroke valve comprising a first switch for generating a first electric signal and a second switch for generating a second electric signal,an electric valve comprising an inlet port and a operator, the operator being connected a controller,the controller being connected to the first and second switches of the end of stroke valve,a main fluid valve comprising a second inlet port, a first inlet port, a second pilot signal port and a first pilot signal port,a diaphragm rod comprising a first end connected to a first diaphragm assembly and a second end connected to a second diaphragm assembly, the first diaphragm assembly being disposed inside a first chamber and the second diaphragm assembly being disposed inside a second chamber,the fluid supply being in communication with the pilot inlet port, the electric inlet port and the first and second inlet ports of the main fluid valve,the electric valve having a first position where the electric valve provides communication between the first pilot signal port of the main fluid valve and the fluid supply, the electric valve having a second position where the electric valve provides communication between the second pilot signal port of the main fluid valve and the fluid supply, the operator causing the electric valve to shift from the first position to the second position upon receiving a timed signal from the controller,the main fluid valve being providing communication between the first chamber and the fluid supply when fluid is being communicated from the electric valve to the first pilot signal port, the main fluid valve being providing communication between the second chamber and the fluid supply when fluid is being communicated from the electric valve to the second pilot signal port,the controller being programmed to compare the end of stroke signals received from the pilot valve assembly with pre-programmed timed switch signals and, the controller being programmed to provide an indication if the controller is programmed to switch the electric valve before the controller receives a next end of stroke signal from the pilot valve assembly.