Patent ID: 8596993

Claim:
A dual-supply fluid distribution system configured to operate in a single-supply mode or a dual-supply mode, depending on a fluid flow demand, the dual-supply fluid distribution system comprising: a first pump having an inlet and an outlet, the first pump configured to supply a first flow of fluid; a second pump having an inlet and an outlet, the second pump configured to supply a second flow of fluid; a bypass flow valve coupled to the outlet of the first pump, the bypass flow valve having an integral pilot valve, the bypass flow valve configured to, when at least partially open, permit fluid flow from the pump outlets in excess of the fluid flow demand to recirculate back to the first and second pump inlets; and a pressurizing valve coupled between the outlet of the second pump and the first and second pump inlets, the pressurizing valve being configured to, when at least partially open, permit fluid flow from the second pump outlet to recirculate back to the first and second pump inlets, wherein the pressurizing valve is fluidly coupled to the integral pilot valve by a fluid line, the pressurizing valve being configured to open or close based on a signal pressure transmitted via fluid supplied to the pressurizing valve from the integral pilot valve solely through the fluid line; wherein the integral pilot valve is configured to cause the pressurizing valve to close via fluid supplied to the pressurizing valve from the integral pilot valve through the fluid line when the flow of fluid through the bypass flow valve is below a threshold amount; and wherein the closing of the pressurizing valve is configured to cause the second flow of fluid to combine with the first flow of fluid.