PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12019460-B2
Application Number: US-202217830372-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Shared compressor

Abstract:
A system includes a source that provides air, a first compressor stage that receives the air from the source and is configured to compress the air to a first pressure, and a second compressor stage that receives the air from the first compressor stage and is configured to compress the air to a second pressure. The system also includes a first component, a second component, valves that control flow of the air, and a controller that is configured to control the valves according to a first control mode, in which the air is supplied to the first component by the first compressor stage, and a second control mode, in which the air is supplied to the second component by the second compressor stage.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system, comprising:
 a source that provides air; 
 a first compressor stage that receives the air from the source and is configured to compress the air to a first pressure; 
 a second compressor stage that receives the air from the first compressor stage and is configured to compress the air to a second pressure; 
 a first component; 
 a second component; 
 a first control valve configured to control supply of the air to the first component and 
 a second control valve configured to be movable between a supply position and a vent position, 
 wherein the system is configured to operate according to a first control mode, in which the air is supplied to the first component by the first compressor stage, a second control mode, in which the air is supplied to the second component by the second compressor stage, and a third control mode in which the air is vented to an ambient environment through an outlet of the system. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a motor that provides an operating input to the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage; and 
 a clutch that disconnects the motor from the second compressor stage so that the second compressor stage does not compress the air in the first control mode. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first supply path from the first compressor stage to the first component, the first control valve located along the first supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the first compressor stage to the first component along the first supply path in the first control mode; and 
 a second supply path from the second compressor stage to the second component, the second control valve located along the second supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the second compressor stage to the second component along the second supply path in the second control mode. 
 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a bypass valve that is connected to the second supply path, the bypass valve configured to allow the air from the second compressor stage to bypass the second component. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a bypass path that connects the second supply path to the first supply path, wherein the bypass valve is located on the bypass path to allow the air from the second compressor stage to bypass the second component by redirecting the air to the first supply path. 
 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a dryer that is located on the second supply path between the second compressor stage and the second component, 
 wherein when the system is operated according to the third control mode, the air is vented from the second component through the dryer. 
 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first component is an air operated cleaning component for a vehicle sensor and the second component is an air operated vehicle suspension component. 
     
     
       8. A system, comprising:
 an inlet; 
 a first compressor; 
 a second compressor; 
 a low pressure consumer; 
 a high pressure consumer; 
 a first supply path from the first compressor to the low pressure consumer, wherein air is supplied from the first compressor to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path; 
 a second supply path from the second compressor to the high pressure consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the second compressor to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path; 
 a diverter path from the high pressure consumer to the low pressure consumer to allow supply of air to the low pressure consumer from the high pressure consumer; and 
 a vent path connected to the second supply path to allow venting of air from the high pressure consumer to an ambient environment. 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a diverter valve that controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer from the high pressure consumer along the diverter path. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path; and 
 a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path and controls venting of the air from the high pressure consumer along the second supply path. 
 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the low pressure consumer is a sensor cleaning system, and the high pressure consumer is an air suspension system. 
     
     
       12. A system, comprising:
 an inlet; 
 a compressor that receives air from the inlet; 
 a wet air consumer; 
 a dry air consumer; 
 a first supply path from the compressor to the wet air consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the compressor to the wet air consumer along the first supply path; 
 a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the wet air consumer along the first supply path; 
 a second supply path from the compressor to the dry air consumer, pneumatically in communication with the first supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the compressor to the dry air consumer along the second supply path; and 
 an air dryer that forms a portion of the second supply path to remove moisture from air that is supplied to the dry air consumer from the compressor, wherein moisture is returned to the air from the air dryer during venting of the air from the dry air consumer through the air dryer. 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the wet air consumer is a sensor cleaning system, and the dry air consumer is an air suspension system. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the compressor comprises a first compressor stage that receives the air from the inlet and is configured to compress the air to a first pressure, and a second compressor stage that receives the air from the first compressor stage and is configured to compress the air to a second pressure. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the dry air consumer along the second supply path; 
 a third supply path from the first compressor stage to the wet air consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the first compressor stage to the wet air consumer along the third supply path; and 
 a third control valve that controls supply of the air to the wet air consumer along the third supply path. 
 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a vent; 
 a vent path from the compressor to the vent, pneumatically in communication with the second supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the dry air consumer to the vent along the second supply path and the vent path; and 
 a vent valve that controls supply of the air to the vent along the vent path. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a vent; 
 a vent path from the first control valve to the vent, pneumatically in communication with the first supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the dry air consumer to the vent along the second supply path, the first supply path and the vent path; and 
 a vent valve that controls supply of the air to the vent along the vent path. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second control valve controls supply of the air to the second component when in the supply position and allows venting of the air from the second component through the second control valve when in the vent position. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the second control valve, when in the supply position, allows one-way flow for supply of the air to the second component from the second compressor stage in the second control mode. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 1 , wherein when the system is operated according to the third control mode, the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage are not operating. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the first control valve, the second control valve, and the bypass valve are configured to allow supply of the air to the first component from the first compressor stage in the first control mode and to block supply of the air from the first compressor stage to the first component in the second control mode. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second control valve and the bypass valve are configured to redirect the supply of the air from the second compressor stage away from the second component in the first control mode.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/214,536, filed on Jun. 24, 2021. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/300,711, filed on Jan. 19, 2022. The content of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to pneumatic systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Pneumatic devices are operated using compressed air, which may be supplied by a compressor. Pneumatic devices may have particular pressure and/or flow rate requirements. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the disclosure is a system includes a source that provides air, a first compressor stage that receives the air from the source and is configured to compress the air to a first pressure, and a second compressor stage that receives the air from the first compressor stage and is configured to compress the air to a second pressure. The system also includes a first component, a second component, valves that control flow of the air, and a controller that is configured to control the valves according to a first control mode, in which the air is supplied to the first component by the first compressor stage, and a second control mode, in which the air is supplied to the second component by the second compressor stage. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the valves allow supply of the air to the first component from the first compressor stage in the first control mode and the valves block supply of the air from the first compressor stage to the first component in the second control mode. In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the valves allow supply of the air to the second component from the second compressor stage through a one way valve in the second control mode. In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the valves redirect supply of the air from the second compressor stage away from the second component in the first control mode. As examples, the valves may redirect supply of the air from the second compressor stage away from the second component by venting the air to the first component or by venting the air to an ambient environment. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes a motor that provides an operating input to the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage. In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes a clutch that disconnects the motor from the second compressor stage so that the second compressor stage does not compress the air in the first control mode. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes a first supply path from the first compressor stage to the first component, wherein the air is supplied from the first compressor stage to the first component along the first supply path in the first control mode, and a second supply path from the second compressor stage to the second component, wherein the air is supplied from the second compressor stage to the second component along the second supply path in the second control mode. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the valves include a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the first component along the first supply path, a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the second component along the second supply path and controls venting of the air from the second component along the second supply path, and a bypass valve that is connected to the second supply path to allow the air from the second stage to bypass the second component. In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes a bypass path that connects the second supply path to the first supply path, wherein the bypass valve is located on the bypass path to allow the air from the second stage to bypass the second component by redirecting the air to the first supply path. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes a dryer that is located on the second supply path between the second compressor stage and the second component. In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to control the valves according to a third control mode, in which the air is vented from the second component through the dryer, for example, by venting through the first component or by venting to an ambient environment. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the first component is an air operated cleaning component for a vehicle sensor and the second component is an air operated vehicle suspension component. 
     A second aspect of the disclosure is a system that includes an inlet, a compressor, a low pressure consumer, and a high pressure consumer. The compressor has a motor, a first stage that is driven by the motor, and a second stage that is driven by the motor, wherein the first stage receives air from the inlet and the second stage receives the air from the first stage. The system also includes a first supply path, a second supply path, a first control valve, a second control valve, and a bypass valve. The first supply path connects the first stage to the low pressure consumer. The air is supplied from the first stage to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path. The second supply path connects the second stage to the high pressure consumer. The air is supplied from the second stage to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path. The first control valve controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path. The second control valve controls supply of the air to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path and controls venting of the air from the high pressure consumer along the second supply path. The bypass valve is connected to the second supply path to allow the air from the second stage to bypass the high pressure consumer. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the second aspect of the disclosure, a bypass path that connects the second supply path to the first supply path, wherein the bypass valve is located on the bypass path to allow the air from the second stage to bypass the high pressure consumer by redirecting the air to the first supply path. In some implementations of the system according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the first control valve is movable between an open position and a closed position, the first control valve allows supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path in the open position of the first control valve, and the first control valve blocks supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path in the closed position of the first control valve. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the second aspect of the disclosure, the second control valve is movable between a supply position and a vent position, wherein the second control valve restricts the second supply path to one-way flow of the air from the second stage to the high pressure consumer in the supply position of the second control valve, and the second control valve allows venting of the air from the high pressure consumer in the vent position. In some implementations of the system according to the second aspect of the disclosure, a dryer is located on the second supply path so that the air passes through the dryer during supply of the air to the high pressure consumer from the second stage and so that the air passes through the dryer during venting of the air from the high pressure consumer. In some implementations of the system according to the second aspect of the disclosure, a vent path is connected to the second supply path between the second stage and the dryer for venting the air from the high pressure consumer, wherein the second control valve also controls flow of the air along the vent path by blocking flow of the air along the vent path in the supply position of the second control valve and by allowing flow of the air along the vent path in the vent position of the second control valve. 
     A third aspect of the disclosure is a system that includes an inlet and a compressor. The compressor has a motor, a first stage that is driven by the motor, a second stage that is driven by the motor, and a clutch, wherein the first stage receives air from the inlet, the second stage receives the air from the first stage, and the clutch is configured move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein operation of the motor does not cause operation of the second stage in the disengaged position. The system also includes a low pressure consumer, a high pressure consumer, a first supply path from the first stage to the low pressure consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the first stage to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path, and a second supply path from the second stage to the high pressure consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the second stage to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path. The system also includes a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path, and a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path and controls venting of the air from the high pressure consumer along the second supply path. Operation of the motor causes the second stage of the compressor to supply the air to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path when the clutch is in the engaged position. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the first control valve is movable between an open position and a closed position, the first control valve allows supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path in the open position of the first control valve, and the first control valve blocks supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path in the closed position of the first control valve. In some implementations of the system according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the second control valve is movable between a supply position and a vent position, wherein the second control valve restricts the second supply path to one-way flow of the air from the second stage to the high pressure consumer in the supply position of the second control valve, and the second control valve allows venting of the air from the high pressure consumer in the vent position. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a dryer that is located on the second supply path so that the air passes through the dryer during supply of the air to the high pressure consumer from the second stage and so that the air passes through the dryer during venting of the air from the high pressure consumer. In some implementations of the system according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a vent path that is connected to the second supply path between the second stage and the dryer for venting the air from the high pressure consumer, wherein the second control valve also controls flow of the air along the vent path by blocking flow of the air along the vent path in the supply position of the second control valve and by allowing flow of the air along the vent path in the vent position of the second control valve. 
     A fourth aspect of the disclosure is a system that includes an inlet, a first compressor, a second compressor, a low pressure consumer, and a high pressure consumer. The system also includes a first supply path from the first compressor to the low pressure consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the first compressor to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path, a second supply path from the second compressor to the high pressure consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the second compressor to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path, and a diverter path from the high pressure consumer to the low pressure consumer to allow supply of air to the low pressure consumer from the high pressure consumer. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the fourth aspect of the disclosure, the system includes a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer along the first supply path, a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the high pressure consumer along the second supply path and controls venting of the air from the high pressure consumer along the second supply path, and a diverter valve that controls supply of the air to the low pressure consumer from the high pressure consumer along the diverter path. 
     A fifth aspect of the disclosure is a system that includes an inlet, a compressor that receives air from the inlet, a wet air consumer, and a dry air consumer. The system also includes a first supply path from the compressor to the wet air consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the compressor to the wet air consumer along the first supply path, and a first control valve that controls supply of the air to the wet air consumer along the first supply path. The system also includes a second supply path from the compressor to the dry air consumer, pneumatically in communication with the first supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the compressor to the dry air consumer along the second supply path. The system also includes an air dryer that forms a portion of the second supply path to remove moisture from air that is supplied to the dry air consumer from the compressor, wherein moisture is returned to the air from the dryer during venting of the air from the dry air consumer through the dryer. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the fifth aspect of the disclosure, the wet air consumer is a sensor cleaning system, and the dry air consumer is an air suspension system. 
     In some implementations of the system according to the fifth aspect of the disclosure, the compressor comprises a first compressor stage that receives the air from the inlet and is configured to compress the air to a first pressure, and a second compressor stage that receives the air from the first compressor stage and is configured to compress the air to a second pressure, and the system further comprises a second control valve that controls supply of the air to the dry air consumer along the second supply path, a third supply path from the first compressor stage to the wet air consumer, wherein the air is supplied from the first compressor stage to the wet air consumer along the third supply path, and a third control valve that controls supply of the air to the wet air consumer along the third supply path. The system may 
     Some implementations of the system according to the fifth aspect of the disclosure further include a vent, and a vent path from the compressor to the vent, pneumatically in communication with the second supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the dry air consumer to the vent along the second supply path and vent path, and a vent valve that controls supply of the air to the vent along the vent path. 
     Some implementations of the system according to the fifth aspect of the disclosure further include a vent, a vent path from the first control valve to the vent, pneumatically in communication with the first supply path, wherein the air is supplied from the dry air consumer to the vent along the second supply path, the first supply path and vent path, and a vent valve that controls supply of the air to the vent along the vent path. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a system. 
         FIG.  2    is an illustration of a first example implementation of the system. 
         FIG.  3    is an illustration of a second example implementation of the system. 
         FIG.  4    is an illustration of a third example implementation of the system. 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of a fourth example implementation of the system. 
         FIG.  6    is an illustration of the system implemented in a vehicle. 
         FIG.  7    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  8    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  9    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  10    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  11    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  12    is an illustration of a system according to a further example. 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram of an example of a computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure herein is directed to a system in which two different pneumatic devices having differing pressure and flow rate requirements are operated using air supplied by a shared compressor. The shared compressors used in the systems described herein include a single motor that drives a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage. In a typical dual stage compressor system, air is compressed by the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage in series. In the systems described herein, the first and second stages are controlled to supply compressed air at different pressures and/or flow rates to a first pneumatic device and a second pneumatic device according to two or more control modes. 
     The system described herein may be implemented in the context of a vehicle to supply pressurized air to two different vehicle systems, where the first vehicle system uses low pressure air at a high flow rate and the second vehicle system uses high pressure air at a low flow rate. As an example, the first vehicle system may be a cleaning system that is configured to clear debris from a sensor system component, and the second vehicle system may be an air operated suspension component. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a system  100 . The system  100  obtains air from a source  102  and supplies air to a first component  104  and a second component  106 . The system  100  also includes a compressor  108 . The compressor  108  includes a motor  110 , a first stage  112 , and a second stage  114 . The system  100  also includes fluid paths  116 , a dryer  118 , valves  120 , and a controller  122 . 
     The source  102  functions as an air inlet of the system  100 . The source  102  supplies air to the system  100  for compression and delivery by the system to components of the system  100  such as the first component  104  and the second component  106 . The source  102  may be a single source or may combine air from multiple sources in an actively controlled manner or a passive manner. The source  102  may be or include a supply of ambient air, such as air from an environment around the system  100  at an environmental temperature and pressure. The source  102  may be or include a supply of pressurized air, such as exhaust air from a portion of the system  100  or another system. 
     The first component  104  and the second component  106  are pneumatically operated components that are operated by a supply or pressurized air that is provided by other components of the system  100 . Components that are operated by pressurized air may be referred to herein as consumers. The term consumers is intended to include components that do not return the pressurized air to the system  100  (e.g., by venting the air through the component during operation of the component), as well as components that return the pressurized air to the system  100  for venting by the system  100  or for use by another component of the system  100 . The first component  104  and the second component  106  may include subcomponents that perform a function as well as ancillary subcomponents such as reservoirs, valves, regulators, etc. In an example implementation where the system  100  is used in the context of a vehicle, the first component  104  may be an air operated cleaning component for a vehicle sensor and the second component  106  may be an air operated vehicle suspension component. The system  100  may be implemented in the context of other types of machines and using other types of components. 
     In the examples described herein, the first component  104  is designed to operate using air at a first pressure level and a first flow rate, the second component  106  is designed to operate using air at a second pressure level and a second flow rate. The first pressure level may be lower than the second pressure level, and the first flow rate may be higher than the second flow rate. In some implementations, the first component  104  may be referred to as a low pressure consumer and the second component  106  may be referred to as a high pressure consumer. In the examples described herein, the second component  106  returns air to the system  100 , either for venting by the system  100  and/or for use by a different component of the system  100 , such as the first component  104 . It should also be understood that the system  100  may include additional components and that the first component  104  and the second component  106  may be representative members of groups of components. 
     The compressor  108  (e.g., an air compressor) receives air from the source  102  and raises the pressure of the air (e.g., the compressor  108  compresses the air or pressurizes the air). The compressor  108  is a two-stage compressor. The motor  110  of the compressor  108  may be an electric motor with a rotating output, or other types of motors may be used. The motor  110  provides an operating input (e.g., a rotational input) to the first stage  112  (e.g., a first compressor stage) and the second stage  114  (e.g., a second compressor stage) of the compressor  108 , such that operation of the motor  110  causes operation of the first stage  112  and/or the second stage through connection of the output of the motor  110  to inputs of the first stage  112  and the second stage  114 . As an example, the motor  110  may have an output shaft that is connected a mechanical input part of the first stage  112  and to a mechanical input part of the second stage  114 . These connections may be direct or indirect. The compressor  108  may be configured to selectively operate the second stage  114  to allow independent operation of the first stage  112  of the compressor  108 . For example, the compressor  108  may include a clutch that disconnects the motor from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  so that the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  does not compress the air when disconnected, for example, to supply the air to the first component  104  without supplying the air to the second component  106 . 
     The first stage  112  and the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  are each components that are configured to compress air and may be implemented according to known compressor designs. As examples, the first stage  112  and the second stage  114  may be lobe compressors, piston compressors, wobble compressors, or other types of compressors. The first stage  112  of the compressor  108  is in fluid communication with the source  102  so that the source  102  is able to supply the air to the first stage of the compressor  108 . The first stage  112  of the compressor  108  is in fluid communication with the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  so that the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  is able to supply the air to the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . 
     During operation of the system  100 , the first stage  112  and the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  are operated by the motor  110  of the compressor  108 . For example, by connection of a rotational output of the motor  110  to a mechanical input part of the first stage  112  and the second stage  114  that causes operation of the air compressing mechanisms of the first stage  112  and the second stage  114 . Air is supplied from the source  102  to the first stage  112  of the compressor  108 . The first stage  112  compresses the air to a first pressure level, which is provided at an outlet of the first stage  112 . In some control modes of the system  100 , as will be explained further herein, some or all of the air from the outlet of the first stage  112  is provided to an inlet of the second stage  114 . The air that is provided to the second stage  114  may be compressed by the second stage  114  to a second pressure level, which is provided at an outlet of the second stage  114 . 
     The fluid paths  116  of the system  100  are fluid communication channels of any kind that allow passage of air between components. The fluid paths  116  may include supply paths that supply the air to the first component  104  and the second component  106 , a bypass path that allows the air from the compressor to bypass the second component  106 , and be vented to the first component  104  or to atmosphere, and/or a vent path that allows venting to atmosphere. 
     The dryer  118  is a component that is configured to remove moisture from the air that is being supplied to the second component  106 , which allows the system  100  to be used to supply air to moisture-sensitive components that require dry air for operation. As one example, the dryer  118  may be a desiccant air dryer that includes a desiccant material (e.g., a silica gel). The dryer  118  may be located between the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  and the dryer  118 . The desiccant material of the dryer  118  removes moisture from the air as it passes through the dryer  118  during supply of the air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to the second component  106 . During venting of the air from the second component  106 , the air from the second component  106  travels in the opposite direction through the dryer  118 , and the air absorbs moisture from the desiccant material of the dryer  118  during venting. 
     The valves  120  control flow of the air through the system, such as by controlling flow between various portions of the system  100  including inlets, outlets, fluid paths, components, and other features. The valves  120  may be located along the fluid paths  116  to control flow along the fluid paths. The valves  120  may be, as examples, switch valves, check valves, or assemblies that include two or more types of valve. Thus, the term “valve” may be used herein to describe one of the valves  120  that concurrently controls flow along two or more of the fluid paths  116  with two valve members that may move between first and second positions in unison. 
     At least some of the valves  120  are actively controllable, such as by the controller  122  in the form of commands (e.g., electrical signals, data transmissions, etc.) from the controller to the valves  120 . The valves  120  can be controlled either directly by the controller  122  (e.g., an electrically operated valve) or indirectly through pneumatic operation using an electrically operated pilot valve that is in turn directly controlled by the controller  122 . The controller  122  may also control operation of the compressor  108 , such as by activating or deactivating the motor  110  of the compressor  108 . 
     The controller  122  may control the valves  120  according to control modes of the system  100 . As an example, the controller  122  may control the valves  120  according to a first control mode that corresponds to supply of the air to the first component  104 , and may include controlling the valves  120  so that air is supplied to the first component  104  from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108 . As an example, the controller  122  may control the valves  120  according to a second control mode may correspond to supply of the air to the second component  106 , and may include controlling the valves  120  so that air is supplied to the second component  106  from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . As an example, the controller  122  may control the valves  120  according to a third control mode, in which the air is vented from the second component  106  through the dryer  118  in order to remove moisture from the desiccant material, such as by venting the air to the first component  104  or by venting the air an ambient environment through an outlet of the system  100  in the third control mode. 
     The valves  120  may further be controlled to allow supply of the air to the first component  104  from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  in the first control mode and to block supply of the air from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to the first component  104  in the second control mode. The valves  120  may further be controlled to allow supply of the air to the second component  106  from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  through a one way valve in the second control mode. The valves  120  may be controlled to redirect supply of the air from the second stage  114  of the compressor away from the second component  106  in the first control mode. As examples, the valves  120  may redirect supply of the air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  away from the second component  106  by venting the air to the first component  104  or by venting the air to an ambient environment. 
       FIG.  2    is an illustration of a system  200 , which is a first example implementation of the system  100 . The description of the system  100  is applicable to the system  200 , and all features of the system  100  may be included in the system  200 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  are included in the system  100  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     In the system  200 , an inlet path  224  extends from the source  102  to an inlet of the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  so that the air may flow to the compressor  108  along the inlet path  224 . An outlet of the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  is connected to an inlet of the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  by a compressor path  226 . The outlet of first stage  112  of the compressor  108  is also connected to a first supply path  228  that allows the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to supply the air to the first component  104 . The first supply path  228  of the system  100  is a fluid communication channel of any kind that allows air from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to be supplied to the first component  104 . The first supply path  228  extends from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to the first component  104  without passing through the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . 
     An outlet of the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  is connected to a second supply path  230  that allows the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to supply the air to the second component  106 . The second supply path  230  of the system  100  is a fluid communication channel of any kind that allows air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to be supplied to the second component  106 . The second supply path  230  extends from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to the second component  106  and is operable to deliver the air to the second component  106  after compression of the air by the first stage  112  and the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . All or part of the second supply path  230  may allow two way flow of the air to allow both supply of the air to the second component  106  and venting of the air from the second component  106  as will be explained further herein. The dryer  118  is located along the second supply path  230  between the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  and the second component  106 . 
     The second supply path  230  is connected to a bypass path  232  that extends from the second supply path  230  to the first supply path  228  in order to allow the air from the second stage  114  to be redirected from the second component  106  to the first component  104  as will be described further herein. The bypass path  232  is a fluid communication channel of any kind that connects the second supply path  230  to the first supply path  228  to allow the air from the second supply path  230  to be directed to the first supply path  228 . This allows air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to bypass the second component  106 . Redirection of the air along the bypass path  232  is selective and controlled, as will be described further herein. 
     The second supply path  230  is also connected to a vent path  234 . The vent path  234  is a fluid communication channel of any kind that connects the second supply path  230  to a vent, such as an outlet from the system  200 . The vent path  234  allows the air to be vented to the environment around the system  200 , for example, to allow venting of air from the second component  106  to the environment. 
     The system  200  includes a first control valve  236 . The first control valve  236  is located along the first supply path  228  between the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  and the first component  104  and controls supply of the air to the first component  104  along the first supply path  228 . The first control valve  236  is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first control valve  236  allows supply of the air to the first component  104  along the first supply path  228  in the open position of the first control valve  236 . The first control valve  236  blocks supply of the air to the first component  104  along the first supply path  228  in the closed position of the first control valve  236 . The first control valve  236  may be a normally open valve that is in the open position absent activation of the first control valve  236  by the controller  122 . 
     The system  200  includes a second control valve  238 . The second control valve  238  is located along the second supply path  230  between the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  and the second component  106 . The second control valve  238  controls supply of the air to the second component  106  along the second supply path  230  and controls venting of the air from the second component  106  along the second supply path  230 . 
     The second control valve  238  is movable between a supply position and a vent position. The second control valve  238  functions as a check valve in the supply position, and allows flow of the air to the second component  106  while blocking return of the air from the second component  106 . Thus, the first supply path  228  valve restricts the second supply path  230  to one-way flow of the air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to the second component  106  in the supply position of the second control valve  238 . The second control valve  238  allows venting of the air from the second component  106  through the second control valve  238 . The dryer  118  located on the second supply path  230  so that the air passes through the dryer  118  during supply of the air to the second component  106  from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  and so that the air passes through the dryer  118  during venting of the air from the second component  106 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the second control valve  238  is an assembly that includes valve members, with the first regulating flow along the second supply path  230  as previously described and the second control valve  238  functioning as a vent valve that is located along the vent path  234 . The vent path  234  is connected to the second supply path  230  between the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  and the dryer  118  for venting the air from the second component  106 . The second control valve  238  also controls flow of the air along the vent path  234  by blocking flow of the air along the vent path  234  in the supply position of the second control valve  238  and by allowing flow of the air along the vent path  234  in the vent position of the second control valve  238 . Thus, when the second control valve  238  is in the supply position, the air can be supplied to the second component  106  by one-way flow through the second control valve  238  while flow along the vent path  234  is blocked by the second control valve. In the vent position of the second control valve  238 , the air flows is allowed to flow from the second control valve  238  from the second component  106  to the dryer  118  and is allowed to exit the system  200  along the vent path  234  by the second control valve  238  opening the vent path  234 . In alternative implementations, a separate vent valve can be used to control flow of the air along the vent path  234 . 
     The system  200  also includes a bypass valve  240 . The bypass valve  240  is located on the bypass path  232  to selectively allow the air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to bypass the second component  106  by flowing along the bypass path  232  from the second supply path  230  to the first supply path  228 , thereby redirecting the air away from the second component  106 , so that the air does not flow to the second component  106  because of higher resistance (e.g., pressure across the one-way passage through the second control valve) along the second supply path  230  to the second component  106  as compared to the bypass path  232 . 
     The bypass valve  240  is movable between an open position and a closed position. The bypass valve  240  allows flow of the air along the bypass path  232  in the open position so that the air may flow from the second supply path  230  to the first supply path. The bypass valve  240  blocks flow of the air along the bypass path  232  in the closed position. When the bypass valve  240  is in the closed position, the air may be supplied to the second component  106  in response to operation of the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . The bypass valve  240  may be a normally open valve that is in the open position absent activation of the bypass valve  240  by the controller  122 . 
     In the system  200 , the controller  122  is configured to control the motor  110  of the compressor  108 , the first control valve  236 , the second control valve  238 , and the bypass valve  240 . The controller  122  is configured to operate the system  200  in multiple control modes. As examples, the control modes may be selected by the controller  122  according to program instructions that are executed by the controller  122 , or the control modes may be selected by the controller in response to requests that are received from other systems. 
     In a first control mode, the compressor  108  is operated, the first control valve  236  is in the open position, the second control valve  238  is in the supply position, and the bypass valve  240  is in the open position. Accordingly, the air is supplied from the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to the first component  104  along the first supply path  228  in the first control mode and air from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  flows along the bypass path  232  to the first supply path  228 . 
     In a second control mode, the compressor  108  is operated, the second control valve  238  is in the supply position, the bypass valve  240  is in the closed position, and the vent path  234  is blocked (e.g., by the second control valve). Accordingly, the air is supplied from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  to the second component  106  along the second supply path  230  in the second control mode. 
     In a third control mode, the air is vented from the second component  106  through the dryer  118 . In the third control mode, the compressor  108  is not operating, the second control valve  238  is in the vent position, the bypass valve  240  is in the closed position, and the vent path  234  is not blocked. 
       FIG.  3    is an illustration of a system  300 , which is a second example implementation of the system  100 . In the system  300 , the bypass path  232  and the bypass valve  240  of the system  200  are omitted in favor of selective disconnection of the motor  110  from the second stage  114  of the compressor. The descriptions of the system  100  and the system  200  are applicable to the system  300 , and all features of the system  100  and the system  200  may be included in the system  300 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  200  are included in the system  300  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     The compressor  108  is modified relative to the system  200  to include a clutch  342  to selectively disconnect the motor  110  (e.g., disconnection of the operating input provided by the motor) from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  so that the second stage  114  does not compress the air. The clutch  342  may be located along a connecting shaft  344  that is configured to transfer the operating input (e.g., torque) from the motor  110  to the compressor  108 . As an example, the clutch  342  may be operable (e.g., under control from the controller  122  or in response to the motor speed of the motor  110 , by engaging above a threshold motor speed as in a centrifugal clutch) to move between an engaged position, in which the clutch  342  connects the motor  110  to the second stage  114  to operate the second stage  114  in response to operation of the motor  110 , and a disengaged position, in which the clutch  342  disconnects the motor  110  from the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  so that operation of the motor  110  does not cause a corresponding operation of the second stage  114 , thereby allowing the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  to be operated independent of operation of the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . 
     Operation of the clutch  342  is controlled by the controller  122  according to the control mode of the system  300 . The first control mode of the system  300  is as previously described, except that the clutch  342  is in the disengaged position so that the motor  110  operates the first stage  112  of the compressor  108  but does not operate the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . The second control mode of the system  300  is as previously described, with the clutch  342  in the engaged position so that the second stage  114  of the compressor  108  is operated. 
       FIG.  4    is an illustration of a system  400 , which is a third example implementation of the system  100 . The descriptions of the system  100  and the system  200  are applicable to the system  400 , and all features of the system  100  and the system  200  may be included in the system  400 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  200  are included in the system  400  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     The compressor  108  of the system  100  is omitted in favor of a first compressor  408   a  and a second compressor  408   b . The first compressor  408   a  may be configured to supply the air at a high flow rate and low pressure, and the second compressor  408   b  may be configured to supply the air at a low flow rate and high pressure, similar to the functions performed by the first stage  112  and the second stage  114  of the compressor  108 . The first compressor  408   a  supplies air to a first component  404 . The second compressor  408   b  supplies air to a second component  406 . The first component  404  and the second component may be a low pressure consumer and a high pressure consumer, and may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the first component  104  and the second component  106 , except as described herein. Air that is supplied to the second component  406  by the second compressor  408   b  may be diverted from the second component  406  to the first component  404 , as will be explained herein. As an example, the air may be diverted to the first component  404  from the second component  406  if the first compressor  408   a  is inoperable or otherwise unable to supply the air to the first component  404  or unable to supply a sufficient volume of the air to the first component  404 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b  both of which receive air from the source  102  through the inlet path  224 , which may be connected directly to both of the first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b . Alternatively, separate sources and/or inlet paths may be used. The first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b  may be single stage or multi-stage compressors. As an example, each of the first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b  may include a motor, a first compressor stage, and optionally a second compressor stage, as described with respect to the compressor  108 , the motor  110 , the first stage  112  and the second stage  114 . 
     The first supply path  228  and the first control valve  236  are implemented in the manner described with respect to the system  200 , with the first supply path  228  extending from the first compressor  408   a  to the first component  404 , and with flow along the first supply path  228  controlled by the first control valve  236 . Optionally, the first control valve  236  can be omitted, with flow along the first supply path being dependent only on operation of the first compressor  408   a . The second supply path  230  and the second control valve  238  are implemented in the manner described with respect to the system  200 , with the second supply path  230  extending from the second compressor  408   b  to the second component  406 , with the dryer  118  being positioned along the second supply path  230 , and with the second control valve  238  controlling flow along the second supply path  230 . The vent path  234  is implemented as previously described. The bypass path  232  and the bypass valve  240  of the system  200  are omitted. 
     The second component  406  includes a reservoir  407   a , a diverter valve  407   b , and a diverter path  407   c . The reservoir  407   a  is pressurized with air received from the second supply path  230  and is used to cause operation of functional portions of the second component  406  (e.g., to supply air to air springs using one or more valves, all of which may be part of the second component  406 ). The air in the reservoir  407   a  may be supplied to the first component  404  by operation of the diverter valve  407   b  (e.g., a switch valve) to cause supply or air when open or cease supply or air when closed to the first component  404  through the diverter path  407   c . As an example, the controller  122  may cause (e.g., through a command or a pilot valve) the diverter valve  407   b  to move to the open position to supply air to the first component  404  in the event of inoperability of the first compressor  408   a  or in the event of insufficient supply of air from the first compressor  408   a  to the first component  404 . Otherwise, operation of the system  400  is according to the description of the system  200 . 
       FIG.  5    is an illustration of a system  500 , which is a fourth example implementation of the system  100 . The descriptions of the system  100  and the system  200  are applicable to the system  500 , and all features of the system  100  and the system  200  may be included in the system  500 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  200  are included in the system  500  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     The compressor  108  of the system  100  is omitted in favor of the first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b  as described with respect to the system  400 , and the first compressor  408   a  and the second compressor  408   b  are operated separately to supply air to the first component  104  and the second component  106 , respectively. 
     The first supply path  228  and the first control valve  236  are implemented in the manner described with respect to the system  200 , with the first supply path  228  extending from the first compressor  408   a  to the first component  404 , except that the first control valve  236  is omitted. The second supply path  230  and the second control valve  238  are implemented in the manner described with respect to the system  200 , with the second supply path  230  extending from the second compressor  408   b  to the second component  406 , with the dryer  118  being positioned along the second supply path  230 , and with the second control valve  238  controlling flow along the second supply path  230 . The vent path  234  is implemented as previously described. The bypass path  232  and the bypass valve  240  of the system  200  are omitted. An exhaust diverter path  546  is added to divert air that is vented from the second component  106  via the vent path  234  and the second control valve  238 . When air is vented from the second component  106 , it is supplied to the first component  104  via the exhaust diverter path  546 . Otherwise, operation of the system  500  is according to the description of the system  200 . 
       FIG.  6    is an illustration of any one of the system  100 , the system  200 , the system  300 , the system  400 , or the system  500  implemented in a vehicle  650  that includes a vehicle body  652 . The vehicle  650  includes a vehicle sensor  654  (e.g., camera, lidar, etc., inclusive of a lens or see-through cover) that is subjected to dirt or other debris, and the first component  104  is a cleaning component that is configured to clean the vehicle sensor  654  using the air from the system  100 , the system  200 , or the system  300 . A wheel  656  is connected to the vehicle body  652  by the second component  106 , which is an air operated active suspension component that controls transmission of vibration from the wheel  656  to the vehicle body  652  using the air from the system  100 , the system  200 , the system  300 , the system  400 , or the system  500 . 
     Additional examples of systems for supplying air to a first component and a second component are described further herein with reference to  FIGS.  7 - 13   . Features of these systems may be implemented in the manner described with respect to features of the system  100 , the system  200 , the system  300 , the system  400 , and the system  500 , and these systems may be implemented in a vehicle in the manner described with respect to the vehicle  650  of  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  7    is an illustration of a system  700 , which is an example implementation of the system  100  in which the compressor may be a single stage compressor. The descriptions of the system  100  and the system  200 , as well as their respective components and features, are applicable to the system  700  and may be used in implementing the system  700 . The system  700  includes a source  702 , which may be an inlet that is exposed to ambient air, a first component  704 , a second component  706 , a compressor  708 , a dryer  718 , and a controller  722 , which may be implemented according to the description of the source  102 , the first component  104 , the second component  106 , the compressor  108 , the dryer  118 , and the controller  122  of  FIG.  1    except as otherwise described herein. 
     The compressor  708  is a single stage air compressor in the illustrated implementation, but may instead be a two-stage compressor according to the description of the compressor  108  and/or other compressors described herein. The compressor  708  receives air from an inlet path  724  is operated to supply compressed air to the dryer  718  along a dryer supply path  760  that extends from an outlet of the compressor  708  to the dryer  718 . The compressor  708  is selectively operated by the controller  722 , such as by switching on and switching off operation of the compressor  708  to supply compressed air or to stop supplying compressed air, in response to control signals from the controller  722 . 
     The dryer  718  is implemented according to the description of the dryer  118 , and is configured to reduce the amount of moisture in the air prior to supply of the air from the dryer  718  to a first component  704  and a second component  706 , which are equivalent to the first component  104  and the second component  706  as previously described. The first component  704  may be a component that is not sensitive to the presence of moisture in the air that is supplied to it, and may be referred to as a wet air consumer. The second component  706  may be sensitive to the presence of moisture in the air that is supplied to it, is configured to use dry air having a moisture content lower than the moisture content of the air that is supplied by the compressor  708 , and may be referred to as a dry air consumer. As will be explained, the dryer  718  may be configured to dry air that is supplied to the second component  706  (e.g., the dry air consumer), and the dryer may be regenerated (e.g., by transfer of moisture from the dryer  718  into the air) when air is vented to the first component  704  (e.g., the wet air consumer) from the second component  706  through the dryer  718 . 
     The air is supplied from the compressor  708  to the first component  704  along a first supply path  728  that extends from the compressor  708  to the first component  704  to provide fluid communication between the compressor  708  and the first component  704 . Supply of the air along the first supply path  728  is controlled by a first control valve  736 . The first control valve  736  is an electronically controlled pneumatic valve that is configured to move between a closed position, in which no air is supplied to the first component  704  from the compressor  708 , and an open position, in which air flows to the first component  704  from the compressor  708  along the first supply path  728 , in response to control signals from the controller  722 . Air supplied to the first component  704  from the compressor  708  is not returned to the compressor  708  along the first supply path  728 , and may be exhausted to ambient by the first component  704 . 
     The air is supplied from the dryer  718  to the second component  706  along a second supply path  730  that extends from the dryer  718  to the second component  706  to provide fluid communication between the dryer  718  and the second component  706 . The second supply path  730  may be pneumatically in communication with the first supply path  728 , for example, by a connection of the two supply paths at or in communication with the outlet of the compressor  708 . Supply of the air along the second supply path  730  is controlled by a second control valve  738 . The second control valve  738  is an electronically controlled pneumatic valve that is configured to move between a closed position, in which fluid communication along the second supply path  730  is blocked, and an open position, in which fluid communication along the second supply path  730  is established, in response to control signals from the controller  722 . Air supplied to the second component  706  from the dryer  718  may be returned to the dryer  718  along the second supply path  730 , for example, when the second control valve  738  is in the open position and the compressor  708  is not operating and therefore not supplying compressed air to the dryer  718 . 
     In a first control mode of the system  700 , the compressor  708  is operated to supply compressed air, the first control valve  736  is in the closed position, and the second control valve  738  is in the open position. The compressed air flows from the compressor  708 , through the dryer  718  where moisture is removed from the air, and through the second control valve  738  to the second component. 
     In a second control mode of the system  700 , the compressor  108  is not operated and does not supply compressed air. The second control valve  738  is in the open position, and air flows from the second component  706  to the dryer  718  along the second supply path  730 . The air that is returned to the dryer  718  has relatively low moisture content, having previously been dried by the dryer  718 . As the air passes through the dryer  718 , moisture is returned to the air, which restores the ability of the dryer  718  to remove moisture from damp air. The first control valve  736  is in the open position, and the air that is supplied to the dryer  718  from the second component  706  along the second supply path  730  flows to the first component  704  along the dryer supply path  760  and the first supply path  728 , is used by the first component  704  to perform a function, and exits the system  700 , such as by being exhausted to ambient. 
       FIG.  8    is an illustration of a system  800 , which is an implementation of the system  100 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  700  are included in the system  800  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     In the system  800 , the compressor  708  of the system  700  is replaced by a compressor  808 . The compressor  808  is a two-stage compressor that includes a first stage  812  and a second stage  814 . The first stage  812  and the second stage  814  may be operated by a single motor, as described with respect to previous implementations, and the first stage  812  and/or the second stage  814  may be connected to the motor by a clutch to allow independent operation of the compressor stages, as described with respect to previous implementations. The inlet path  724  is connected to the inlet of the first stage  812 , the outlet of the first stage  812  is connected to the inlet of the second stage  814  by a compressor path  826 , and the outlet of the second stage is connected to the dryer supply path  760 . In the system  800 , by operating both the first stage  812  and the second stage  814  simultaneously, the first stage  812  may compress the air to a first pressure and the second stage  814  may compress the air to a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. 
     A bypass supply path  862  is configured to supply air from the first stage  812  of the compressor  908  to the first component  704  without passing the air from the first compressor stage through the second stage  814  of the compressor  908  or the dryer  718 . In the illustrated implementation, the bypass supply path  862  extends from an outlet of the first stage  812  of the compressor  908  (e.g., either directly or by connection to the compressor path  826 ) to a bypass valve  840  (e.g., a third control valve) which is further configured to block or allow flow of air from the bypass supply path  862  to the first component  704  (e.g., by moving between a closed position and an open position). This allows air at the first pressure to be supplied to the first component  704  in a third control mode, by directing the air to the first component  704  from the first stage  812  along the bypass supply path  862  by moving the bypass valve  840  to the open position. In the third control mode as applied to the system  800 , the second stage  814  of the compressor may be deactivated so that it is not operating while air is being supplied to the first component  704  from the first stage  812 . Alternatively, the second stage  814  may be operated in the third control mode to simultaneously supply air from the second stage  814  to the second component  706  by way of the dryer  718 . 
       FIG.  9    is an illustration of a system  900 , which is an implementation of the system  100 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  700  are included in the system  900  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     The system  900  includes a vent path  934 , a vent valve  964 , and a vent  966 . The vent path  934  is connected to the compressor  708  and allows air to be vented from the system  900 , such as by venting to ambient at the vent  966  (e.g., an air outlet to the external environment). The vent valve  964  is located along the vent path  934  and is movable between a closed position, in which the vent path  934  is blocked and air is not vented, and an open position, in which the vent path  934  is not blocked and air is vented from the system  900 . The vent valve  964  may be, for example, an electrically actuated valve that is controlled by the controller  722  and moves between the closed and open positions in response to commands from the controller  722 . 
     The system  900  operates according to the description of operation of the system  700 , except for addition of a third control mode in which air is vented from the second component  706  through the dryer  718  to the vent  966 . In this control mode, the compressor  708  is not operating, the first control valve  736  can be in any position, the second control valve  738  is in the open position, and the vent valve  964  is in the open position. Air passing out of the second component  706  through the dryer  718  may absorb moisture from the dryer  718  prior to flowing out of the dryer along the dryer supply path  760  and vent path  934  to the vent  966 . 
       FIG.  10    is an illustration of a system  1000 , which is an implementation of the system  100 . Like numbered parts from the system  100  and the system  700  are included in the system  1000  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. 
     The system  1000  includes a vent path  1034 , a vent valve  1064 , and a vent  1066 . These components are equivalent in function and implementation to the vent path  1034 , the vent valve  1064 , and the vent  1066  of the system  800  except as noted. The vent path  1034  is connected to the first supply path  728  between the first control valve  736  and the first component  704 . As a result, air can be vented from the system  1000  (e.g., by venting to ambient) by the vent  1066  when the first control valve  736 , the second control valve  738  and the vent valve  1064  are all in their respective open positions. 
     The system  1000  operates according to the description of operation of the system  700 , except for addition of a third control mode in which air is vented from the second component  706  through the dryer  718  to the vent  1066 . In this control mode, the compressor  708  is not operating, the first control valve  736  is in the open position, the second control valve  738  is in the open position, and the vent valve  1064  is in the open position. Air passing out of the second component  706  through the dryer  718  may absorb moisture from the dryer  718  prior to flowing out of the dryer along the dryer supply path  760 , first supply path  728  and the vent path  1034  to the vent  1066 . 
     It should be understood that features from of the foregoing implementations can be combined. Examples of further implementations that combine features from previous illustrations will be described with respect to  FIGS.  10 - 12   . 
       FIG.  11    is an illustration of a system  1100 , which is an implementation of the system  100 , and incorporates features from the system  800  and the system  900 . Like numbered parts from the system  100 , the system  700 , the system  800 , and the system  900  are included in the system  1000  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. The system  1000  includes the compressor  808  of the system  800 , inclusive of the first stage  812 , the second stage  814 , the compressor path  826 , and the bypass supply path  862  of the system  800 , which supplies air from the first stage  812  of the compressor  808  to the first component  704  through the first control valve  736 . The system  1000  also includes the vent path  934 , the vent valve  964 , and the vent  966  of the system  800 . The system  1000  may be operated according to the control modes described with respect to the system  700 , the system  800 , and the system  800 . 
       FIG.  12    is an illustration of a system  1200 , which is an implementation of the system  100 , and incorporates features from the system  800  and the system  900 . Like numbered parts from the system  100 , the system  700 , the system  800 , and the system  900  are included in the system  1200  and are implemented according to the previous description unless stated otherwise. The system  1200  includes the compressor  808  of the system  800 , inclusive of the first stage  812 , the second stage  814 , the compressor path  826 , and the bypass supply path  862  of the system  800 , which supplies air from the first stage  812  of the compressor  808  to the first component  704  through the first control valve  736 . The system  1200  also includes the vent path  1034 , the vent valve  1064 , and the vent  1066  of the system  900 . The system  1200  may be operated according to the control modes described with respect to the system  700 , the system  800 , and the system  900 . 
       FIG.  13    is an illustration of an example of a computing device  1370  that can be used to implement the controllers that are incorporated in the systems and devices that are described herein, such as the controller  122  and the controller  722 . The computing device  1370  includes a processor  1371 , a memory device  1372 , a storage device  1373 , a communications interface  1374 , and a bus  1375 . The processor  1371  is a conventional processing device that is operable to receive inputs, execute instructions, and generate outputs. The memory device  1372  is operable to store information for immediate access by the processor  1371 , and may be volatile information storage medium, such as a random-access memory device. The storage device  1373  is a non-volatile information storage medium such as flash memory, a hard-disk drive, or a solid-state drive. The communications interface  1374  is operable to receive information from external sources and to send information to external sources, such as by receiving signals that represent sensor outputs and by transmitting signals that represent commands. The bus  1375  is a conventional system bus of any type that interconnects the various components of the computing device  1370 . Other conventional components may be included in the computing device  1370 . 
     As used in the claims, phrases in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” should be interpreted to encompass only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is operation of a pneumatic system, which may be incorporated in or used in conjunction with a device that includes the gathering and use of data available from various sources. As an example, such data may identify a user and include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores user preferences so that user settings can be applied automatically when the device is used. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user&#39;s experience. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, information needed to configure a device according to user preferences may be obtained each time the system is used and without subsequently storing the information or associating the information with the particular user.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220602
Publication Date: 20240625
Grant Date: 20240625
Priority Date: 20210624
Inventors: YAN, SHI
BIELAWSKI, Peter L.
TAO, Jia
WALL, JOHNNY L.
SHAWKI, ISLAM M.
HALL, JONATHAN L.
LI, ZHENG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F04B41/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/035", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2500/205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2202/152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D53/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2500/205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2202/152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/035", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B49/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05D7/0652", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F04B41/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2500/205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60G2202/152", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D53/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05D7/0652", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 84097683